By January 2009, it had sold over one million copies, making Alexandra Burke the first British female solo artist to achieve a million-selling single in the UK.

For the first time since 1957, two versions of the same song occupied the top two spots on the UK Singles Chart.

It secured the coveted 2008 Christmas Number One spot and held the position for three weeks. Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah

The popularity of the covers also brought Cohen’s 1984 original into the UK Top 40 for the first time, reaching number 36. Record-Breaking Sales

Burke’s version sold 576,000 copies in its first week, dwarfing Buckley’s 81,000. By January 2009, it had sold over one

Despite being released in late December, it was the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK. Production and Arrangement

Unlike the sparse, folk-inspired originals by Cohen or the haunting, guitar-led version by Buckley, Burke's "Hallelujah" was produced by as a "powerhouse prayer". Hallelujah! No 1 for Burke, and triple hit for Cohen The popularity of the covers also brought Cohen’s

Burke’s version was an immediate commercial juggernaut, setting several industry milestones: