Cynthia Erivo's powerhouse performance of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' | Next at the Kennedy Center

[@MsPea]

According to Susan Rogers, Prince's engineer, this song was written when his housekeeper/assistant, Sandy Scipioni, had to leave Paisley Park to take care of her father after he had a heart attack. She took care of just about everything in Prince's life and home. He was really dependent on her, and when she was gone, he missed her more and more. Susan said she came to work one day, and he had written this song about Sandy. They recorded it the same day. Susan also said that Sandy planted the flowers in the backyard that he mentions in the song. Lots of people think it's about one of his girlfriends, but it's not. It's about the woman who pretty much ran his life (except his music) for him (who was never his girlfriend).

[@ambrosiakamala5937]

What a beautiful memory! Thanks for sharing. Prince was such a spiritually gifted man, he had such an empathic heart. 💜 RIP Prince & Sinead💜

[@puredainty1]

Makes me love the song even more.

[@CndnHippo]

​@wolfsisterhowls music magazines keep perpetuating it. I thought he wrote it shortly after his mom and beloved dog passed away and he was just working through that combined grief.

[@blackcosmos]

The comments section is always a world of knowledge...

[@MsPea]

@@wolfsisterhowls -- I just reread the interview, and It was my mistake that I wrote Paisley Park. You're right about when the song was written. This is what Susan said in the interview: " In summer 1984, Prince's housekeeper, Sandy Scipioni, had to leave suddenly to be with her family because her father died of a heart attack. Sandy ran Prince’s life. He kept asking, ‘When’s Sandy coming back?’” One day, he went into a room with a notebook and, within an hour, emerged with the lyrics to Nothing Compares 2 U. Rogers, who witnessed many such bursts of creativity, remembers, “The song came out like a sneeze.” As usual, she rolled the tapes as Prince laid down instrument after instrument, mixing and overdubbing in the same session (Eric Leeds overdubbed the sax part three days later). Rogers felt the finished song was “exceptional, in his Top 10”, but has a compelling theory about why Prince didn’t release the song under his own name (a live duet with Rosie Gaines appeared years later, on the 1993 compilation, The Hits/The B-Sides). “He wasn’t living with anyone, but he was a young man writing about domesticity. The line ‘all the flowers that you planted in my back yard went out and died’… it would have been Sandy who planted those flowers. ‘And I know that living with me baby is sometimes hard, but I’m willing to give it another try…’ There was no romantic relationship with Sandy. It’s not a pained ‘Help me, baby’ track. It’s: ‘You’re gone and I miss you,’ which is probably why he felt comfortable giving the song away to the Family. He released his material based on what he wanted us to know about him and, wonderful as it is, he didn’t want it to represent him.”

[@plee6223]

I love how Cynthia is wearing purple in this performance. It’s a great homage to the song writer, Prince.

[@FerylMusic]

I was thinking exactly the same

[@virgobubz]

@@FerylMusic Same. The pronoun choice in saying, "Boy, you better try to have fun," instead of "girl," which would make this simply a cover or homage to Sinead O'Connor, "boy" and wearing purple leaves me feeling as if the "you" is Prince. Meaning nothing compares to Prince. A truly thoughtful homage to the song writer indeed.

[@Rosannasfriend]

Cynthia seems to be everywhere and I couldn’t be prouder!

[@KFontLab]

She is one of my favs

[@jarredscobie]

She deseves to be everywhere 🤩

[@kboyer1011]

Totally agree!

[@BeautyQueen-6]

Yesss and I’m loving it!! Everyone needs to hear her voice and see her face😍

[@seekingenlightenment2026]

She is an oasis in a cultural desert!

[@ljackson3928]

Her voice is crystal clear like a cold winter's night. So beautiful.

[@mtaylor7307]

Every song gives goosebumps.

[@AviVersace]

what an interesting description. i love it and agree!

[@Sky-ib5ww]

I don’t agree. No one can sing it better than Sinead O’Connor. I was expecting to be blown away. It’s a nice voice but can’t beat the original. I went back to listen to the original performance and O’Connors voice was other worldly.

[@brandonstokes392]

I'm so proud to admit I have an unhealthy obsession with Cynthia!! Just untouchable, raw, pure perfection!!

[@DeaigiSanchez]

🎉😂 es

[@kimf442]

Yes 🙌 ❤❤❤😊

[@kimberlyblunt]

Same here

[@jdrv374]

So I'm not the only one

[@wilmawarren-j1f]

I’m in love with her. I’m straight and madly in love with her. Oh my goodness. She mesmerizes me!

[@Royaltea-tz2hq]

She did Prince 's version I love it. Is there nothing this angel cant sing?

[@MJCons]

Why do I feel like everytime Cynthia Erivo sings, someone needs to hand her a trophy. She's a queen! She's perfection!

