SINEAD O'Connor has been in the spotlight since her successful debut album The Lion and the Cobra.
The 55-year-old has had many ups and downs throughout her career - giving birth to four children, battling mental health demons, and tragically losing one of her youngest children to suicide.
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Here, we take a look at the life and career of iconic artist, Sinead O'Connor.
FAMILY
Sinead was born on December 8, 1966, to parents John and Marie O'Connor.
The Glenageary native is one of five children and has three brothers, Eoin, John, and Joseph, and one sister, Eimear.
The singer has been married four times and has four children - Jake, 35, Roisin, 26, Shane (deceased) and Yeshua, 15.
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Sinead shared her late son Shane with musician Donal Lunny.
Sinead and Donal split shortly after Shane's arrival.
After a string of high profile relationships, Sinead appears to be single at the moment.
The Nothing Compares 2U star, fromWicklow, previously said she couldn't care less about sex.
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She said: “I’m not in a relationship. I couldn’t give a f*** if I never had sex again. It has made me life safer and more peaceful. In fact it has probably made the island of Ireland safer.
“Since I had a hysterectomy, I am not interested in sex anymore.
"I had some great lovers when I had a reproductive system but when you don’t have a reproductive system, you’re just not horny. I couldn’t care less if I never saw a d*** again.
“But a man did give me a hug recently and it did give me a shiver so I thought it might not be such a famine road down at my vagina.”
Last year, Sinead put her stunning seaside house in Bray up for sale.
The 55-year-old placed her six bedroom, four bathroom semi-detached property on the market for exactly €950,000.
The singer previously attempted to sell the seaside residence and marked it significantly less than the €1.7m she originally bought it for in 2007.
Thelegendary Dublin singer’s pad was eventually snapped up for over €1million.
RELIGION
Mum-of-four Sineadwas ordained a priest by a Catholic sect during the 1990s.
In the past, she has said in interviews that her Christian faith has helped her overcome personal turmoil.
But in 2011 she labelled the Vatican a "nest of vipers" over alleged child sex abuse.
In 2017, Sinead changed her name to Magda Davitt, saying in an interview that she wanted to be "free of parental curses".
The next year, the Irish singer changed faiths and her name toShuhada Sadaqat.
MENTAL HEALTH BATTLE
In the past, Sinead has received treatment in a variety of facilities in Ireland and abroad.
In 2019, she said she had finally reached a point where she understood her condition following years of incorrect diagnoses.
She explained: “When you aren’t well and you don’t realise you’re not well you end up burning your bridges a bit so you end up a bit isolated.
“With every illness there is a scale from 0 to 100 and they’ve managed to mathematically work out my situation.
“I have threemental healthconditions. One is borderline personality disorder, that they say is 50 per cent of what’s wrong with me.
“That’s an illness you can only get from trauma, it is curable, therefore.
“It is co diagnosed with another condition which is called complex post-traumatic stress disorder and I’m 40 per cent suffering from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, and ten per cent bipolar."
CHILDHOOD
Sinead was thrown out of three schools in nine months because she kept getting caught stealing before being sent to a reformatory.
In extracts from her book, the singer described how she used to break free of the nuns to busk in Dublin and was inspired to start a career in music after the Fureys performed at her school.
She said that now-pal Finbar Furey doesn't remember meeting her back then, but he had a profound influence on her life.
O'Connoropened up about "stealing everything" as a young teen and described herself as "generally a pain in the ass"
She described stealing outfits for her friends because she was a fast sprinter, she would just put the clothes on in the shops and run.
O'Connor also told of being sent to An Grianán, a reformatory she described as a "grey place where loads of nuns live".
VARIED CAREER
After years on stage singing to fans worldwide, the singer revealed she had decided to become a "death midwife" in 2020.
The Irish singer said hercareer move to become a healthcare workerwas partly inspired by the loss of a pal five years ago - when she was "too frightened" of death in his final days.
The Nothing Compares 2U hitmaker started her one-year Fetac Level 5 Healthcare Support course on September 28, 2020.
Sinead also wrote a memoir, retelling some stories from her past.
In her memoir, Rememberings, Sinead gave a taster of what happened withPrincein 1990 after she turned his song Nothing Compares 2 U into a worldwide hit.
Sinead recounted how Prince had summoned her to his Hollywood mansion, chastised her for swearing in interviews, harangued his butler to serve her soup though Sinead repeatedly refused it.
She also wrote that he sweetly suggested a pillow fight, only to thump her with something hard he’d slipped into his pillowcase.
