Churchill

'Hallelujah' is tenth worst cover version of all time

 

12/01/2009


New research by Churchill Insurance* shows that Alexandra Burke's version of 'Hallelujah' comes tenth on the list of worst cover versions of all time, behind some more established pop names:

 

The Churchill Insurance worst cover versions top ten:

 

  1. Lucy in the sky with diamonds – William Shatner
    Originally sung by the Beatles, 'Lucy in the sky with Diamonds' was covered by William Shatner in an album released in 1968** and has been voted the worst cover version ever
  2. I love rock 'n' roll – Britney Spears
    Joan Jett & the Blackhearts may have got a hit with 'I love rock 'n' roll', but Britney's version has rocked up at number two on the list of worst cover versions
  3. Spirit in the sky – Gareth Gates
    Originally a hit for Norman Greenbaum in 1970, Gareth Gates' version with the Kumars may have got to number one in the UK charts but isn't considered a hit in the covers stakes
  4. Papa don't preach – Kelly Osbourne
    Catchy and controversial, Madonna's original got to number one but Kelly Osbourne's punky version doesn't come up to scratch according to Churchill's poll
  5. The floral dance – Terry Wogan
    An original hit for Brighouse and Rastrick Band***, Wogan's 1978 version hasn't proved popular
  6. American pie – Madonna
    A folk-rock song by singer-songwriter Don McLean, Madonna's pop version doesn't sit well for those polled
  7. Unchained melody – Gareth Gates
    A romantic number one song for Jimmy Young, the Righteous Brothers and Robson and Jerome as well as Gareth Gates, hasn't swayed the UK public when it comes to another Gates' cover
  8. Stairway to heaven – Rolf Harris
    An album track originally recorded by rock band Led Zeppelin, Rolf and his didgeridoo /wobble board version haven't climbed the ladder of popularity
  9. I will always love you – Rik Waller
    Rik Waller's version isn't always loved as much as either Dolly Parton's or Whitney Houston's
    = Suspicious minds – Gareth Gates
    A commercial success for Elvis, the song scored a number one for Gareth Gates****…but did not score well in this poll
  10. Hallelujah – Alexandra Burke
    She may have the x factor and the fastest-selling download single ever across Europe*****, but those polled sing 'Hallelujah' when the song is over

Matt Owen, spokesperson for Churchill, says:

"Cover versions can provoke huge debate and what are considered to be bad covers for some, may be great versions for others. Even many of our so-called worst cover versions ever, and the people fronting them, have had great success."

 

"It's interesting to see that half of the worst cover versions have been sung by budding popstars coming through on reality TV programmes."

 

Churchill Insurance commissioned the research to mark the launch of a new TV advertisement featuring Rolf Harris and the iconic nodding dog.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Abi Clark
Churchill Insurance Press Office

Tel: 0208 285 3276

Email: abi.clark@rbs.co.uk

 

Notes to editors:

* Research conducted online on behalf of Churchill by Opinium Research between 17th and 19th   December 2008 amongst 2,441 respondents, representative of the UK adult population. www.opinium.co.uk

 

Music information taken from: www.everyhit.com

** William Shatner information taken from: Shatner 'breaks' Beatles record

 

*** Brighouse and Rastrick Band information taken from:

Brighouse & Rastrick Band: 'The Floral Dance'

 

****Double A-side with Will Young duet on The Long and Winding Road which reached number one in the UK charts

 

***** Alexandra Burke information taken from:

Alexandra Burke breaks record

 

Churchill

 

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering award-winning car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

 

Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com

 

Churchill Insurance Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1DP. Registered in England and Wales no.2258947. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/