You Raise Me Up was originally composed as an instrumental called Silent Story, You Raise Me Up gained its lyrics when Norwegian composer Rolf Løvland invited Brendan to transform the melody into a song for Secret Garden’s 2002 album, Once In A Red Moon.

Irish singer Brian Kennedy recorded You Raise Me Up with Secret Garden for the album, earning Norway. However, its journey to worldwide acclaim began when Josh Groban’s 2004 rendition topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart.

Hugely successful Irish pop band Westlife raised the song’s profile further when they made it the debut single from their album Face to Face in 2005 and it achieved status as UK Record of the Year. You Raise Me Up went on to become a universal inspirational anthem featured at everything from the 2005 and 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Concerts to the Olympic Games, helping to turn You Raise Me Up into a global phenomenon and a 21st-century classic.

Groban performed the song at several high-profile events in the US including Super Bowl XXXVIII, Oprah Winfrey’s 50th birthday celebration and with Aretha Franklin for Nelson Mandela’s 91st Birthday concert at Radio City Music Hall, New York in July 2009.

Below are six unique versions of You Raise Me Up, featuring Josh Groban's soaring rendition, Westlife's chart-topping hit, Secret Garden with Brian Kennedy’s original, and powerful performances by Celtic Woman, Selah, and Aretha Franklin—each highlighting the song's universal appeal and timeless inspiration.