On a special night celebrating 50 years of Saturday Night Live, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful tribute that resonated deeply with music lovers. The duo teamed up to cover “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the iconic ballad penned by Prince and immortalized by Sinéad O’Connor, during the SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday night (Feb. 16). This rendition served not only as a musical highlight of the evening but also as a poignant nod to O’Connor’s enduring legacy and her own complex history with SNL.
Cyrus, known for her versatile vocal range, and Howard, the powerhouse frontwoman of Alabama Shakes, brought their unique strengths to the performance. Howard’s soulful guitar work provided a rich, textured backdrop, while Cyrus infused the melody with her signature raspy edge, honoring the emotional rawness that defined O’Connor’s original. The result was a cover that was both faithful to the spirit of the song and distinctly their own, captivating the audience and prompting reflection on the timeless appeal of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
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Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard Nothing Compares Sinead SNL Performance ]
The choice of “Nothing Compares 2 U” carried significant weight, especially within the context of SNL. While Sinéad O’Connor graced the SNL stage as a musical guest twice, she never performed her signature hit on the show. Instead, her 1992 appearance became infamous for her a cappella rendition of Bob Marley’s “War,” during which she protested child abuse in the Catholic Church by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II. This act, met with immediate backlash, effectively marked the end of her relationship with SNL.
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s decision to cover “Nothing Compares 2 U” on the SNL anniversary special can be interpreted as a subtle yet powerful homage to O’Connor’s courageous and often misunderstood stance. It served as a reminder of both her immense musical talent, forever linked to “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and her willingness to challenge the status quo, even at personal cost. By channeling the emotional depth of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Cyrus and Howard paid tribute to a singular artist whose voice and convictions continue to resonate, ensuring that Sinéad O’Connor’s artistry and impact are not forgotten, especially in relation to her complex history with Saturday Night Live.
