Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, a dynamic musical pairing, delivered a poignant tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor during the star-studded “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” on Sunday night. The performance served as a powerful homage to O’Connor’s enduring legacy and her unforgettable rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Prior to this heartfelt performance, Cyrus and Howard had already graced the “Saturday Night Live” stage during a concert special two nights before as part of the SNL 50th-anniversary celebrations. However, their rendition of Prince’s iconic ballad “Nothing Compares 2 U” took on a deeper resonance, transforming into a moving commemoration of Sinéad O’Connor’s artistry. O’Connor famously captured hearts worldwide with her 1990 recording of the song for her acclaimed second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” solidifying it as her signature piece.
Sinéad O’Connor’s history with “Saturday Night Live” is itself layered with significance. In 1992, during a performance on the show, she delivered a powerful a cappella version of Bob Marley’s protest song “War.” In a moment that became instantly infamous and sparked widespread controversy, O’Connor concluded her performance by tearing up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, stating, “Fight the real enemy.” This act was a direct condemnation of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, a courageous stance that, while polarizing, highlighted her unwavering commitment to social justice and truth.
The aftermath of this SNL appearance was swift and impactful. O’Connor faced an immediate ban from “Saturday Night Live,” and the controversy reverberated throughout her career. She was publicly criticized and even mocked on subsequent SNL episodes. Joe Pesci, hosting the show the following week, openly expressed his anger at her actions. Just weeks later, when O’Connor performed at a Bob Dylan tribute concert in New York City, she was met with boos, illustrating the intense backlash she faced.
Despite the career repercussions, Sinéad O’Connor remained steadfast in her convictions. In her 2021 memoir, “Rememberings,” she offered a reflective perspective 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 quote reveals her complex relationship with fame and her prioritization of her principles over commercial success.
In a separate 2021 interview with People magazine, O’Connor further elaborated on her understanding of the reaction to her protest, acknowledging the cultural differences in perception. “I was well aware there would be [backlash],” she said, adding, “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 untimely passing in 2023 at the age of 56 marked a significant loss for the music world and for those who admired her fearless voice and artistic integrity. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U” at the SNL 50th anniversary served not only as a beautiful musical moment but also as a poignant reminder of O’Connor’s powerful legacy and the enduring emotional resonance of her most famous song. Their tribute underscored the timeless quality of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and its continued ability to move audiences, ensuring that Sinéad O’Connor’s artistry and spirit are remembered and celebrated.
