During the SNL50 Anniversary Special, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard took the stage to perform 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' a song that became a worldwide hit for Sinéad O’Connor in 1990. The performance was a powerful homage to O’Connor, who passed away in 2023. Accompanied by the Roots, Cyrus and Howard delivered a soulful rendition of the Prince-penned track. This performance was particularly poignant given O’Connor’s history with SNL, where she famously protested against the Catholic Church during her 1992 appearance. O’Connor’s act of tearing a photograph of Pope John Paul II while declaring 'Fight the real enemy' was a bold statement that reverberated through her career and beyond [1] [2].

Sinéad O’Connor’s legacy is marked by her fearless approach to addressing societal issues. Her 1992 SNL performance, where she tore a photo of the Pope to protest against the Catholic Church, was a defining moment in her career. Despite the backlash, O’Connor maintained that it was a necessary action to highlight the issue of child abuse within the church. In her memoir 'Rememberings,' she expressed that the controversy did not derail her career, but rather put her back on the right track. O’Connor’s boldness and her ability to use her platform for advocacy have left a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond [1] [3].

Miley Cyrus, known for her dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess, has had a long-standing relationship with Saturday Night Live. Over the years, she has appeared as both a host and musical guest multiple times, showcasing her versatility and resilience as an artist. Her recent performance at the SNL50 Anniversary Special is a testament to her evolution and ability to honor musical legends like Sinéad O’Connor. Cyrus's journey on SNL began during a transitional period in her career, and she has since become a staple on the show, admired for her ability to take risks and embrace unpredictability [4] [5].