December 13, 2008 21:45

Alexandra Burke wins 'The X Factor'

Singer will release cover of Leonard Cohen classic in time for Christmas

Alexandra Burke has won this year's final of 'The X Factor' tonight (December 13).

She beat boyband JLS into second place and Irish singer Eoghan Quigg into third.

The winner will now release a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', in time for Christmas and pick up a £1m record deal.

She was presented with a copy of her debut single, and the song became available for download after the programme, with the physical release set to hit the shelves early next week.

As part of the final, all three contenders had to perform a duet with an established chart act.

Burke got to perform with Beyonce and she covered 'Hallelujah'.

JLS sang with Westlife and Quigg teamed up with Boyzone.

Burke is set to perform with Elton John at London's O2 Arena on New Year's Eve (December 31).

Find out more about the history of the song 'Hallelujah' at NME.COM/PHOTOS. You can also watch different versions of the song, and debate whose 'Hallelujah' is the best, on the NME Office Blog.