K.D. Lang sings "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen) live - is it the best version of this song EVER?
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- If you've been following me for any length of time, you might be aware that I LOVE "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. I just think it is one of the most well written contemporary songs of the last 50 or 60 years. Simple, deep, hard hitting, and beautiful in a musical sense as well.
This is why I decided to do little mini 'series' on three different artists I enjoy listening ot, doing their own version of this great song. Emma Kok is a real favourite person and singer here at my studio, and so I decided to start with her. Check out that video here:
• EMMA KOK sings Leonard...
Next up in this mini series was Swedish metal singer TOMMY JOHANSSON. Watch his very different cover analysis here:
• "Hallelujah" (Leonard ...
And then... drumroll please.... K.D. Lang's version, which many say is the best cover of this iconic song ever. I must admit that I absolutely LOVE the way she sings it, especially live. She just has so many vocal and performance tools to draw from, plus a very true connection to the heart of this song.
I would love to hear what YOU thought of this performance!
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My absolute favorite female vocalist of the past 30 years.
I agree, KD has the ability to evoke an emotional response with her voice and her performance. She is divine!
I was definitely a proud Canadian when she performed this song at the Winter Olympics in 2010 ♥️
That was AWESOME!! ❤
I read or heard that Leonard Cohen was being given a lifetime achievement award in Canada and he was in the front row when KD sang " Hallelujah " and he remarked that this was the all time best.
Leonard Cohen said that kd lang's is the ultimate rendition and that she owns the song.
He said the song was now hers and that nobody ever needs to do it again since this was the ultimate rendition.
Leonard Cohen was invited to sing Hallelujah at the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics, he said "no, ask kd lang, it's her song now". Her performance was excellent. It was extremely emotional. Earlier that day, one of the athletes died during a (luge) training run. Other great live performances are the 2005 Juno awards, the 2010 Logies, and Leonard Cohen's induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2006).
I was very fortunate to be at the Juno Awards in 2005 and hear her perform this song. It might be why that is my favourite version of hers but I enjoyed this as well. I can listen to her sing just about anything and be completely wowed. Thanks for this!
"Juno Awards, 2005" (IMHO) was KD's best performance of this song. The standing ovation lasted a solid two minutes or more.
I agree 100% the best.
Agree, the audience knew enough to STFU until the end. Great arrangement, orchestra and recording quality.
Cohen was in that 05 audience
Nobody can do it like k.d.!
I've heard her do many versions [junos, 2010 olympics, etc], and they all give goosebumps. But I think your analysis was one of the best, most enlightened, I've heard [and I've heard quite a few]. THANK you
KD Lang is a true artist, painting a picture of each song she sings, and this is no exception. Her performance is haunting and mesmerizing and she touches one in a way that few singers can. I've heard her sing this song a few times, and each time is unique. Thank you for your fantastic analysis. Once again you help me hear and feel things I didn't know were there. A stunning performance! KD Lang is brilliant!
She is a master of singing!
Your deep analysis has enlightened me to appreciate , even more (which I would have thought impossible to do), my extreme love of k.d. lang’s version of this song.
KD pours her soul into this song. She interprets the lyrics in such an emotional way that draws you in totally. Thank you for your content!
Thank you for sharing this version…it’s amazing!!
Yes!!! No one sings this as good as she does!! Her voice is magnificent!!! ❤
I have been a KD Lang fan since Pullin back the Reins. She always said at the beginning of her career that she was Patsy Cline reincarnated… Patsy made Crazy her song written by Willie Nelson, KD made Hallelujah hers. Even Leonard Cohen admitted the song was hers when she sang it in front of him in 2006 for the Canadian song writers hall of fame.
She slows the tempo of the song and completely brings the audience with her on the journey. I have enjoyed so many versions, but not until 2005 did I find my favourite. You are right, this song is simple but absolute perfection. But no one can do it better than KD…she is the queen.
Beautiful comment... thank you!
KD Lang is one of my favorite artist. I was shopping at some store, Walmart or some other and Constant Craving came over the intercom. We'll there I was stopped dead in my tracks in the middle of the store overcome by Ms Lang's jaw dropping voice. I've been a fan ever since. I can't remember the store I was in but I remember the effect of her perfect volcalizations. I got chills.
That's such a great memory... thanks for sharing 😊
21 times she sings the word Hallelujah. Not one is like the other. A hallmark of a great singer. I've been lucky enough to hear KD sing this live twice and have viewed every version I can find, and I can say with certainty that this performance demonstrates the widest tonal and phrasing I've heard her use. Perhaps even too much range for a couple. But certainly a masterclass in engaging the audience through the unexpected.
