Miley Cyrus has responded to the backlash over her tribute to Sinead O’Connor during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary show. Cyrus performed O’Connor’s hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which sparked mixed reactions from viewers. The controversy stems from a past feud between Cyrus and O’Connor.
In 2013, O’Connor criticized Cyrus for promoting herself through sexual appeal after Cyrus claimed her “Wrecking Ball” video was inspired by O’Connor’s song. Despite the criticism, a source close to Cyrus said the pop star was aware her performance might provoke strong reactions.
Miley’s SNL tribute controversy explained
“It was absolutely Miley’s idea to sing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U,’ and she believes she killed it,” the source said. “Miley will never apologize for something that she owes no apology for.”
Cyrus’s tribute also touched on O’Connor’s own controversial SNL performance in 1992, when she tore up a photo of the Pope to protest child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. This moment led to a significant backlash that impacted O’Connor’s career.
After O’Connor’s passing in 2023, Cyrus reflected on their past altercations, saying, “God bless Sinead O’Connor, for real, in all seriousness.”
While some viewers felt Cyrus’s song choice and performance were in poor taste, others defended her artistic interpretation. Cyrus remains unfazed by the critics and stands by her decision to honor O’Connor in her own way.