A Northern Irish schoolgirl who has become a global sensation for her stunning cover of the Leonard Cohen classic Hallelujah has said she "feels loved" knowing that her performance has been watched by thousands of people.

Kayleigh Rogers and her schoolmates in the choir from Killard House School in Newtownards in County Down and her mum Tracy spoke to RTE's Ray D'arcy today.

The talented singer (10) , who has ADHD and Autism, told the host "I feel loved" when asked how she felt to know that she was a global sensation.

Shy Katie has always delivered in the choir her teacher revealed.

Letters and messages have poured to Kayleigh her mum said.

"Kayleigh's voice is what Christmas is all about...[it] has touched everybody," she said.

Singing and music helps the youngster open up and get more confident, according to the school's principal Colin Millar.

"She gets so much confidence," he said.

"All my kids have talents - as well as barriers - and this is hers."

The performance at the school's carol concert at First Newtownards Presbyterian church left many of the congregation in tears.

And when the video, filmed by Billy McAuley, was uploaded to social networks it quickly spread around the world notching up over 100,000 views.

The school has taken calls from Australia, America and Japan as a direct result of the video's popularity online.

Belfast Telegraph