[@rethabilenxumalo9742]

I feel the same way 😂😂😂❤🙏🏽

[@ursulawanza8674]

A trophy is manmade. Cynthia’s voice is divine.

[@SunRiseNewWorld]

So do I!🥰🥰

[@monicakeenon8943]

Her theater experiences just elevated her delivery ! We are drawn in.

[@dustinbarbagelata9174]

She’ll be an EGOT one day for sure!

[@TheBrownIsland]

*Prince would be so Proud of her.* I could see her performing this for him if he was alive!

[@nadzimbakri3021]

Prince and Sinead O’Connor so proud with this SPECTACULAR performance. Rest In Peace the true king and queen

[@markdaly1648]

He hated people covering his songs. And he physically attacked sinead o conor but she escaped and he went after her. People who worked with him accused her of making it up. And slso his family. Even banned her documentary filmmaker from using the song

[@markdaly1648]

Its called sinead o connor nothing compares

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

@@markdaly1648but Prince wrote it!

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

@@markdaly1648he didn’t attack her for covering his song, he was a bit of a control freak and seems to hav3 groomed a number of young ladies, así dad was not with any of his shenanigans. He was still a musical genius and deeply flawed like many of us.

[@cherylwelch2627]

​@markdaly1648 do not spread lies, that is not true at all. Prince was gracious to let her cover the song. It was originally for the other group he founded, The Family. The estate wouldn't let her use the song because of her lies. Facts

[@ursulawanza8674]

Cynthia paid tribute to both artists, Prince and Sinead. The purple gown that she is wearing is absolutely breathtaking and fitting for the occasion.💜

[@prissylily25]

This was phenomenal. May Prince and Sinead O’Connor rest well! Miss them both dearly. Great job Cynthia! ❤❤❤

[@Songbird0623]

She made them PROUD!!!!

[@carolynwoods4562]

YES she did!@@Songbird0623

[@TrufflesGelato]

Hmmm

[@AlexanderNevermind888]

This is Prince's song. Not Sinead's. She did a cover of a song he created. No one needs to make her proud. Cynthia made Prince proud. All musicians know that.

[@jagbrit3723]

​@@AlexanderNevermind888 For real. Why they had to include the caucoids in this space? 😊 This is about Prince and Cynthia...

[@brittney717]

At this point I’m convinced she can sing everything

[@rai-z7y]

Me too

[@elfuegohumano]

That guitar solo gave me chills 🥲

[@joiisler8986]

Yep. PRINCE would have been proud of where this song went here.💜🕊️

[@markdaly1648]

He hated people covering his songs and banned people from doing it.

[@joiisler8986]

@@markdaly1648 He did not. He even gave his permission; and those people profited greatly. He hated people doing it without Permission, proper Accreditation, and Compensation. He fought to own his own life’s work. And rightly so.💜🕊️

[@caroljones4348]

It gave me chills too.

[@cherylwelch2627]

​@@markdaly1648stop lying

[@almostacrone8046]

Now this is what I wanna see when I’m seeing someone sang! Interacting with the band, giving emotion, giving power! I’m obsessed with Cynthia because everything is done at 100%

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

In tears. Cynthia reached the depths. Taking up the space where Whitney, Prince, MJ, Bowie, Donna Summer reside, and healing it with her glorious voice and serenading those angels… my Lord! Thank you!

[@AudreyyerduA]

You forgot the angelic voice who made this song a hit back in 1990 …Sinéad O’Connor

[@kor405]

No. Never . Trust me!!!!!!!! Whitney is untouchable ❤ But no doubt about Cynthia can rock big time !!!!!!!!....

[@Roshon1114]

@@AudreyyerduAnoone is discrediting her

[@ellg3441]

She needs to respect Foundation Black American culture that she latches onto.

[@deadseamonster]

@@AudreyyerduA Of course, nobody would know this song without Sinead, but some people can't deal with that.

[@staciewilliams2566]

About every time I see her sing I get chills. That woman can sang!

[@BennLuvsYou24]

As great as she is, can’t deny that the band was half of the performance. Great job to everyone on stage.

[@jacquelinepolly9042]

That band is 🔥!!

[@sassyx2048]

The Band always makes a performance that's their job its never just the artists delivering a performance or a Song.

[@Rosannasfriend]

I think the band is always supposed to be a huge part of it.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

Its closer to the original Prince, performed by his side project The Family.

[@mkb7013]

I came here to say the exact same thing. I would go as far as to give them 75% of it. They killed it.

[@MsAchampion]

That Guitar solo!!!!!! 🎸 💜 🔥 🙏🏾 She and the band did Sinead O'Connor and Prince very well 👏🏾!❤

[@asifwekere]

Cynthia is a natural phenomenal talent. I just imagined that Prince was playing that guitar solo and just wept with tears. I truly miss him.

