Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' Makes Another 'American Idol' Appearance

Maddy Curtis, the first standout performer in this just-launched ninth season of 'American Idol' got her golden ticket to Hollywood on the back of Leonard Cohen's everlasting classic 'Hallelujah.'

A couple years ago, the song enjoyed an 'Idol'-fueled iTunes surge after dreadlocked contestant Jason Castro crooned it on his way to a fourth-place finish.

Though very early in the audition process, Curtis seems like a lock to at least crack the top 12. "A bit of soul in there," noted Simon Cowell, adding, "Amazingly, for 16, you're not annoying.

But the young singer from Virgina should also go far because of her story. Not only does the pretty, poised teenager have a nice, restrained vocal style, but the 'Idol' producers showed a segment with her family -- which includes four younger brothers with Down syndrome, three of whom were adopted. "They see the world in colors," Maddy said, sweetly, "and we need to see the world that way."

Cohen, meanwhile, has been doing quite alright even without shout-outs from TV's most popular program. On top of his best-selling world tour -- which has kept Cohen on the road for much of the past two years and returns to Europe this spring -- the Montreal legend will be receiving a well-deserved lifetime achievement award (alongside Michael Jackson and Loretta Lynn) at the Grammys on January 31.