Alexandra Burke, who won TV music talent contest “The X Factor” at the weekend, looks set to secure the U.K. Christmas No. 1 with her cover of “Hallelujah” (Syco).
The song, originally written and recorded by Leonard Cohen, was made available as a download after the live ITV1 final on Saturday (Dec. 13). A physical release will be available from Wednesday (Dec. 17).
Entertainment retailer HMV reports that the track has become its fastest-selling download to date from digital store hmv.com.
“‘Hallelujah’ promises to be the biggest ‘X Factor’ release yet, and the chances are that Alexandra will have the Christmas No. 1 single in the bag even before her CD single officially hits the stores in midweek,” said an HMV statement.
The interest in the song has also sent Jeff Buckley’s 1994 version to No. 30 in the Official Charts Co.’s singles chart.
Eight million viewers voted in “The X Factor” final, which earned average ratings of 13.2 million for its results show – a 53% share.
Burke spent yesterday pre-recording ‘Hallelujah’ for a Christmas edition of BBC music show “Top Of The Pops.” Her festive No. 1 rivals include Leona Lewis’ “Run” (Syco), “Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth” (Warner Bros) by Bandaged, and “Once Upon A Christmas Song” (Polydor) by comedian Peter Kay’s Geraldine McQueen.
“The X Factor” was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco TV and he is a judge on the show. Syco has a long-term partnership with Sony BMG.
