Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard Honor Sinéad O’Connor on SNL50 Special
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard paid tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor during the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” on February 16, 2025, with a heartfelt performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The Prince-penned song, famously covered by O’Connor on her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, became a global hit and remains one of her most iconic works. Backed by the Roots, Cyrus and Howard delivered a soulful and gritty rendition of the track, honoring O’Connor’s legacy.
O’Connor, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 56, had a notable history with Saturday Night Live. During her 1992 appearance as a musical guest, she performed an a cappella version of Bob Marley’s “War” and famously tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television, declaring, “Fight the real enemy.” The act was a protest against the Catholic Church’s alleged cover-up of sexual abuse, and it sparked significant backlash, impacting her career. Despite the controversy, O’Connor later reflected that she did not regret her actions, stating in her 2021 memoir that tearing up the photo “put me back on the right track.”
The performance by Cyrus and Howard did not directly reference O’Connor’s protest but served as a poignant homage to her artistry. The duo had previously collaborated during the SNL50 homecoming concert two days earlier, performing Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” The anniversary special, which aired live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, featured a star-studded lineup of alumni, hosts, and musical guests, celebrating 50 years of Saturday Night Live.
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard Pay Tribute to Sinèad O'Connor with 'Nothing Compares 2 U' Cover
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard paid tribute to Sinèad O'Connor with a cover of her song Nothing Compares 2 U during the 'SNL50: The Anniversary Speci
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Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard Sing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ on ‘SNL50,’ But Don’t Reference Sinéad O’Connor Controversy
On SNL50, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard covered Nothing Compares 2 U, the Prince song famously covered by Sinead O'Connor.
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Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, the Roots Perform a Rousing 'Nothing Compares 2 U' on 'SNL50'
Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, and the Roots paid tribute to Sinead O'Connor with a performance of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' on 'SNL50.'
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Miley Cyrus Covers Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ With Brittany Howard for ‘SNL50’ Special
Miley Cyrus teamed up with Brittany Howard to cover Nothing Compares 2 U, the hit made famous by Sinéad O'Connor, on Sunday's SNL50 special.
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Watch Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard Cover “Nothing Compares 2 U” On SNL 50th Anniversary Special
On Friday night Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard covered Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” at SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, which aired on Peac
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‘SNL50’: Aubrey Plaza Introduces Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard In First Public Appearance Since Her Husband’s Death
At 'SNL50', Aubrey Plaza made her first public appearance since the dead of her husband, Jeff Baena. She introduced Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard.
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Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard pay tribute to Queen at SNL 50th anniversary concert
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard covered Crazy Little Thing Called Love in a nod to Queen's final public performance in North American prior to Freddie
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