Interestingly when she performs in Canada she includes more of her country twang and yoddaling roots among her variations. You can hear this in her 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics performance. And you can really see her Country Music roots in her torch n'twang performance of Turn Me Around at the Closing Ceremony of the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics.
Even Leonard Cohen, who wrote the song, said that K.D.’s performance IS THE BEST.🖖
(My FAVORITE rendition - without question - is her performance at the 2010 Olympics.)
❤️🇨🇦❤️
My favorite kd lang Hallelujah is from The Logies, 2010. Also her Roy Orbison tribute performance of Crying is stellar.
I'll check it out - thank you!
I second that one
That’s my favourite of her performances of “Crying”
kd lang has sung many versions of Hallelujah over the years, all of them just wonderful. I really enjoyed this version, but also the one she did at Leonard Cohen's memorial concert in Montreal, and the one I attended at a smaller venue with her band in the USA. Each has its own special qualities. Also see some of the duets she did with Tony Bennett, particularly "Moonglow" and "Blue Velvet." Thank you for your enthusiasm for great music.
Thank you for the lovely comment! How privileged you were to see her live...
I think K D Lang is magnificent! She has such beautiful control, and the rise and fall of her voice reaches right into your soul. It is incredibly moving, and my favorite cover of this amazing folk rock anthem. Thank you for this mini series. It was most enlightening and enjoyable! I also second the request to react to her duets with the incomparable Tony Bennett!
Thank you so much for showcasing KD Lang 😢i, as I wrote you the other day, my favorite was the Olympics she sang Hallelujah, but I think this rendition surpasses the 2010 one. She is an amazing talent. Thank you again for loving it💕
Logies Awards in 2010 is the VERY BEST version. She was singing to her peers (if she has any) and really gave an absolutely stunning performance and got a standing ovation the she had to silence so that the program could continue.
Grest reaction thanks! Although I am a very big Tommy Johansson fan, out of your 3 reactions, I must give it to KD Lang. Her version touched my heart and soul. It was brilliant! I loved your choir's version, I left a comment on that channel.
I do hope that we will see more of Tommy on this channel!
Someone mentions how k.d. slows the tempo, and you mention how she put the first word of one line at the end of the previous line. One thing I’ve noticed is something she does that makes her so mesmerizing-she seems to come in a mere microsecond after one would expect. For me, this heightens the anticipation, so that you’re hanging on every note she sings. ❤
Never heard this one. I have been wondering what she’s been up to. No new music in a while. I saw her for the first time as a teenager (57 now) who hated country music on the Johnny Carson show performing Three Cigarettes In An Ashtray and I was mesmerized. Carson was as stunned as I was. She performed on his final show. I have loved her ever since.
That's so interesting! Thanks for sharing!
She has retired. Thankfully we have wonderful recordings. There is no one to compare to her. Thank you again K D.
I love Leonard Cohen and saw him live. However, my favourite version of Hallelujah is by KD Lang at the Vancouver Olympics
I agree! Her rendition at the 2010 Olympics was by far the best ever!
Wasn’t that magical? All the lights, absolutely AMAZING clear audio when you consider she’s in a stadium full of people.
Just saw your site on RUclips. I really enjoyed it. I wish you would play her version of Crying, at Roys memorial, it was really something! I wish I could have been there for this performance. I will be watching more of your site Johan!
I have always loved KD Lang and I have always loved music and dance. She tore up the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics singing this song. I have always been a dancer, I have always been a Canadian and a Gay man. I have always wanted to study voice as I studied dance as a youngster at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. I have danced and acted and sung all over the world and yet I feel I have never come close to understanding the voice in song...SINGING! I would love to study with you.
the arrangement is wonderful! She is so good as a performer! have you listened to more of her songs? I hope you do!
Another good work man!!
Thank you!
I came across one of KD Lang's performances of this song around the same time (2007-2008) and absolutely loved it!
My favorite version is from Lind, Nilsen, Fuentes, and Holm, live at Oslo Spektrum. Actually found it at the same time as KD's. Definitely worth a listen!
This is the best. Great explanation
yes,,,brilliant
I believe the best version kd has done of this arrangement is the live 20005 CTV version with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra at the 2005 Juno Awards. This may be were the arrangement originated. Even within the basic structure of this arrangement she performs it slightly differently every time. I remember an absolutely stunning, blissful, transcendent performance on a warm summer night where her performances of Hallelujah and Heaven (Talking Heads) were on another level. Living in the same province since she began her career I can’t count how many times I have seen her perform. No one else like her.
It's interesting to follow you along this journey of various Hallelujahs. They all touch different moodes in their interpretations.
