Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah": The 10 best covers

Singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen, who died at the age of 82, had a musical career that spanned five decades, and his music would have a huge influence over several generations. His most famous song, “Hallelujah,” would go on to be covered by a multitude of musicians over the years including Bon Jovi, Rufus Wainwright, Regina Spektor, Michael McDonald, Norah Jones, Justin Timberlake, k.d. lang, Brandi Carlile, Susan Boyle, Bono, Willie Nelson and Renee Fleming.

To celebrate his life and musical career, I rounded up my collection of “Hallelujah” covers that best represent the tone and raw emotion of his most famous song.

Jeff Buckley’s version made the song popular all over again

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah (Official Video) by jeffbuckleyVEVO on YouTube

There was Alexandra Burke’s rendition on “The X Factor”

X Factor 2008 FINAL: Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah: FULL HD by Alex Campbell on YouTube

A well-known YouTuber made her own moving version

Hallelujah- Leonard Cohen cover by kierstenmh on YouTube

Rufus Wainright’s rendition live at the Fillmore

Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah (Live At The Fillmore) by RufusWainwrightVEVO on YouTube

Bon Jovi also did a beautiful version

Bon Jovi - Hallelujah by BonJoviVEVO on YouTube

As did Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and MATT MORRIS - HALLELUJAH - Lyrics - 1080p by Sierra B. on YouTube

Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, Live in Verona, New York

Michael McDonald- "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen cover) Live in Verona, NY on 7-23-2009 by RTMorasonMD2 on YouTube

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson Hallelujah.wmv by coolcohen100 on YouTube

Norah Jones

Hallelujah and Sunrise by smiley14869 on YouTube

Finally, Susan Boyle, made famous on “Britain’s Got Talent,” also had an amazingly stirring rendition

Susan Boyle halelujah by gabychest on YouTube

Bonus track: k.d. lang’s rendition when Cohen was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006

kd lang "Hallelujah" CSHF 2006 by LeslieJ on YouTube

This article originally appeared on CNET.

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