Miley Cyrus Honors Sinéad O’Connor with Soul-Stirring “Nothing Compares 2 U” at SNL’s 50th Anniversary

On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live commemorated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special, featuring a standout performance by Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, and The Roots. The trio delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” paying tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, who passed away in July 2023. This performance held profound significance, considering the history between Cyrus and O’Connor.

In 2013, Cyrus cited O’Connor’s iconic “Nothing Compares 2 U” music video as inspiration for her “Wrecking Ball” video. O’Connor responded with an open letter, cautioning Cyrus about the potential exploitation by the music industry. This exchange led to a public feud between the two artists. However, following O’Connor’s death, Cyrus reflected on their past interactions, expressing respect and admiration for O’Connor’s contributions to music and her fearless advocacy. The anniversary performance served as a poignant acknowledgment of O’Connor’s legacy and a gesture of reconciliation.

Actress Aubrey Plaza introduced the performance, marking her first public appearance since the tragic passing of her husband, film director Jeff Baena, in January 2025. Plaza’s presence added an emotional depth to the evening, highlighting the show’s commitment to supporting its community during times of personal hardship.

The collaboration between Cyrus and Howard was a dream realized for Cyrus. She shared her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “Singing beside Brittany has been a dream of mine. She is vocally the best of the best.” Their combined vocal strengths, complemented by The Roots’ masterful instrumentation, resulted in a powerful and soulful rendition of the song.

The performance was part of a broader celebration that balanced humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt tributes. The special featured appearances by SNL alumni and celebrities, including Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Paul McCartney. Musical highlights included Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon performing “Homeward Bound,” and Adam Sandler delivering a comedic song reflecting on the show’s 50-year history.

The choice of “Nothing Compares 2 U” was particularly fitting, as the song, penned by Prince, gained worldwide acclaim through O’Connor’s emotive 1990 rendition. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the timeless piece. Cyrus and Howard’s version added a contemporary touch while honoring the song’s rich history.

Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Fans took to social media platforms to praise the performance, with comments highlighting the emotional resonance and vocal prowess displayed. One viewer noted, “I thought this performance was one of the best I’ve ever seen from SNL. Definitely something I feel will be looked back on as a career highlight for Miley and Brittany especially.”

For those who missed the live broadcast, the performance is available to watch on SNL’s official YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to experience this memorable tribute. This rendition stands as a testament to the unifying power of music and the enduring legacy of artists like Sinéad O’Connor.

In essence, the collaboration between Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, and The Roots during the SNL 50th Anniversary Special not only honored a musical icon but also showcased the healing and celebratory power of music, bridging past influences with contemporary artistry.

If you want more music and videos from Miley, check out her YouTube Channel. Fans can also connected with her on Instagram and Facebook. Get news, updates, and tour info on her official website.