The finale was on December 13, 2008. Over 10 million people voted. That’s more than the entire population of Greece.
Alexandra faced off against JLS—the boyband everyone’s mum fancied. She sang her winner’s single, “Hallelujah.” It wasn’t just a song; it was a moment.
Leonard Cohen wrote it. Jeff Buckley owned it. Alexandra Burke made it chart-topping history. Her version still holds the record for fastest-selling X Factor single in the UK.
The Beyoncé Factor (Literally)
Here’s the juicy bit. During the live shows, Alexandra performed with Beyoncé herself. They did “Listen” from Dreamgirls.
Beyoncé was so impressed, she almost cried. Actually, she did—you can see her wiping her eyes on YouTube. It’s pure gold.
And then? After winning, Alexandra joined Beyoncé on her tour. Talk about a glow-up.