[@TheDigitalJedi777]

Ooo !!! I felt your comment 💜💯

[@mlknox8566]

I was thinking the same thing! ❤❤❤

[@passingthefireworldwide]

Yes OM I can see it! Goose bumps!

[@bbh892]

this is what real music sounds like. You better put some respect on her name. The band is great too!

[@ElizmaSwart]

Straight up fax 🔥🙌🏾

[@rsmith1820]

She leaves blood on the stage with every performance

[@gamingaya]

One of those artists that has the pipes, power, technique and emotion.

[@valeriejones3808]

CCynthia always shines but lets not overlooked dude on the guitar. He did the dog gone thang!💜

[@MsSANDRA1024]

Yes he did. And you can tell she wanted him to be acknowledged as well. The way she sang as he played for her. Their connection was strong and respected ❤

[@jacquelinepolly9042]

He did that ! I wanted more

[@unrepentantoffender188]

*overlook

[@gracegeorge7285]

Yasss!

[@studyabroaddiva9146]

That's the famous guitarist Errol Cooney! I love that dude! Just saw him live in Yokohama, Japan on stage with Janet Jackson. He's her and everyone else's guitarist to include Stevie Wonder.

[@Shawkster6]

I loved the synergy she had with the band, especially how she interacted with the guitar solo 🤩🤩🤩

[@trentt5310]

So glad she got the standing ovation she deserved for that! What an incredible woman.

[@djm4854]

Cynthia Erivo doesn't even feel like she's from this planet. She's like this otherworldly Star Angel who's graced us mere Earth mortals w/her blessing of light and song.

[@phoenixfeather8724]

Like the opera singer in 5th element movie

[@tfimperfectangel]

I think her team is strategising and paving way for her exposure towards the Wicked movie next year! Yes for more Cynthia exposure!

[@ecasaigne]

Oh my, I just gave her a standing ovation, by myself in my room, AMAZING,!!!

[@MrTommieadamsphoto]

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame 🙌🏾👏❤️💜🎉

[@Jeffyt82]

Saaame!!🤩🤩🤩❤️❤️

[@doveskylark]

I am still watching her version of "Alfie" nonstop and now this?? What did we do to deserve so much perfection? Thank you, Cynthia. You are just amazing and your voice makes the days better.

[@frederickleo2386]

I'm still watching it too 😆😆 I'm obsessed!!

[@cloudz9467]

Me tooooo. She's technically superior I'm blown away everytime.

[@Mapes2023]

@doveskylark Exactly! I was/am speechless! Yes, I'm keep watching them. Wow!

[@lisah7792]

Same here!!

[@sassyx2048]

She's classically trained that what sets her apart.

[@janayeperry7438]

Anyone else watch this once a month to remember what it’s like to be alive through music with soul ?? Bless you my love, thank goodness we have you

[@BoetPrince]

I love how almost everyday I bump into an incredible performance by Cynthia Erivo 🔥🤌🏽 I need her to get that Oscar next🕯🕯🕯

[@k.w.4420]

I didn't know this woman a week ago, and now Im obsessed. She's like light, warmth, strength and confidence embodied. She's amazing.

[@fredamallory3697]

I’m literally crying, this was Amazing! Rest Well Prince and Sinead O’Conner 😢😢😢😢

[@trich346]

Same

[@deehentz7142]

And Chris Cornell

[@kaylaireland3494]

She ruined it totally. Not how it should be sung. No emotion at all in this

[@itz_nickiminaj_pur1990]

​@@kaylaireland3494well then u mustn't be able to feel any emotion because the pain and emotion enhanced by her power and cracks were just absolutely phenomenal and heartfelt.

[@kittyskid1]

crying, remembering my husband who left me September 2023. Still missing him. RIP.

[@johannhari8771]

❤

[@sharde1158]

Sending you love and strength ❤

[@PurpleNoir]

I’m so sorry for your loss hon ❤ sending you hugs

[@bosslady112400]

🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@dcamcan]

So sorry for your loss ❤️

[@asabifatosin1150]

It doesn’t seem possible that we can ever stop missing PRINCE. 😭

[@dawnw.6559]

Truth!!😢💜💜💜💜

[@AnanaParris]

Agreed. It’s why I clicked.

[@joaofm753]

i'm literally obsessed with this version. everything was on point, her vocals, her emotions, the BAND WAS KILLIN IT, you can feel that she understood the song and putted her own heart into it. prince is not for everyone, you need to have a personality to do justice and she did proudly, and last but no least important, let's talk about her beauty, her skin, the dress, EVERYTHING was madly beautiful, thank you cynthia, for your artistry

[@elliexls7278]

Witnessing this live on a random Wednesday in December changed my life forever. I don't think I'll ever love a concert more than this one

[@denisesmith1658]

As Prince’s Cousin I am sooooo moved by this artists rendition of Nothing Compares to You. She NEVER DISAPPOINTS! She is phenomenal and deeply talented.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Wooow what a talented cousin 👏 there's going to be a contest to tour the purple rain house featured in the movie soon 💜 it will be rented out as an air b n b as part of a contest they are having commemorating the anniversary of purple rain 1 lucky fan will be chosen.

