Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a moving tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor during the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” captivating audiences with a rendition of Prince’s iconic song, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” famously interpreted by O’Connor. This performance served as a poignant homage to O’Connor’s enduring musical legacy and her complex history with “Saturday Night Live.”
Two nights prior to this special tribute, Cyrus and Howard had already graced the stage during the “Saturday Night Live” concert special. However, their performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” on Sunday night carried a deeper resonance, explicitly honoring O’Connor’s powerful artistry. The song, originally penned by Prince in 1985, reached global acclaim in 1990 when O’Connor recorded it for her seminal album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” O’Connor’s emotionally charged delivery transformed “Nothing Compares 2 U” into her signature song, a timeless ballad of longing and heartbreak that resonated with millions.
The choice of “Nothing Compares 2 U” for this tribute was particularly meaningful given O’Connor’s controversial yet unforgettable history with “Saturday Night Live.” In 1992, during a performance on the show hosted by Tim Robbins, O’Connor bravely used her platform to protest against child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. She concluded her performance of Bob Marley’s “War” by tearing up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, declaring, “Fight the real enemy.” This act, while deeply controversial, was a powerful statement against injustice and a call for accountability.
The aftermath of O’Connor’s 1992 SNL appearance was swift and severe. She faced immediate backlash, including a ban from “Saturday Night Live” and public condemnation. The subsequent host, Joe Pesci, even mocked her actions on air. Shortly after, during a Bob Dylan tribute concert in New York City, O’Connor was met with boos from the audience, highlighting the intense public disapproval she faced.
Despite the career repercussions, O’Connor maintained a strong sense of conviction about her actions. In her 2021 memoir, “Rememberings,” she reflected on the incident, stating, “A lot of people say or think that tearing up the pope’s photo derailed my career. That’s not how I feel about it. I feel that having a number-one record derailed my career and my tearing the photo put me back on the right track.” She viewed her protest as a necessary act of conscience, even if it came at a personal cost. In a 2021 interview with People magazine, she acknowledged the anticipated backlash, demonstrating an understanding of the American perspective at the time, “I understood it, because we joke in Ireland or in Europe that Americans, they don’t think anything happened until it happened to them. So I totally understood. I didn’t blame anyone.”
Sinéad O’Connor’s passing in 2023 at the age of 56 marked the loss of a singular voice in music and activism. Cyrus and Howard’s performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” at SNL50 served as a poignant reminder of her artistry, her courage, and the enduring power of her music. Their tribute not only celebrated O’Connor’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” but also honored her fearless spirit and willingness to speak truth to power, solidifying her place as a legend.
The performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard can be watched online, allowing audiences worldwide to witness this heartfelt homage to Sinéad O’Connor and her unforgettable song.
