X Factor's Alexandra makes the top ten for worst cover songs

Published on Friday 9 January 2009 20:57

X FACTOR winner Alexandra Burke's rendition of Hallelujah was yesterday named one of the worst cover versions in pop history, despite making it to number one in the charts.

And half of the top ten worst cover versions have been released by reality TV stars.

Research by insurance company Churchill showed that Alexandra Burke's Hallelujah is tenth on the list of worst cover versions of all time, behind some more established pop names.

Topping the worst cover versions chart is Star Trek's William Shatner singing the Beatles song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

At number two in the worst-ever chart was Britney Spears' version of I Love Rock & Roll, originally by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

Third was reality star Gareth Gates' version of Spirit in the Sky, originally a hit for Norman Greenbaum in 1970. The fourth worst cover version was Papa Don't Preach sung by Kelly Osbourne, whose punky version of Madonna's original single was given the thumbs down.

The Floral Dance by Radio 2 DJ Terry Wogan, an original hit for Brighouse and Rastrick Band, was at number five.

Number six was American Pie by Madonna, whose cover version of Don McLean's folk-rock song fell flat.

Making his second appearance in the worst cover version chart was Gareth Gates for his rendition of Unchained Melody, previously romantic number one song for Jimmy Young, the Righteous Brothers and Robson and Jerome.

At number eight was Rolf Harris's wobble-board version of Led Zeppelin's legendary rock track Stairway to Heaven.

And with a third entry was Gareth Gates again for his cover version of Elvis Presley's song Suspicious Minds, even though it made number one for Gates. At ten was Alexandra Burke's Hallelujah, the fastest-selling download single ever across Europe.

Churchill, which polled 2,400 people, commissioned the research to mark the launch of a new television advertising campaign featuring Rolf Harris and their iconic nodding dog.

Spokesman Matt Owen said: "Cover versions can provoke huge debate and what are considered to be bad covers for some, may be great for others."