Sineadsaid she escaped on foot in the middle of the night, but Prince stalked her with his car, then leapt out and chased her around the highway.
But afterPrince was found deadin his Paisley Park estate on April 21, 2016, from what was later reported as an opiate overdose, Sinead seemed to have made peace with the superstar, later dedicating her performance to Prince when she sang it on The Late Late Show.
Sinead said: “I cried my eyes out for days when Prince died because of the loneliness of his death. I wouldn’t wish that death on anyone. I would have liked to have held Prince at his death. The manner of his death, all alone, made me cry and that’s what made me dedicate the song to him.
“I hadn’t been working for five years, so I never got the chance to honour his death. We were two big egos, so on a personal level we didn’t get on. I was aware Prince did some dark drugs so it didn’t surprise me, but I was surprised he died alone.”
The new documentary aboutSinead'srise to fame, Nothing Compares, was directed by Kathryn Ferguson and first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year - but its Irish premiere took place in Dublin in early October.
It looks at the story of Sinead's rise to worldwide fame, and how her iconoclastic personality resulted in her exile from the pop mainstream.
Focusing on prophetic words and deeds across a six-year period (1987-1993), the film reflects on the legacy of this fearless trailblazer, through a contemporary feminist lens.
During the flick, the Irish singer discusses why shetore up the Pope’s picture on TVand the reason sheshaved her head.
The Nothing Compares 2 U singer, 55, caused outrage when she shredded the photo of Pope John Paul II on US showSaturday Night Livein 1992, at the height of her success.
Speaking in a new documentary about her career highs and lows, Sinead said she has no regrets about her decision.
She said: “They all thought I should be made a mockery of for throwing my career down the drain. I never set out to be a popstar, so I didn’t throw away any career.
“I wasn’t sorry, I didn’t regret it. It was the proudest thing I’ve ever done as an artist. The (critics) killed me but I didn’t die. They tried to bury me but they didn’t realise I was a seed.”
She also revealed how she shaved her head in a stand-off with her record company before they launched her first album.
She said: “They wanted me to grow my hair long, wear short skirts and high heels and make-up and write songs that wouldn’t challenge anything.
“But I come from a country where there used to be riots in the streets over plays. That’s what art is for.
“There’s a tradition among Irish artists of being agitators and activists — whether they’re playwrights or poets.”
The documentary has been greeted with rave reviews and an outpouring of love for Sinead, after the film highlighted how she was right to highlight clerical abuse in the Catholic Church.
Sinead reckons she has made €10million during her career and gave away half of it after a “promise” to a priest when she was younger.
Sinead explained: “I didn’t burn through it, I made about 10 million quid, I gave away half of it because I had promised a priest when I was a kid I would payback for money I had stolen, which is all in the book.
“So I gave away half of it and was able to make money again by touring.
“I was able to even after ripping up the Pope [picture] and the whole Popstar thing."
LOVE FOR SHANE
In January 2022, Sinead announced that her 17 year-old son Shane had died.
Gardaihad previously launched an appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Shane O'Connor who had vanished from Tallaght Hospital.
His body was discovered outside Bray, CoWicklow, as gardai closed their missing persons investigation.
Sineadhas been very open about her grieving for her second youngest child, who had sadly battled mental health demons for a number of years.
Just days after her son's tragic passing, the singer was admitted to hospital.
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The singer-songwriter told how she felt "lost without [her] kid" and added: "Hospital will help a while."
In the weeks following Shane's death, Sinead had cancelled gigs, saying: "“There will never be anything to sing about again".
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FAQs
Inside Sinead O’Connor’s personal life, her career & love for late son Shane? ›
The real reason Sinead lost custody probably had nothing to do with her mental health. She likely lost custody of Shane for the same reason mothers around the world lose custody every day in family courts: judges choose to maintain men's power over their children, hence, over their exes through the children.
Why did Sinead o connor lose custody of Shane? ›The real reason Sinead lost custody probably had nothing to do with her mental health. She likely lost custody of Shane for the same reason mothers around the world lose custody every day in family courts: judges choose to maintain men's power over their children, hence, over their exes through the children.
What did Sinead O Connor say about her son? › Why did Sinead O Connor's career end? ›Thirty years ago this week, Sinéad O'Connor tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II on “Saturday Night Live,” effectively destroying her mainstream career with a single act of protest against the Catholic Church.
What issues does Shane o connor have? ›Gardai, the Irish police, said they were looking for Shane. And O'Connor—who has bipolar disorder and has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals herself—continued to beg for him to return. “Shane, your life is precious. God didn't chisel that beautiful smile on your beautiful face for nothing.
