The Singer Behind ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ Who Shaped Her Legacy with Outspoken Views

Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer-songwriter who rose to international fame in 1990 with her chart-topping cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U, was both celebrated and controversial throughout her career. Her emotionally charged performance in the iconic video, where she sang with tears rolling down her face, left a lasting impression on audiences. The simple yet powerful image of her shaven head became synonymous with her haunting ballad, marking one of the most memorable moments in music history.

Born in December 1966 in Glenageary, County Dublin, O’Connor endured a difficult childhood. As one of five children, she suffered physical abuse at the hands of her mother, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1985. At 15, she was sent to a Magdalene asylum due to shoplifting and truancy, but it was here that her musical talents were discovered. Her debut album, The Lion And The Cobra (1987), earned her critical acclaim, setting the stage for her later success.

O’Connor’s rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U earned her multiple Grammy nominations and in 1991, she was named Artist of the Year by Rolling Stone. Over the years, she released 10 solo albums, collaborated with artists across genres, and contributed music to film. However, her career was marked by a series of controversial public moments that kept her in the spotlight.

In 1990, O’Connor made headlines for refusing to perform in New Jersey if the Star-Spangled Banner was played. She later shocked audiences in 1992 on Saturday Night Live when she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, an act that sparked widespread outrage. A staunch critic of the Catholic Church, particularly its handling of sexual abuse scandals, O’Connor was ordained as a priest by an independent Catholic bishop in 1999 and began using the name Mother Bernadette Mary.

Her outspoken nature extended to other public figures. In 2013, she penned an open letter to Miley Cyrus, urging the young pop star to avoid exploitation by the music industry. In 2016, O’Connor’s accusations against US comedian Arsenio Hall, claiming he supplied drugs to Prince and drugged her, led to a lawsuit.

Despite her musical genius, O’Connor’s personal life was turbulent. Married four times, she spoke openly about her struggles with mental health. In 2007, during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, O’Connor revealed her bipolar disorder diagnosis and battles with suicidal thoughts. Over the years, she candidly shared her struggles with mental health, including hospitalisations, breakdowns, and suicidal episodes. In 2015, she even posted a message about taking an overdose, prompting hospitalisation for mental health evaluation.

The death of her 17-year-old son Shane in January 2022, who took his own life, was a devastating blow. O’Connor, describing him as “the very light of my life,” mourned deeply, and shortly after his passing, she posted messages on social media indicating she had considered taking her own life. She later apologised and confirmed she was being admitted to the hospital for care.

In a shocking personal transformation, O’Connor announced in 2018 that she had converted to Islam, changing her name to Shuhada’ Davitt. Despite the many challenges, her resilience, defiance, and unapologetic authenticity remain at the heart of her legacy. Sinead O’Connor’s music and public life will continue to influence both the music industry and the broader cultural conversation for years to come.