Leonard Cohen, requested that KD Lang sing this song at the Olympics ceremony. He was asked to do it but he was recovering from a back injury. She performed this song when Cohen was inducted to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Pretty sure that's not correct. K.D. Lang who performed in the Opening Ceremonies for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and who had been mesmerizing live audiences with her Hallelujah since the late 90's was almost certainly the one organizers wanted. When she finally released a recording of her cover in 2004 the album went Platinum in Canada and Double Platinum in Australia (a thing unheard of for an album of covers). Leonard Cohen had already for some time been describing her rendition as the new official version when she performed it for him at the 2005 Junos.
@@weatherlou I'm saying because KD Lang had already performed at the Opening Ceremony (a correction, the Closing Ceremony) of the Calgary 88 Olympics if she performed at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony she would become the first artist in history to perform at two Olympics. And as she represented "the New West inclusiveity" with stripes in '88 she would again be able to do so better than any other Canadian recording artist in Vancouver. And because she was renowned for her live singing talent within the industry and contemporary music fandom (greats like Roy Orbison and Elton John wanted and did record with her) she could be a show stopper. And most importantly because she had been performing Hallelujah as part of almost all her live performances since the early 90's, and because Leonard Cohen had been saying her version of the song was now the official version for some time before he repeated this at the 2005 Junos, KD was almost certainly the artist they wanted. Leonard Cohen is one of Canada's greatest poet lyricists but has never presented himself as a beautiful voice. I had the good fortune of seeing KD perform Hallelujah live several times before the 2010 Olympics and anyone who has done so would be surprised to here someone suggest she wasn't the first choice. Leonard would have been consulted of course, he probably would have been the one releasing the rights to use the song. But again unless you can direct me to an interview of one of them saying otherwise KD was the natural choice for reasons many might not have realized. Yours in great music, 🥰
@@mic7504 not quite the first to perform at two Games but very few have done so. Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and Elisa come to mind as having sang at two Games. Avril Lavigne performed in 2006 and also went on to perform at the Closing Ceremony of these Vancouver Games-but KD certainly managed to sneak in before her ☺️
I sit corrected. I actually looked Placido Domingo up when I wrote this originally and google did not include the duets. I'm not sure if the "closing concert" portion of the Closing ceremony is the same as being part of the ceremony. But I'm surprised Avril's double. @@andrewsyd
She has one of the most beautiful voices of all time. She doesn’t get enough credit. While Cohen’s may be the most well known version of this song, and Justin Timberlake’s charted the highest, kd’s is my favorite by far.
I'm not sure if the actual album recording of this duet released in 1988 was recorded live together. But there are at least three recordings of them performing it live together that year on the internet. Look for Top of the Pops, and Late Night versions. The official music video from 1988 which is almost entirely their "floating heads" singing on a black background looks like the kind of thing someone would edit together if you wanted to put a living singer with a deceased one. But no they were both fully alive at the time. There are photos of them together in their black dress shirts from the music video, so they may have been on the same set recording the music video together on the day.
Sorry Buckley as great as you are, this live performance is the best. ever. Her incredible voice has the most grace, warmth, tenderness, and power! Wish I’d been at this opening ceremony. Canada’s Whitney-at-the-Superbowl moment (and god love her, I think this has the edge)😉♥️
Was lucky enough to hear KD sing this live in concert in 2012. Amazing. She was barefoot on stage, just as she is here at the 2010 Olympics. ( PS I was chosen as one of the 12,000 torchbearers for those games!)
I was fortunate to see kd in concert 20 years ago in Northern California. Hearing that effortlessly beautiful voice live was incredible. And she was barefoot on stage, of course!
There have been so many covers of this song...some good , some bad......even five guys singing harmony and losing the essence of the song all together. But the truth is there are only TWO versions of this Leonard classic song that are worth listening to .... KD at the Olympics and KD at the Canadian awards show for Leonard. JMHO ! peace and love
Saw kd perform live here in Perth many times…she is one of the most naturally gifted singers of my generation… dive into her song list and especially anything live… incredible… nobody can touch her… great review….
She is so amazing! Country music wouldn't have her because of her sexual orientation but she showed them! Please listen to her cover of Roy Orbison's Crying! She has also done duets with Tony Bennett! Like Linda Ronstadt, she can sing anything!
