Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful 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.” This poignant performance, which aired on Sunday night, served as a heartfelt homage to O’Connor’s indelible mark on music and her courageous spirit. The duo, who had also graced the stage during the “Saturday Night Live” concert special just two nights prior, chose this moment to spotlight the song that became synonymous with O’Connor’s raw emotion and vocal prowess.
“Nothing Compares 2 U,” originally penned by Prince in 1985, reached global acclaim in 1990 when O’Connor infused it with her signature vulnerability and intensity for her second studio album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” Her rendition transformed the song into a timeless ballad of longing and heartbreak, cementing her place in music history. The choice of this song for the SNL tribute resonated deeply, not only because of its musical significance but also because of O’Connor’s complex history with “Saturday Night Live” itself.
O’Connor’s relationship with “Saturday Night Live” is etched in television history due to her controversial performance in 1992. During her appearance on the show, hosted by Tim Robbins, she delivered a chilling a cappella cover of Bob Marley’s protest song, “War.” However, it was the episode’s finale that ignited a firestorm. In a move that shocked viewers and sparked immediate backlash, O’Connor tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television. As she defiantly scattered the pieces, she declared, “Fight the real enemy.” This act of protest, as O’Connor later explained, was a powerful statement against the pervasive issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, a crisis she felt was being ignored and covered up.
The immediate aftermath of O’Connor’s protest was severe. “Saturday Night Live” swiftly banned her from future appearances. The controversy became fodder for subsequent sketches on the show, and the following week’s host, Joe Pesci, publicly criticized her actions. This incident had a profound and lasting impact on O’Connor’s career. Just days after the SNL episode aired, she faced a hostile reception at a Bob Dylan tribute concert in New York City, where she was met with boos from the audience.
Despite the significant career repercussions, O’Connor held firm in her convictions. 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.” This perspective reveals O’Connor’s unwavering commitment to her principles, even in the face of widespread condemnation. She viewed her act of protest as a necessary step in reclaiming her artistic integrity and staying true to her voice.
In a separate 2021 interview with People magazine, O’Connor further elaborated on her understanding of the reaction to her protest. “I was well aware there would be [backlash],” she admitted. Showing remarkable insight, she added, “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.” This quote encapsulates O’Connor’s ability to empathize even with those who criticized her, recognizing the cultural context that shaped their reactions.
Sinéad O’Connor’s passing in 2023 at the age of 56 marked the loss of a truly unique and fearless artist. Her rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and emotional depth. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s performance on SNL50 served as a poignant reminder of O’Connor’s enduring legacy, celebrating not only her musical contributions but also her courageous activism and unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. Their tribute ensured that O’Connor’s powerful voice and the haunting beauty of “Nothing Compares 2 U” continue to resonate with new generations.
