Leonard Cohen’s famous song “Hallelujah” has been covered by many, but none have ever come close to Mennel Ibtissem’s remarkable rendition on *The Voice France*.
The 22-year-old vocalist had already won the judges over with her strong gospel and R&B rendition of the song before she had even completed her introduction.
By singing in Arabic and English and fusing several musical genres, Mennel, a Muslim performer of French and Syrian heritage, distinguished her performance.
She also added lyrics from Kuwaiti artist Muhammad Al Husayn’s “Ya Ilahi (Oh My Lord)” to her rendition, which gave the traditional song a new perspective.
Fans praised Mennel’s amazing voice, attractive features, and the significance of her blue turban as a symbol of representation for French Muslim women in the spotlight as her performance enthralled the French media.
Mennel’s iconic renditions of A Great Big World’s “Hallelujah” and “Say Something” were also featured on *America’s Got Talent*.
