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Susan Boyle Leaves Fans Silently Stunned With Rare, Live "Hallelujah" Cover

The Britain's Got Talent Season 3 runner-up handled the classic ballad with grace. 

By Jackie Manno
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Back in 2018, Britain's Got Talent Season 3 runner-up Susan Boyle performed a live, ethereal version of Leonard Cohen's classic tune "Hallelujah" that left the audience stunned. 

How to Watch

Watch the Season 20 premiere of America's Got Talent on Tuesday, May 27 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

During her version, Boyle's heavenly voice grew in intensity as graceful piano chords played behind her. 

Listen to her live 2018 version of "Hallelujah" here

Boyle released an equally as stunning recorded version of "Hallelujah" from her 2010 album, The Gift. Listen to it here

RELATED: Susan Boyle Did a Powerhouse Cover of the Romantic Classic ''Unchained Melody''

What to know about "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen

Originally penned for his 1984 album Various Positions, the beloved song by Leonard Cohen is frequently covered by a variety of Artists including Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, Susan BoyleKodi LeeJennifer Hudson, Pentatonix, Bob Dylan, K.D. Lang, Brandi Carlile, Willie Nelson, Chester Bennington, and more. Wainwright's version launched the song into popularity again when it was featured on the Shrek soundtrack in 2001. When Cohen died in 2016, his version reached the number-59 position on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100. 

According to American Songwriter, he wrote around 80 verses before settling on the final lyrics. As for his thoughts on the amount of times ''Hallelujah'' has been covered? ''I'm very happy that it's being sung,'' he told The Guardian in 2012. 

RELATED: Susan Boyle's Cover of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" Is Jaw-Dropping

Susan Boyle performs live on "The Talk," Monday, October 6, 2014 on the CBS Television Network.