'Voice of An Angel': Irish Singer-Songwriter Sinéad O'Connor Dead at 56

Known for hits such as "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Fire on Babylon," the decorated Irish musician was also known for controversially tearing up an image of Pope John Paul II during a televised performance and for being one of the earliest artists to boycott the Grammy Awards.

Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, known for her striking voice, powerful lyrics, and unwavering activism, died on Thursday, leaving behind a profound musical legacy that reverberates with generations of listeners. She was 56.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” Irish media quote a statement from the O'Connor's family.

Additional details surrounding her death have not been publicly made.

Born on December 8th, 1966, in Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland, Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor rose to international fame in the late 1980s with her debut album "The Lion and the Cobra" (1987), which showcased her raw talent and unique ability to convey deep emotions through her haunting vocals.

The album's standout track, "Nothing Compares 2 U," (written by Prince) became an iconic anthem, and was acknowledged as the number one world single in 1990 by Billboard Music Awards. The track propelled O'Connor into global stardom.

Throughout her career, O'Connor fearlessly used her music as a platform to address social and political issues, unafraid to challenge established norms and convey her unwavering beliefs. Her subsequent albums, including "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" (1990), "Am I Not Your Girl?" (1992), and "Universal Mother" (1994), showcased her versatility in various genres while continuing to deliver thought-provoking and soul-stirring lyrics.

O'Connor's impact extended far beyond the realm of music. She addressed topics such as child abuse, women's rights, and the struggles of marginalized communities, cementing her status as an influential activist.

Awarded a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance in 1991, O'Connor refused to accept the award, basing her decision on the fact that the music industry nurtures artists' reverence for material goods.

Sinéad O’Connor protests sexual abuse of minors in the church, ripping up a photo of The Pope Live on SNL — earning a lifetime ban from the show.

The following decades would reveal just how pervasive the abuse was. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/QwjP1lEQ4t

— Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) July 26, 2023

Her decision to rip up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television during a 1992 performance on "Saturday Night Live" sparked intense controversy regarding scandals involving Catholic Church and child abuse.

"I’m not sorry I did it. It was brilliant," she later said of her protest, adding that it was "very traumatising."

Beyond her activism, O'Connor grappled with personal challenges. Her openness about her mental health struggles brought much-needed attention and empathy to issues often stigmatized by society.

FILE - Kris Kristofferson comforts Sinead O'Connor after she was booed off stage during the Bob Dylan anniversary concert at New York Madison Square Garden, on Oct. 17, 1992. The performance was O'Connor's first live event since she ripped a picture of Pope John Paul II during a performance on "Saturday Night Live." O’Connor, the gifted Irish singer-songwriter who became a superstar in her mid-20s but was known as much for her private struggles and provocative actions as for her fierce and expressive music, has died at 56. The singer's family issued a statement reported Wednesday by the BBC and RTE.

© AP Photo / Ron Frehm

O'Connor recounted being subjected to domestic violence, which she sang about in "Fire on Babylon." At 15, because of shoplifting, she was moved to Magdalene Orphanage for a year and a half, where she met the drummer of Irish band Tua Nua and co-wrote their song "Take My Hand."

O'Connor was ordained as a priest by the Latin Tridentine Church in 1999, although this branch is not recognised by the main Catholic Church. In 2018, the artist changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat after having embraced Islam, which she called "the light of her life."

It is known that in January 8, 2022, O'Connor's 17-year-old son committed suicide. At the same time, the performer was hospitalized. In a social media post, she said she decided to "follow her son", as she did not see the meaning of life without him. O'Connor later admitted she believed she was to blame for her son's death.

As news of O'Connor's passing has spread, the music world has joined fans across the globe to mourn the loss. Her haunting ballads and unwavering commitment to fighting for justice and equality have left an indelible mark on the industry.

“The world has lost an artist with the voice of an Angel," Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor wrote.

"Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend. Sinead’s music will live on and continue to inspire! Rest In Peace, Sinead you are home with your son I am sure.”

RIP Sinéad O'Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family. pic.twitter.com/49ryuIhGTQ

— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) July 26, 2023

Sad to hear of the passing of sister Shuhada Sadaqat, also known as Sinéad O'Connor. She was a tender soul, may God, Most Merciful, grant her everlasting peace. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon - Verily we belong to God, and verily to Him do we return. 2:156 pic.twitter.com/arcZ3fPWK9

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) July 26, 2023

American rapper and actor Ice T expressed condolences on the death of the artist, saying: "Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something ... Unlike most people ... Rest Easy."

Actress Toni Collette memorialized the artist by recalling a time in her youth when she sang with O'Connor in Ireland, writing:

“I adored this woman from afar as a teenager. I will always admire her. I was lucky enough to hang out with her a few times in my twenties. On one occasion we all sang in the hills of Wicklow in Eire. I sang a Jane Siberry song and Sinead then asked/encouraged me to sing one of my own. Can you imagine the terror? The intimidation? The thrill?! She was so talented, so generous, humble, resilient, courageous and true. What a voice. What a force. My heart breaks. Rest in real peace Sinead."

O'Connor is survived by her two sons Jake and Yeshua, daughter Róisín and a grandchild.