I recommend you to check out the acapella version by Pentatonix. This isn't my favourite acapella artists. I prefer VoicePlay, but this is a beautiful rendition.
Thanks for your comment and support!
I like her live performance at the Logies in Australia best, bad part is the annoying intro and chit chat at the end. But her last 3 Hallelujah's will bring you to your knees. This one is very good, but honestly, the instruments drowned her out sometimes, especially the last soft Hallelujah. Is there a link to this live performance--after all, you did interrupt it way too many times to make it totally enjoyable and would be nice to hear the entire performance not interrupted.
Number 1, you like that she sang the correct words. Minor fall, major lift. Secondly, I think you like her phrasing which seems similar to the way you sang it. I'll listen to yours again. Btw, your video is exquisitely done.!
Thank you for the compliment! It means a lot to me 🌷
Her performance at the Canadian Olympics was other worldly.
Happy birthday KD LANG. 11/2/55 63 today.
Watch the 2010 Vancouver Olympics opening ceremony version. Even better! She always changes something each time she sings this.
If u get a chance. Check out kd langs cover of roy orbisons “crying”. The myv unplugged bersion is great sound. From 1996 i think.
I highly recommend Pentatonix version of Hallelujah. It is my favorite and I like many versions including this one.
My favourite too.
they use pitch correction.
@blackberrythorns Everyone does these days. However, I have seen them live and they were amazing
@@drogna3905 i don't think kd is using it. no, not everyone uses it but pentatonix certainly do and it can be, and is, used live by people. they're too shiny for my liking but to each their own.
The Holy Trinity of Hallelujahs in my heart: k.d. lang, Morgan James and LeeAnn Rimes.
Where can I find this version of "Hallelujah" by K.D. Lang?
I hadn’t heard this version. Prefer others, but still this is wonderful.
I agree, nobody sings this like KD Lang, but it you want to expand your Hallelujah reactions, there is the Pentatonix version. Their video currently shows 753 Million views. Would love to hear your reaction to it.
kd is always amazing, but the 2010 Winter Olympics is the best version...imo 😊
Closing olympics Canada…kd lang version is the best ….please review that version too
she does a great rendition of neil young's song "helpless" too.
We saw her live in Hamilton Ont. and if you think the videos are amazing they don't even come close to hearing her sing this song live
It is hard to compete with the performance of this song that Diana Ankudinova gave in front of a Christmas tree at her home when she was 10.
Ooh... sounds like something I HAVE to watch! Thank you!
@@JohanBesterYourVocalCoach
The performance is very little known and is quite hard to track down.
Several versions of the video have been posted.
By far the best of them is entitled
"2014.01.05. "Hallelujah". Диана Анкудинова. г.Тольятти, дома"
and is posted on the fan channel "В. Ф."
Diana is absolutely radiant. It is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Given how much you love "Hallelujah," I think you will prize it.
She always me cry Always …. She’s telling me a story. Looking at me …
You should check out the version by Pentatonix.
Can I respectfully suggest you give Pentatonix cover of this a listen? Completely acapella.
Have loved kd for years!
It is awesome, but her version she did at the Olympics and the Junos was the best one.
Listen to Crying from the Roy Orbison celebration
If you love choral performances, please react to Jacob Colliers live performance of "World O World" with the Aeolian choir. It is a masterpiece. Love your reactions.
The best version of hers is the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver❤🇨🇦
Johan jy moet gaan luister hoe sing Bouke Scholten van Nederland "Hallelujah "
Feel it, yes . .. she seems to infuse my cells with the song effortlessly. . .
Great as KD was..I still prefer LeAnn Rimes singing this with just pianoplaying producer on her youtube channel leannrimesofficial
@@itzel1735 Tastes differ. I do really like KD though..just LeAnn a little bit better. 🙂
I will check out LeAn - thanks for sharing!
You should listen to Jeff Buckley’s version of the song!
can you react to 谭维维《乌兰巴托的夜》
Had to leave cuz so much interruption
K.D. is obviously extremely talented. Some parts of the song were beautiful. My only criticism is that she drifted a little too far away from the original for my liking. My favorite version of this song was sung by Lucy Thomas when she was ~16 (3 or 4 years ago).
Leonard Cohen said this song is kd's - the composer said this!
This isn't her best version. Keep looking!
Omg...couldn't continue with your interpretation ....please can we HEAR the song...HER SONG..before we have to endure your ranting self appreciation!
The thumbnail appears to show her in the white suit which I thought was the performance from the Vancouver Olympics, which was without a doubt, the ultimate version of the song.
What a crappy letdown of a video. 👎👎👎
1st & (hopefully) last time I 👎 this video. Presenter makes it unwatchable.