Yes. I'm an Eighties girl and I remember the press admiring her abilities, and they sort of ignored or subtly sneered her sexuality. BUT they couldn't ignore her talent
Constant Craving should be the next logical song to react to next. K.D. Lang is a national treasure in Canada and deservedly so! Love love love her!!!!
When K.D. Lang sings even the God’s cry. Absolutely fabulous Canadian singer, Absolutely fabulous Canadian song. Thank you Leonard Cohen and K.D. Lang 🇨🇦
Have to add this footnote of interest to THIS performance on THIS night of all nights: although our region of Vancouver and Canada was indeed (for most of us) thrilled to be hosting these Winter Games of 2010 ... earlier on THIS same day in Whistler, on the bobsleigh track was a time-trial that ended in tragedy for a young athlete from the nation of Georgia. His speed was just too fast, and he lost control on a turn and hit one of the large support pillars. It hit the news here and around the world as it was to be Opening Day ... but our hearts were just broken for this young man and his family: most of whom I believe could not afford to come to these games to see their son compete. And although the hype of any Olympic Games can get a bit overdone, our games that year were bathed in mourning the loss of a splendid young athlete. And our own KD Lang -- who as you picked up in your own commentary on her presentation -- understands the complexity of LOVE, the passion, the sacrifice, the service, and the brokenness of our human condition. So many have done beautiful interpretations of this (all too familiar) song ... but for me, and this moment, no one could do better than KD Lang. Peace, Sharon
Every thing she sings comes from deep in her heart. I discovered her in '84, at that time she sang country and her albums chandged but her voice never has. "Shadowland" is produced by Owen Bradley who produced Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. That album is definitely worth a listen. You won't be disappointed!
I was watching the Olympics on my rather nice home theater system when this came on. Love kd lang, love Hallelujah, and holy moly this just blew me away. As you said, each rendition is a masterpiece, how could it not be, but if I had to rank them in order, lang's would be ... tied for first.
Her voice is un describable. I never get tired of hearing her sing. Especially Crying and Halleuia. She is amazing. I would like to see her on concert.
Firstly I am not a KD fan as she is a country artist. Secondly As a rule I do not like covers. Thirdly I am a life long Lenard Cohen fan. BUT the first time I heard KD do this I braced myself for the worst and she proceeded to blow my mind ! It is like this song was written just for her to sing . No one , not even Cohen could do a better job. ✌️💕
Man I love K D Lang I think she has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard and I could listen to her sing forever but I have to say that the best version of this song that I have ever heard was done by the Pentatonix there an a cappella group.
Idc how many times I hear/see this performance, it always gives me chills. Amazing! Really good and worthy reaction. I was the 1000th like. Woohoo! lol
Hi. It's me again. KD Lang sings and speaks as a Canadian. We are somewhat void of a cultural identity and warm up to all forms of cutural expression. . KD sings with the pop-sensibility and calm AM/FM bide that is so sticky and flowing. I don't know.
Fantastic version of this wonderful song. You could follow it up with Love is Everything and she does stonking versions of Crying WITH Roy Orbison and Golden Slumbers from Abbey Road. So many breathtaking songs. Thanks for featuring this wonderful singer.
Out of all of the reaction videos to this song yours was the best, most thoughtful and intelligent review of both the song and the singer. Thank You! You also may like K. D's version of "Sorry" that she did at Roy Orbison Tribute 2/24/90 Universal Amphitheater as a request from his family. She got the longest standing ovation I've ever seen . Worth the view. ua-cam.com/video/_mOLtUWGyUc/v-deo.html
Your channel is fantastic. Very good music. I subscribe. Please react to Europa (Live) by Monica Naranjo. This perfomance is amazing. She is an incredible singer. Powerful voice. This song is a masterpiece. Greetings
Lang's version is FAR superior to Buckley or ANYONE else's version. His voice, alone, isn't in the same league as Lang's. BUT, I do still subscribe to you. You appear to be a fine young man & good at analyzing songs & artists (despite your error on THIS one). Art is subjective, though. And it's our opinions, not factual observations, about art - so I'll concede that✌&❤4🌏
The best performance of this song. Period. Leonard Cohen said he liked her rendition best of all.
Totally agree
I'm with LC. Also my favorite.
Leonard Cohen, requested that KD Lang sing this song at the Olympics ceremony. He was asked to do it but he was recovering from a back injury. She performed this song when Cohen was inducted to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.
