Burke’s version was an immediate commercial juggernaut, setting several industry milestones:
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 Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah
Despite being released in late December, it was the top-selling single of 2008 in the UK. Production and Arrangement 000 copies in its first week
Burke’s version sold 576,000 copies in its first week, dwarfing Buckley’s 81,000. dwarfing Buckley’s 81
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
For the first time since 1957, two versions of the same song occupied the top two spots on the UK Singles Chart.