Was Shane O Connor found? ›An independent review panel will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Sinéad O'Connor's son Shane, who died by suicide. A missing person search for the 17-year-old was stood down on Saturday after his remains were discovered in Bray, Co Wicklow.
How much money is Sinead O Connor worth? ›According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sinead O'Connor is estimated to be worth around $1.5million. Sinead shot to fame in the 1990s, after record labels started to recognize her for the work she did with a band called Ton Ton Macoute. She has gone on to release ten studio albums, and has won a multitude of awards.
What was Sinead O Connor's son suffering from? ›Sinead O' Connor revealed Saturday morning that her 17-year-old son Shane has died by suicide days after he went missing from an Irish hospital's suicide watch ward.
Does Sinéad O Connor have a child? › What happened to Sinead O Connor's mom? ›Looking back on the events 30 years later Sinead reflected on the emotional turmoil caused by the death of her mother Marie in a car crash in February, 1985. She said: “I didn't know I was going to cry when I sang in the video [for Nothing Compares 2 U], because I didn't cry in the studio.
Why did Sinead o connor refused a Grammy? ›
Explaining her decision not to attend, she penned in an open letter: “As artists, I believe our function is to express the feelings of the human race–to always speak the truth and never keep it hidden even though we are operating in a world which does not like the sound of the truth.
Does Sinead O Connor have a sister? › Why did Sinead O Connor have a hysterectomy? ›Sinéad, who has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder as well as post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, said that she hit a low in 2015 when she had an emergency hysterectomy to treat endometriosis.
How was Shane O Connor traumatized? ›"Beaten With Hockey Sticks and Sweeping Brushes" Sinead O'Connor Opens Up About Her Traumatic Past. Sinead O'Connor has claimed that she suffered abuse at the hands of her late mother. According to the singer, her mother would beat her with sweeping brushes, hockey sticks and even poured hot water over her skin.
What happened to Sinead O Connors son Shane? ›O'Connors son, Shane O'Connor, was found dead on January 7th, 2022, after reportedly escaped suicide watch. He was 17 years old.
What is the Shane controversy? ›In 2018, Dawson was the subject of a controversy regarding comments he had made about pedophilia on a 2013 episode of his podcast Shane and Friends, after which he published an apology video likening his comedic style at the time to that of shock jocks.
Where was Shane found? ›Shane O'Connor was found in the Bray area of Wicklow, Republic of Ireland.
Where is Daniel O Connor buried? ›Visitation will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a rosary service to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with burial in Pinckney Colony Cemetery in Bluffton.
Who is Shane O Connor father? › Is Sinead O Connor A Vegan? ›She is best known for her heart-wrenching version of Prince's Nothing Compares 2 U. It is widely reported that Sinead is a vegan, although there doesn't seem to be any first-hand confirmation of this.
Where does Sineas Oconnor live? ›
Did Sinead O Connor sell her house? ›O'Connor purchased 'Montebello' in 2007 for a reported €1.7m. The house was previously placed on the market by the singer in 2016 and 2017, but was withdrawn from sale.
Who had custody of Shane Lunny? ›She shared custody of Shane with Irish folk singer Donal Lunny, the Sun reports.
Is Sinead an Irish name? ›The Irish name Sinead has the beautiful meaning of “God is gracious.” Known from many notable Irish figures such as Sinead O'Connor and Sinead de Valera, this name has firmly engraved itself in Irish culture and media. Surprisingly though, Sinead is also great for people who love the name Jane!
What is the latest on Sinead O Connor son? ›In January 2022, Sinead announced that her 17 year-old son Shane had died. Gardai had previously launched an appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Shane O'Connor who had vanished from Tallaght Hospital. His body was discovered outside Bray, Co Wicklow, as gardai closed their missing persons investigation.
Who is the oldest Grammy winner? ›Pinetop Perkins is the oldest person to win a Grammy. In 2011 he was awarded with Best Traditional Blues Album for Joined at the Hip, at 97 years of age.
Who is the biggest snubs in Grammy 2023? ›Snubs: Björk and Diana Ross
This year, Thank You was nominated for best traditional pop vocal album, but lost to Michael Buble's Higher (his fifth win in the category). Björk's Fossora was nominated for best alternative music album, but lost to Wet Leg's eponymous debut album.
Thirty years ago, "Nothing Compares 2 U" singer Sinéad O' Connor said "no" to the Grammys, refusing to accept an award on the U.S. music industry's biggest stage.