Pretty sure that's not correct. K.D. Lang who performed in the Opening Ceremonies for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and who had been mesmerizing live audiences with her Hallelujah since the late 90's was almost certainly the one organizers wanted. When she finally released a recording of her cover in 2004 the album went Platinum in Canada and Double Platinum in Australia (a thing unheard of for an album of covers). Leonard Cohen had already for some time been describing her rendition as the new official version when she performed it for him at the 2005 Junos.
@@weatherlou I'm saying because KD Lang had already performed at the Opening Ceremony (a correction, the Closing Ceremony) of the Calgary 88 Olympics if she performed at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony she would become the first artist in history to perform at two Olympics. And as she represented "the New West inclusiveity" with stripes in '88 she would again be able to do so better than any other Canadian recording artist in Vancouver. And because she was renowned for her live singing talent within the industry and contemporary music fandom (greats like Roy Orbison and Elton John wanted and did record with her) she could be a show stopper. And most importantly because she had been performing Hallelujah as part of almost all her live performances since the early 90's, and because Leonard Cohen had been saying her version of the song was now the official version for some time before he repeated this at the 2005 Junos, KD was almost certainly the artist they wanted. Leonard Cohen is one of Canada's greatest poet lyricists but has never presented himself as a beautiful voice. I had the good fortune of seeing KD perform Hallelujah live several times before the 2010 Olympics and anyone who has done so would be surprised to here someone suggest she wasn't the first choice. Leonard would have been consulted of course, he probably would have been the one releasing the rights to use the song. But again unless you can direct me to an interview of one of them saying otherwise KD was the natural choice for reasons many might not have realized.
Yours in great music,
🥰
@@mic7504 not quite the first to perform at two Games but very few have done so. Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and Elisa come to mind as having sang at two Games. Avril Lavigne performed in 2006 and also went on to perform at the Closing Ceremony of these Vancouver Games-but KD certainly managed to sneak in before her ☺️
I sit corrected. I actually looked Placido Domingo up when I wrote this originally and google did not include the duets. I'm not sure if the "closing concert" portion of the Closing ceremony is the same as being part of the ceremony. But I'm surprised Avril's double. @@andrewsyd
@@mic7504 Avril was part of Vancouver’s handover segment in Torino’s closing ceremony.
She has one of the most beautiful voices of all time. She doesn’t get enough credit.
While Cohen’s may be the most well known version of this song, and Justin Timberlake’s charted the highest, kd’s is my favorite by far.
It was Cohen's fav too even over his own.
How is Cohen's version a cover? He wrote it. Were you thinking of Rufus Wainwright's cover from Shrek?
Pentatonix's "Hallelujah". Shot out in the southern CA desert. Go listen.
Justin timber lake sang this song?!😮😂😂😂😂
Cohen wrote it. It’s HIS song! That’s like saying Shakespeare’s version of Macbeth!
Never heard such perfection.
her's is the greatest version
I love the cry in her voice too, just like her idol Patsy Cline.
She did a beautiful virtual duet with Roy Orbison of Crying.
I've been searching for the video you noted. Please share link if you have it. Thx
I'm not sure if the actual album recording of this duet released in 1988 was recorded live together. But there are at least three recordings of them performing it live together that year on the internet. Look for Top of the Pops, and Late Night versions. The official music video from 1988 which is almost entirely their "floating heads" singing on a black background looks like the kind of thing someone would edit together if you wanted to put a living singer with a deceased one. But no they were both fully alive at the time. There are photos of them together in their black dress shirts from the music video, so they may have been on the same set recording the music video together on the day.
No one does it better
Sorry Buckley as great as you are, this live performance is the best. ever.
Her incredible voice has the most grace, warmth, tenderness, and power!
Wish I’d been at this opening ceremony.
Canada’s Whitney-at-the-Superbowl moment (and god love her, I think this has the edge)😉♥️
Barf to the Whitney reference, especially since the Super Bowl performance was lip synched !
I was there - best musical moment of my life - my mother and I were both bawling..
Whitney was never this good.
Was lucky enough to hear KD sing this live in concert in 2012. Amazing. She was barefoot on stage, just as she is here at the 2010 Olympics. ( PS I was chosen as one of the 12,000 torchbearers for those games!)
I LOVE that she sings barefoot, she says it helps ground her.
I was fortunate to see kd in concert 20 years ago in Northern California. Hearing that effortlessly beautiful voice live was incredible. And she was barefoot on stage, of course!
