Lorne Michaels Reflects on Sinead O’Connor’s Legacy

Lorne Michaels, the iconic creator of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently expressed his regret over the absence of Sinead O’Connor during the SNL50 special. In a conversation with Puck, he stated, “If she were still alive, I would have asked her to sing that song,” referring to O’Connor’s powerful rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The tribute performance was instead delivered by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.

The Impact of Sinead O’Connor on SNL

O’Connor’s untimely passing in July 2023 at the age of 56 marked the loss of a significant voice in music and activism. Her most notable moment on SNL occurred in 1992, when she infamously tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II during her performance of Bob Marley’s “War.” This act was a bold protest against the Catholic Church, which was grappling with accusations of child abuse and cover-ups at the time. O’Connor’s message to the audience was clear: “fight the real enemy.”

Consequences of Her Protest

Following her controversial performance, O’Connor faced severe backlash from the media and was subsequently banned from returning to SNL. Just weeks later, she performed at The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration honoring Bob Dylan, where she was introduced by Kris Kristofferson as an artist synonymous with “courage and integrity.” Unfortunately, O’Connor was met with boos from the audience during her performance.

The Fallout from O’Connor’s Actions

O’Connor’s actions did not go unnoticed, and other SNL episodes mocked her protest. When actor Joe Pesci hosted the show, he remarked that he would like to grab O’Connor “by the eyebrows” and “give her such a smack.” In another instance, Madonna mimicked O’Connor’s act by tearing up a photo of Joey Buttafuoco, a convicted rapist, echoing the sentiment of “fight the real enemy.”

Michaels’ Initial Reaction

In 1993, Lorne Michaels shared his perspective on O’Connor’s actions, stating, “I thought [it] was sort of the wrong place for it, I thought her behavior was inappropriate.” He expressed concern about the difficulty of transitioning back to comedy sketches after such a heavy moment, emphasizing that O’Connor had not informed the show about her intentions beforehand.

Sinead O’Connor’s Unwavering Conviction

Despite the backlash, O’Connor remained steadfast in her decision. In a 2021 interview with People, she reflected, “I had a pretty good feeling… there’s a tradition in Irish art… of the type of, ‘Let’s see what happens if.’ So there was a part of me that was curious to see what would happen.”

Conclusion

Sinead O’Connor’s legacy is marked by her fearless activism and commitment to her beliefs, even in the face of widespread criticism. Lorne Michaels’ acknowledgment of her potential performance during the SNL50 special serves as a poignant reminder of the impact she made on both music and cultural discourse.

FAQs

What song did Sinead O’Connor famously perform on SNL?

Sinead O’Connor famously performed Bob Marley’s “War” on SNL, during which she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II.

Why was Sinead O’Connor banned from SNL?

O’Connor was banned from SNL after her controversial protest against the Catholic Church during her performance, which drew significant media backlash.

Did Sinead O’Connor regret her actions on SNL?

No, Sinead O’Connor stood by her decision and expressed that she was curious to see the reactions her actions would provoke.

Who performed “Nothing Compares 2 U” during the SNL50 special?

Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard performed “Nothing Compares 2 U” during the SNL50 special instead of Sinead O’Connor.