What was Sinead O Connor's relationship with her mother? ›Sinead had re-established contact with her mother, and the two had been getting on quite well. Then, however, Sinead challenged her mother about the abuse she had doled out to her and her mother denied everything. This caused Sinead to cut off ties with her mother and her family.
Where does Sinead O Connor love? ›Sinéad, who lives in the pretty tourist town of Bray on the east coast of Ireland, is wearing her own black leather corset. At the same time, after years of therapy, she found a counsellor who specialised in childhood abuse and trauma, and this, above all, is what she credits with transforming her life.
What race is Sinead? ›
Born to a Thai mother and an Irish father, Harnett grew up in Finchley, north London. She attended Arts University College Bournemouth, where she studied for a degree in acting and appeared in student productions of plays such as One Thousand and One Nights.
Does the Catholic Church approve of hysterectomy? ›Pope John Paul II had the last word on elective hysterectomies in 1993 when he confirmed that only circumstances that actually put a woman's life in danger would be considered justifiable. According to strict Catholicism, a woman is never to use chemical or artificial birth control and to always be open to conception.
Does the Catholic Church allow hysterectomy? ›The Vatican has clarified its opposition to hysterectomies, saying it's OK to remove a uterus that is “no longer suitable for procreation.”
Why do doctors avoid hysterectomy? ›Hysterectomy can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction, prolapse, and incontinence as well as a 4-fold increased risk of pelvic organ fistula surgery. Other risks include certain cancers – rectal, thyroid, renal cell, and brain – as well as heart disease (#1 killer of women).
What mental illness does Sinead have? ›Speaking with Oprah Winfrey in October 2007, Sinead revealed publicly that she had been diagnosed with biopolar disorder four years previously - after attempting to take her own life on her 33rd birthday on December 8 1999.
Why did Sinead O Connor shave her hair? ›Shaving head was two fingers to music biz – I wasn't having any man telling me who to be, Sinead O'Connor says. SINEAD O'Connor says shaving her head was her way of giving two fingers to the patriarchy — and proving she was not like other pop stars.
Who stabbed Shane? ›Rick was well aware of the plan and countered by stabbing Shane in the chest. Carl then appeared, shooting Shane in the head after the man was reanimated. According to showrunner Glen Mazzara in 2012 (via MTV), it wasn't always the plan to kill off Shane from The Walking Dead, but it made sense for the story direction.
Who is Sinead OConnor baby daddy? ›Soon after the birth of her daughter Brigidine Roisin Waters on 10 March 1996, O'Connor and the girl's father, Irish journalist John Waters, began a long custody battle that ended with O'Connor agreeing to let Roisin live in Dublin with Waters.
What did Shane do to his cousin? ›Shane Conrad sentenced to prison for providing drugs that led to his cousin's fatal drug overdose.
What year did Shane get Cancelled? ›Shane Dawson has opened up about being infamously 'canceled' by the internet in 2020, after old problematic videos came to light. Dawson apologized in 2020 for his old and offensive content, which included blackface, racism, and jokes about pedophilia.
Why was Sinead booed? ›
Sinead O'Connor was booed off stage at Bob Dylan concert over tearing up Pope's picture.
Who is the father of Sinead O Connor's son Shane? ›Shane was one of O'Connor's four children. His father was Irish musician Donal Lunny. O'Connor first became famous for her arresting 1990 cover of the Prince song “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She emerged from an abusive family in Ireland and has been candid about her own struggles with mental illness.
Does Sinéad O Connor have a partner? ›...
| Sinéad O'Connor | |
|---|---|
| Partner(s) | Peter Gabriel (1992–1993) Richard Heslop (1994–1995) John Waters (1995–1996) Dónal Lunny (2004) Frank Bonadio (2006–2007) |
Proud of self. Wasn't easy…” Sinead has been abusing marijuana for many years. Eventually deciding that enough was enough, she admitted herself to a sober living facility to aid her on her journey to sobriety as well as to have supervision in case of an addiction relapse.
What religion is Sinead O Connor son? ›Shane O'Connor, the teenage son of Irish musician Sinéad O'Connor, had penned plans for his own funeral before tragically taking his own life last week. Sinéad O'Connor said on Twitter that her son, who was Hindu, wanted only his parents to be present at his funeral.
What did Sinead O Connor do on SNL? ›Singer Sinead O'Connor sparked outrage on Oct. 3, 1992, when she tore up a picture of the Pope during her musical performance on Saturday Night Live. In the lead-up to the episode, show creator Lorne Michaels had all of his attention on outspoken host Tim Robbins.