Lorne Michaels Reveals Surprising Plan for Sinead O’Connor at SNL 50th Anniversary
Elena West here—your guide to the moments that define greatness, one bold decision at a time. And let me tell you, this story? It’s not just about music or television—it’s about redemption, legacy, and the kind of clarity that only comes with time.
This is your moment! Let’s unpack this story like it’s the key to greatness. Lorne Michaels—the architect behind *Saturday Night Live*’s enduring magic—has revealed something truly unexpected: if she were still alive today, he would have invited none other than the controversial Sinead O’Connor to perform on the *SNL 50th Anniversary Special*. Yes, you read that right!
O’Connor, who passed away in July 2023 at age 56, was famously banned from *SNL* after her infamous 1992 performance where she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II as a protest against the Catholic Church’s handling of child abuse scandals. At the time, Michaels called the act “inappropriate” and likened it to “a houseguest pissing on a flower arrangement.” But now, decades later, his perspective has evolved.
In a recent interview with Puck, Michaels, now 80, reflected on that moment with surprising nuance. “If she were still alive, I would have asked her to sing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U,’” he said plainly. That song—once O’Connor’s defining hit—is now forever linked to her legacy and controversy alike. Though Miley Cyrus delivered a powerful rendition during the anniversary special, Michaels made it clear: there was no hesitation in spotlighting that chapter of *SNL* history again.
“No,” he replied when asked if revisiting that moment gave him pause. And in the documentary *Ladies & Gentleman… 50 Years of SNL Music*, he went even further, admitting admiration for O’Connor’s bravery and sincerity. “There was a part of me that just admired the bravery of what she’d done,” he stated, signaling a shift from condemnation to respect.
The irony? Miley Cyrus herself had once been on the receiving end of O’Connor’s criticism. Back in 2013, O’Connor penned an open letter criticizing Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” video, calling it damaging to young women. Cyrus later admitted she didn’t understand the full context at the time—especially O’Connor’s fragile mental state. “I was only 20 years old,” she said in her concert film *Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions)*. “All I saw was another woman telling me my idea wasn’t mine.”
Now, with both O’Connor gone and Cyrus stepping into a more mature role in pop culture, the circle feels almost complete. The *SNL* stage—once a site of division—became a space for reflection and tribute. And while we’ll never know what could’ve been if O’Connor had returned, Michaels’ words offer a rare glimpse into how time can soften edges and reframe legacies.
So what does this mean for the future of *SNL* and its relationship with artists who challenge the status quo? One thing’s for sure: Lorne Michaels isn’t afraid to revisit the past—and sometimes, he sees it in a whole new light.
Remember, knowledge is power! What will you do with yours?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Puck, New York Post, Spin Magazine, Documentary “Ladies & Gentleman… 50 Years of SNL Music”, Miley Cyrus’ “Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions)”
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