Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, and The Roots delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor during “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” on Sunday. The segment, introduced by Aubrey Plaza in her first public appearance since the passing of her husband Jeff Baena, showcased a powerful performance of O’Connor’s iconic song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” originally penned by Prince.
Cyrus and Howard’s soulful and gritty duet was a touching homage to O’Connor, who appeared only once on “Saturday Night Live” in 1992. That memorable appearance was marked by O’Connor’s bold protest against the Catholic Church, in which she performed Bob Marley’s “War” a cappella and famously tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II while declaring, “Fight the real enemy.” This significant moment in music history highlighted O’Connor’s fearless spirit and commitment to her beliefs.
O’Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” featured on her 1990 album “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” became a massive hit, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. The tribute by Cyrus and Howard served not just as a reminder of O’Connor’s impact on music, but also as a celebration of her legacy.
As “SNL50” continues to celebrate a milestone in comedy and music, it will feature a variety of beloved faces, including Bad Bunny and Paul McCartney. The show opened with a touching rendition of “Homeward Bound” by Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon, while Steve Martin’s monologue included appearances from Martin Short and John Mulaney, elevating the night’s nostalgic atmosphere.
The tribute to O’Connor serves as a reminder of the profound influence artists can have and the lasting message of standing up for one’s beliefs. It reflects how music has the power to unite and reminisce on shared cultural moments, making it a special night for both fans and artists alike.