Leonard Cohen Set For Million Pound X Factor Windfall

Londoner Alexandra Burke may have walked away with the title on Saturday night, but veteran Leonard Cohen looks set to emerge as the real winner of this year's X Factor.

The singer is set to earn £1million in royalties after his 1984 song, 'Hallelujah', was chosen to be the winner's first official single.
 
Burke's cover of the song, which was released at midnight on Saturday, is expected to race to number one this week on digital-download sales alone.

The royalties cheque will be a welcome one for Cohen. The 74-year-old has spent much of 2008 touring in order to recuperate the loss of his $10million retirement fund.

Cohen, who is reported to have earned £5million alone from two UK tours this year, was plunged into financial difficulties three years ago after his former manager allegedly misappropriated his earnings.

Cohen's 'Hallelujah' has been covered by a host of artists over the years, including Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Buckley.