There have been so many covers of this song...some good , some bad......even five guys singing harmony and losing the essence of the song all together. But the truth is there are only TWO versions of this Leonard classic song that are worth listening to .... KD at the Olympics and KD at the Canadian awards show for Leonard. JMHO ! peace and love
Saw kd perform live here in Perth many times…she is one of the most naturally gifted singers of my generation… dive into her song list and especially anything live… incredible… nobody can touch her… great review….
Totally agree
The one and only Leonard Cohen asked everyone to stop singing this song after kd lang's rendition which he considers the ultimate interpretation.
She is so amazing! Country music wouldn't have her because of her sexual orientation but she showed them! Please listen to her cover of Roy Orbison's Crying! She has also done duets with Tony Bennett! Like Linda Ronstadt, she can sing anything!
Yes. I'm an Eighties girl and I remember the press admiring her abilities, and they sort of ignored or subtly sneered her sexuality. BUT they couldn't ignore her talent
Constant Craving should be the next logical song to react to next. K.D. Lang is a national treasure in Canada and deservedly so! Love love love her!!!!
When K.D. Lang sings even the God’s cry.
Absolutely fabulous Canadian singer, Absolutely fabulous Canadian song.
Thank you Leonard Cohen and K.D. Lang 🇨🇦
You have to hear her performance of this song at Juno awards. Best thing I've heard in my life.
Absolutely THE best.
Have to add this footnote of interest to THIS performance on THIS night of all nights: although our region of Vancouver and Canada was indeed (for most of us) thrilled to be hosting these Winter Games of 2010 ... earlier on THIS same day in Whistler, on the bobsleigh track was a time-trial that ended in tragedy for a young athlete from the nation of Georgia. His speed was just too fast, and he lost control on a turn and hit one of the large support pillars. It hit the news here and around the world as it was to be Opening Day ... but our hearts were just broken for this young man and his family: most of whom I believe could not afford to come to these games to see their son compete. And although the hype of any Olympic Games can get a bit overdone, our games that year were bathed in mourning the loss of a splendid young athlete. And our own KD Lang -- who as you picked up in your own commentary on her presentation -- understands the complexity of LOVE, the passion, the sacrifice, the service, and the brokenness of our human condition. So many have done beautiful interpretations of this (all too familiar) song ... but for me, and this moment, no one could do better than KD Lang. Peace, Sharon
Every thing she sings comes from deep in her heart. I discovered her in '84, at that time she sang country and her albums chandged but her voice never has. "Shadowland" is produced by Owen Bradley who produced Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. That album is definitely worth a listen. You won't be disappointed!
So unbelievably PROUD she’s CANADIAN🇨🇦🇨🇦❤❤❤
Why is it i am " straight" yes i just adore KD. One of the purest voices , if not thee most purest voices I've EVER heard. 💖💟🎶😍
I was watching the Olympics on my rather nice home theater system when this came on. Love kd lang, love Hallelujah, and holy moly this just blew me away. As you said, each rendition is a masterpiece, how could it not be, but if I had to rank them in order, lang's would be ... tied for first.
At this point your entire being is just swimming with some of the best songs and performances of all time, what a gift
Never a truer word spoken.
Her voice is un describable. I never get tired of hearing her sing. Especially Crying and Halleuia. She is amazing. I would like to see her on concert.
k.d Rocks & Rules. I love her !!😊
Go KD GO!
What A Show!
Why haven't you and so many others not hear of j.d. Lang? She's such a talented singer. Top 5%, I'd say.
She kd..has total control..oh her😍 voice!
I saw her live in the '80's and I've still never seen a better performer.
I love kd Lang
K D Lang rules.
k.d. always likes to finish with a bang!
This song, that voice, gives me chills every time! Great reaction by the way.
Just lovely
Firstly I am not a KD fan as she is a country artist. Secondly As a rule I do not like covers. Thirdly I am a life long Lenard Cohen fan. BUT the first time I heard KD do this I braced myself for the worst and she proceeded to blow my mind ! It is like this song was written just for her to sing . No one , not even Cohen could do a better job. ✌️💕
Love this. You took us all along with you on your story.😊😊
She hasn't been a :Country" artist for decades
So you are a kd fan😊
She left country years ago!!!
This classic and will always be
Your facial expressions are priceless! You enjoyed it didn't ya?!🙋🏜️ Texas
List to KD do Roy's CRYING...and also a duet with Roy on Crying
Man I love K D Lang I think she has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard and I could listen to her sing forever but I have to say that the best version of this song that I have ever heard was done by the Pentatonix there an a cappella group.
