Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor during “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” captivating the audience with a rendition of Prince’s iconic song, “Nothing Compares 2 U.” This poignant performance served as a highlight of the anniversary celebration, echoing O’Connor’s own memorable, and at times controversial, history with “Saturday Night Live.”
Two nights prior, the duo had already graced the stage during the “Saturday Night Live” concert special, setting the stage for their more emotionally charged appearance on Sunday. This time, their choice of “Nothing Compares 2 U” resonated deeply, given O’Connor’s definitive version of the 1985 track. She catapulted the song to global fame in 1990 with her album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” transforming it into an anthem of raw emotion and vulnerability. The song’s title itself, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” speaks volumes about the unique and irreplaceable nature of O’Connor’s artistry and impact.
O’Connor’s relationship with “Saturday Night Live” is etched in television history, marked by a moment of protest that sparked widespread debate. In 1992, during her appearance on the show hosted by Tim Robbins, O’Connor performed a stark a cappella version of Bob Marley’s “War.” Ending her performance, she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, uttering the impactful words, “Fight the real enemy.” This act, intended to protest sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, immediately ignited controversy and led to her being banned from “Saturday Night Live.”
The aftermath of O’Connor’s protest was intense. She faced public backlash, including being mocked on subsequent “Saturday Night Live” episodes and criticized by the following week’s host, Joe Pesci. Her career trajectory was undeniably affected. Just weeks after the controversial broadcast, during a Bob Dylan tribute concert in New York City, she was met with boos from the audience, demonstrating the strong emotions her actions had stirred.
However, Sinéad O’Connor held a different perspective on the incident’s impact on her life and career. In her 2021 memoir, “Rememberings,” she reflected, “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.” This statement reveals her unwavering commitment to her principles and her belief that authenticity was more important than mainstream success.
In a separate 2021 interview with People magazine, O’Connor reiterated her awareness of the impending backlash, stating she was “well aware there would be [backlash].” She also expressed understanding towards the American reaction, acknowledging cultural differences in perspectives on such issues. Her reflections offer a nuanced understanding of her actions and the reactions they provoked.
The tribute by Cyrus and Howard on “SNL50” gains even greater significance considering O’Connor’s passing in 2023 at the age of 56. Their performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” served not only as a musical homage but also as a reminder of O’Connor’s powerful voice, her fearless activism, and the enduring emotional resonance of her music. For many, Nothing Compares To U, Sinéad, and this performance was a beautiful acknowledgment of her lasting legacy.
[Watch Cyrus and Howard’s performance here] (link to performance – if available, otherwise remove).
