Many people are familiar with the Irish singer and songwriter Sinéad O'Connor. She became famous after getting her start on the streets of Dublin, but her life was cut short, as she passed at the age of 56.

A statement was released by the family to the BBC, in which they said: "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."

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If there is one thing that this singer did, it was run contrary to anything that was typically seen in the industry. When she first got involved as a singer, the record executives wanted her to be glamorous, so she shaved her head.

Known for Her Music

She sang quite a few noteworthy songs, including 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' She won three Grammy nominations for that particular song. It also helped her to be named Artist of the Year by Rolling Stone in 1991.

Even though she was known for her music, it was often her behavior and what she did in public that stole the spotlight.

For example, she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II in October 1992. She had been a critic of the Catholic Church, even before the sexual abuse allegations came to light.

She publicly took that stance against the Catholic Church when she called them the enemy on Saturday Night Live.

Known For Her Political Views

She also had some strong political views that were often better known than some of her music. This included her support for the Irish Republican Army, which she gave in 1989.

Photos: YouTube / ABC News

Later that year, she withdrew her support for that organization and also didn't attend the Grammy ceremony because she felt it was overly commercialized.

Sometimes, her public escapades worked against her, and that was the case when she tore up the picture of the Pope. Not long after she did that, she was booed when she was singing at Madison Square Garden.

Interestingly, she also said that she was born a Catholic and would be the first at the church door if they offered sincere reconciliation. She was surprised that many assumed that she didn't believe in God.

She made another change in 2018 when she took on the name Shuhada’ Davitt and converted to Islam.

Despite the fact that she was not always shown in the best light, she did leave us some phenomenal songs, and her talent will be missed.

May she rest in peace.

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