According to CTV News, the deep admiration k.d. lang held for fellow Canadian artist Leonard Cohen was widely known. Notably, both musicians shared the bond of being practitioners of Buddhism. Cohen received a prestigious honor in 2006 when he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a ceremony that witnessed lang’s heartfelt rendition of his introspective anthem ‘Hallelujah’.
Undoubtedly, the experience was a nerve-wracking one for lang, given the weight of performing in front of the legendary Leonard Cohen and a substantial audience. Despite this, she chose not only to render his composition but to infuse it with her own distinct style.
As depicted in the YouTube video, her distinctive interpretation forged an eternal connection between the two artists, as underscored by CTV News. Lang revealed in an interview with CTV that the song’s lyrics transported her to a “meditative state,” emphasizing its profound significance in expressing the balance between earthly desires and spiritual enlightenment.
Following the performance, Cohen and Lang shared what was described as a “Buddhist hug,” with Cohen expressing his appreciation for her poignant rendition. This instance marked the beginning of Lang’s exceptional ability to transcend the boundaries of a conventional performance.
Lang’s rendition of the ethereal composition resonated on a spiritual plane, evoking a sense of universal healing. Lang herself attributed the potency of the performance to Cohen’s lyrical prowess, expressing in the CTV interview that Leonard Cohen was the conduit between celestial forces and humanity