Justin Timberlake
Covers of Leonard Cohen’s 1984 classic “Hallelujah” have a way of topping the digital charts, including Jeff Buckley’s version by way of “American Idol” finalist Jason Castro, and “X Factor” winner Alexandra Burke. The same rings true again for Justin Timberlake and his live performance of the track, which hits #1 on the iTunes sales chart. Timberlake performed “Hallelujah” for the “Hope for Haiti Now” benefit telethon which aired across various television networks Friday. He performed with singer Matt Morris, a fellow member of the “Mickey Mouse Club,” who recently released his debut studio album. “It’s always been one of my favorite songs,” Timberlake told MTV of the song. “And my artist Matt, we always kinda sing that song when we’re messing around in the studio with ideas. The way that it’s written can be interpreted many different ways. But the emotion that comes through – the chords, the melody and also what’s being said in the song – it just kind of fit for the telethon.” The telethon raised over $57 million for Haiti. The tally is increasing thanks to the proceeds from the sales of the #1 digital single and the other 19 tracks on the “Hope for Haiti Now” album. The “Hope for Haiti Now” album, which includes live performances by Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift, is currently the #1 selling album on iTunes. 18 of the 20 album “Hope for Haiti Now” tracks are currently in the Top 200 selling songs on iTunes. “Lean On Me,” by Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and Kid Rock, is currently just outside the top 10 at #11.