Thank you for just listening to try his amazing performance by KD. You are doing a fantastic job.
Jeff who? There is only this version of Hallelujah.
Absolutely these are her best renditions of this song (all youtube videos, especially when she bowed to Leonard Cohen, and he bowed to her!)
Idc how many times I hear/see this performance, it always gives me chills. Amazing! Really good and worthy reaction. I was the 1000th like. Woohoo! lol
Hi. It's me again. KD Lang sings and speaks as a Canadian. We are somewhat void of a cultural identity and warm up to all forms of cutural expression. . KD sings with the pop-sensibility and calm AM/FM bide that is so sticky and flowing. I don't know.
She also does Roy Orbinsons song Crying. That's emotional as well
It's one of a kind experience
Beautiful 🥰🥰 reaction Luke 💞. She has a gorgeous voice 🎶🎶🎶🎶my body has chills all over it. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Beautifully described! Thanks❤
Please review KD Lang performance from the 1996 MTV awards live unplugged of the song Crying a tribute to Roy Orbison .
Amazing.
Excellent Reaction. Good job sir.
Please listen to kd lang tribute to roy orbison the song is "crying "😅
That overhead shot that makes her look like a diamond in a beautiful golden setting! So appropriate for her performance.
Love your insights! Thanks!
Great reaction ❤
Great reaction Luke!
I remember this moment at the Ceremonies--magic.
Fantastic version of this wonderful song. You could follow it up with Love is Everything and she does stonking versions of Crying WITH Roy Orbison and Golden Slumbers from Abbey Road. So many breathtaking songs. Thanks for featuring this wonderful singer.
Love this version of the song - and your commentary was spot on. Have you ever heard the version done by the Pentatonix - that too, is incredible.
Phenomenal performance ❤🎉
Although I'm Canadian 🇨🇦and I think KD Lang sings this song with perfection.....no one will EVER sing this song like the master Leonard Cohen!!!❤
So loving what you’re doing here. Involving your audience . You know exactly how to push the buttons😉
In saying that however :) Michael McDonald does an unbelieveable cover in an unusual twist...worth the listen !
Listen to “Crying”
Out of all of the reaction videos to this song yours was the best, most thoughtful and intelligent review of both the song and the singer. Thank You! You also may like K. D's version of "Sorry" that she did at Roy Orbison Tribute 2/24/90 Universal Amphitheater as a request from his family. She got the longest standing ovation I've ever seen . Worth the view. ua-cam.com/video/_mOLtUWGyUc/v-deo.html
You have as much passion as k. d. Lang for this song. You wanted to sing with her.
You should listen to her to "Crying".
Have you heard the KD Lang song Constant Craving? People reckon she wrote it about Madonna. ❤️❤️
Check her out singing "Crying" the Roy Orbison song.
See “crying” tribute to Roy orbison
Sorry Jeff B. This one is better
You should listen to Pentatonix do this song. You will get addicted to them.
K.D. started as a country and western singer and had several top hits and the C&W awards snubbed her with no nomination because she is a lesbian....
Please react to her singing" crying "
Your channel is fantastic. Very good music. I subscribe. Please react to Europa (Live) by Monica Naranjo. This perfomance is amazing. She is an incredible singer. Powerful voice. This song is a masterpiece. Greetings
I think it was a searching somg
Pentatonix's "Hallelujah". Shot out in the southern CA desert. Go listen.
How about Heart doing Led Zeppelin.
Listen to Leonards version of this song. he wrote it.....get the London Live version....will blow you away and you will forget the other versions
Wow... you. Ummm, ok
"Both the gooD AND THE BAD"???? What's the bad???
She,s my favourite female singer, but Jeff Buckley's still my favourite, it’s a sexy version
Is she barefooted again?
She wouldn't be the first great singer to that. Cesária Évora did that too when she was alive.
Don't
I totally love you, but no. Leonard Cohen's version always wins. Kate McKinion's version, second best.
Lang's version is FAR superior to Buckley or ANYONE else's version. His voice, alone, isn't in the same league as Lang's. BUT, I do still subscribe to you. You appear to be a fine young man & good at analyzing songs & artists (despite your error on THIS one). Art is subjective, though. And it's our opinions, not factual observations, about art - so I'll concede that✌&❤4🌏
Kurt Nilsen was pretty good, he was on Norwegian idol, he was really good