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Leonard Cohen's Estate Denied The Republican National Convention Use of 'Hallelujah'; They Played It Anyway

Leonard Cohen‘s Estate has issued a statement just a day after the Republican National Convention played his iconic song “Hallelujah” twice during its closing night.

The Estate says that the RNC did request to use the song, however, that request was denied.

“We are surprised and dismayed that the RNC would proceed knowing that the Cohen Estate had specifically declined the RNC’s use request, and their rather brazen attempt to politicize and exploit in such an egregious manner ‘Hallelujah’, one of the most important songs in the Cohen song catalogue,” they shared in a statement, and added that “we are exploring our legal options.”

Leonard‘s Estate added, “Had the RNC requested another song, ‘You Want it Darker’, for which Leonard won a posthumous Grammy in 2017, we might have considered approval of that song.”

After that denial, the RNC also reached out to Sony/ATV Music Publishing to play the song. That request was also denied.

“On the eve of the finale of the convention, representatives from the Republican National Committee contacted us regarding obtaining permission for a live performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. We declined their request,” Brian J. Monaco, President, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, shared.

Still, “Hallelujah” was played without the proper authorization.

If you missed it, you can watch one of the biggest bombshell moments from the RNC now…

VIDEO: Kate McKinnon's Hillary Clinton Performs Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' on 'SNL'

The first episode of Saturday Night Live that aired after the election featured a much more serious and emotional cold opening than usual.

Kate McKinnon sat at the piano – dressed, once again, as Hillary Clinton – and paid tribute to the late Leonard Cohen by singing his classic hit “Hallelujah.”

Alec Baldwin‘s Donald Trump was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m not giving up, and neither should you,” Kate said after finishing the cover.

Leonard sadly passed away earlier this week – watch Coldplay‘s Chris Martin honor him with a cover of “Suzanne” here.

Check out the clip below!

VIDEO: Coldplay’s Chris Martin Honors Leonard Cohen With ‘Suzanne’ Cover

Chris Martin paid tribute to the late Leonard Cohen in a beautiful way on Friday night (November 11) at London Palladium in England.

During the encore of his band Coldplay‘s concert, the 39-year-old singer performed a solo cover of Leonard‘s 1967 classic song “Suzanne.”

“Sending my love to Mr. Leonard Cohen for those amazing songs, you changed my life,” Chris told the crowd after his performance.

Leonard passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 – click here to see how other celebrities reacted to the news.

Watch Chris honor the late “Hallelujah” singer below.

Click inside to watch some more on-stage and behind-the-scenes moments from the London show… More Here! »

Celebs React to Leonard Cohen's Death - Read Tweets

Leonard Cohen touched the world with his music and now celebs are pouring out tributes to the late star after he passed away.

The legendary singer-songwriter died at the age of 82 and he leaves a long legacy of amazing music, including the classic song “Hallelujah.”

Stars like Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morissette, Bette Midler, Jennifer Hudson, and more have taken to Twitter to share how his music effected them.

Several celebs lamented that the week has gotten even worse following Donald Trump being elected as president.

Click inside to read what more celebs are saying about Leonard Cohen… More Here! »

Leonard Cohen Dead - 'Hallelujah' Singer & Poet Dies at 82

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter who wrote the classic song “Hallelujah,” has died at the age of 82.

The artist’s Facebook page announced the sad news along with an official statement.

“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries,” the statement read.

“A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief,” the statement continued.

Among Leonard‘s honors in his career include being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. He is also a Companion of the Order of Canada, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive there.

Just a few weeks ago, Leonard released his fourteenth album You Want It Darker.

We send our thoughts and condolences to Leonard‘s loved ones during this difficult time.


Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah (Audio)
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