The estate of the late legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen strongly objected to President Donald Trump’s promise to use his song “Hallelujah” ahead of Wednesday’s Freedom 250 rally on the National Mall. “The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song ‘Hallelujah’ is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24,” the singer’s estate posted to social media on Wednesday. “This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage.”
Estate's Statement Echoes Trump's Style
In an apparent dig at the way Trump often ends his lengthy Truth Social posts, the Cohen estate concluded its statement with: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Trump's Announcement and Artist Backlash
Trump first announced that “Hallelujah” would be performed three weeks ago, after changing the event from a series of planned concerts to a political rally because numerous artists slated to perform had backed out. In his June 4 announcement, Trump said that the event would be “the Greatest Rally, EVER!” and “a Rally to end all Rallies!” and insulted the artists who decided not to perform. “We don’t want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep — we’ve told them all to stay home,” Trump wrote at the time. “All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played, the same Music you have listened to for years! We will have the fabulous Lee Greenwood introducing me with what has turned out to be one of the Greatest Hits of All Time, ‘GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.’”
Those who canceled their planned performances included: Morris Day, Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Young MC, the Commodores and Milli Vanilli. Of the originally booked artists, only Vanilla Ice said he would go through with the performance.
Opera Singer to Perform 'Hallelujah'
Opera singer Christopher Macchio is set to perform the Cohen-penned song “Hallelujah” on Wednesday, along with “Nessun Dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.”
