Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard took to the stage during SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday, delivering a powerful rendition of the iconic Prince song “Nothing Compares 2 U.” While the performance honored the song itself, it seemed to subtly nod to the legendary Sinéad O’Connor, who first made the track a global hit in 1990.
O’Connor, known for her bold artistry, faced massive backlash following her infamous 1992 SNL appearance, where she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II during a performance of “War,” calling out sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. This controversial act sent shockwaves through the media and cost her dearly, affecting her career for years. Yet, O’Connor later reflected that the backlash didn’t derail her career, but rather, her chart-topping success had.
Cyrus and Howard’s cover of the song seemed to be a tribute to both the power of O’Connor’s rendition and her rebellious spirit, though they made no direct mention of the drama surrounding the original 1992 incident. O’Connor, who tragically passed away in 2023, once stated that her actions were driven by a desire to speak out against systemic injustices, understanding the potential consequences but staying true to her cause.
Their performance at SNL50 gave a new generation a chance to appreciate O’Connor’s legacy while reflecting on the music that transcends controversy.
