In an evening already brimming with nostalgia and celebration, Ed Sheeran delivered a moment that would become the emotional high point of his Multiply 10-year anniversary concert. Joining forces with the acclaimed New Hope Gospel Choir, Sheeran stunned the sold-out Barclays Center with a breathtaking performance of Leonard Cohen’s timeless classic, Hallelujah.
The lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and Sheeran, standing center stage with only his acoustic guitar, began to sing the first quiet verses. Moments later, the New Hope Gospel Choir emerged behind him, their harmonies slowly swelling into a wave of soulful sound that lifted the entire arena.
Audience members, many of whom had followed Sheeran’s career from his earliest busking days to his current global stardom, were visibly emotional. Some wiped away tears, others simply stood in silent awe. For many, it was the most powerful moment of the night—a merging of simplicity and grandeur that transcended genre.
“It felt like the roof lifted off the building,” one fan said afterward. “You don’t just hear something like that. You feel it in your bones.”
Sheeran, known for his raw, vulnerable performances, appeared visibly moved by the moment. Between verses, he shared a few heartfelt words with the crowd, thanking the choir for their “incredible spirit” and reflecting on the meaning of the song: “This one has always held a special place in my heart. Singing it with this group of voices tonight makes it feel even more sacred.”
The New Hope Gospel Choir, based in Harlem and widely recognized for their work with artists like Alicia Keys and John Legend, brought a sense of depth and unity that elevated the performance beyond expectations. Their presence turned Sheeran’s gentle arrangement into a stirring, spiritual experience.
Clips of the performance quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram within hours. Fans flooded the comments with praise, calling it “transcendent,” “chilling,” and “the best live Hallelujah I’ve ever heard.”
As the final note rang out and the stage lights dimmed once more, the audience responded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. For a brief moment, in the heart of Brooklyn, music brought thousands of strangers together in shared wonder.
