Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor has passed away at the age of 56.
The performer, known for her iconic voice and musical talent, left behind a remarkable legacy that touched the hearts of millions around the world.
With 10 studio albums to her name, Sinéad O’Connor achieved global recognition with her rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U," originally written by the legendary musician Prince.
The song not only topped charts worldwide but also earned her three Grammy nominations, solidifying her status as one of the industry's finest artists.
Her accompanying music video for "Nothing Compares 2 U" was equally iconic, featuring a close-up of her face as she poured her soul into the emotional lyrics. This masterpiece, directed by John Maybury, became as famous as the song itself and played a significant role in her success.
In 1991, O’Connor was named artist of the year by Rolling Stone magazine, a testament to the profound impact her music had on listeners. Earlier this year, she was honored with the inaugural Classic Irish Album award at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards for her album "I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got," where she also expressed her unwavering support for Ireland's refugee community.
President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to the late singer, praising her unique and fearless commitment to important issues, even if they were uncomfortable for some.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin also expressed their sorrow, acknowledging her unmatched talent and the love she garnered from fans worldwide.
Throughout her career, Sinéad O’Connor fearlessly expressed her views, leading to both controversy and admiration.
Her memorable protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church during a live television appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1992, and her boycott of the Grammy Awards the year before, were just some instances that exemplified her principled stance.
In more recent years, O’Connor focused on her spiritualism and activism, and candidly shared her struggles with mental health.
She revealed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder on Oprah Winfrey's talk show and became an advocate for mental health awareness. O’Connor also supported other young female artists, like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, facing intense public scrutiny.