[@benniedavids2403]

Awesome rendition, Cynthia, most well done, congratulations! May Prince rest in peace. Love and miss him. How immensely blessed we are to experience their talents❤❤❤

[@04earththanakrit24]

seeing her getting the flowers she deserves is a joy.

[@martindbrew8847]

it's quite unhealthy how many times I've come back for this

[@RafaelSantos-lk2tq]

I NEED THIS ON SPOTIFY 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 it's a great tribute to both Prince and Sinead O'Connor

[@sheaw.417]

It's like he waited all his life to do that Prince solo. I enjoyed the WHOLE performance!!❤❤

[@wonderfulpets3828]

I've been a fan of Cynthia since I saw her 7 years ago singing I'm Here from The Color Purple. I watched and rewatched that performance so many times, and anytime I see a video of her singing, I click on it. She is such a strong and gifted vocalist and performer, and I am thrilled to see her getting more attention and more recognition lately. Go, Cynthia!

[@stevecarmichael7000]

She sure destroyed this song.

[@fangal12]

She's amazing. I didn't get on to her until Bad Times at the El Royale. I've been obsessed ever since.

[@JudiRadin]

i went to see her 4 times in The Color Purple on Broadway I didnt know much about her.She was mesmerizing accompanied by a great cast.I knew she would be successful her popularity is so well earned.A Superstar

[@wonderfulpets3828]

Oh, my goodness! I am so jealous@@JudiRadin

[@JudiRadin]

i am lucky i saw the original tony winner Thefabulous La Chanze in that part twice and also saw Fantasia when she took over the part in early 2000s on Broadway.when i love a musical and it touches me i go many times.Cynthia just topped off a great musical. i

[@MelBscents]

I am completely and utterly obsessed with this woman!! You can actually see her soul shining!!❤

[@JetAdvin]

Same! ❤

[@PistachioDean]

This is Cynthia’s moment and we’re just living in it 👏🏻

[@owenboyles3638]

One of the best voices I have ever heard. Period.

[@jericyutan7961]

Exposure after exposure after exposure!! Cynthia Erivo deserves this and more!! The world should know and hear about her. ❤

[@cindyboren5641]

She is underrated, and she has a powerful voice, and she is beautiful with the grace of a queen. I hope to see her perform.

[@Laura22_new]

Her singing! That guitar solo, the arrangement, every performer, the sound, the lighting, everyone gave their all in tribute to Prince and to Sinead! Amazing! ❤

[@micab9390]

I love Cynthia... put the song is nostalgic and nobody can do it like Sinead O'Connor

[@elainemeyer5062]

This is a cover, and it wasn’t even Sinead’s original song either. It’s NOT supposed to sound like someone else who sang it in their own style! Personally, I prefer Cynthia’s version to her’s, even though she’s not sounding ‘broken’ - to use ur words.

[@abadstroller]

I'm not a religious person, yet I can say sincerely that she churched this one UP. 👏🏻

[@pathfinderwellcare]

I love how all the elders are so happy.

[@alexanderson1193]

finally, a prince tribute that used the original 13 days lyrics

[@mishaa7263]

i can't describe how her voice brings me to tears?

[@notnormansmother3617]

Is there nothing this woman can’t sing?!? She is a living masterpiece. Chills…

[@ebonyrdh6772]

Everytime I see this woman, I have to continue to say, "she is soooo talented". You would think I would stop, but I repeat it everytime😂 She is amazing and so, super talented

[@christianeduardo1]

This woman, this song… My heart is both full and empty.

[@giddy020shoes]

I love that she apparently is everywhere the last few weeks. She deserves to cement her place as an icon and a great. Cheers to more raw, soulful, face-stanking singing!

[@stephenplatt6930]

She is certainly an angel sent from heaven above

[@katbairwell]

As I've lost my hearing, I listen to very little music, it requires a lot more focus than I can generally spare, but Ms Erivo I will stop what I am doing for. Whenever I think she is giving it at full throttle, she can always kick it up another gear, utterly magnificent.

[@karlagatica8647]

I hope that wherever Prince is, he can hear this performance ❤❤❤

[@LeHuy-hs2db]

There's nothing she couldn't do. Deserve more recognition!

[@cherieem7291]

Cynthia really has a direct route to my heart and soul. She's just one of those artists that sings with such raw power and truth that every word hits with precision.

[@josedavis-pellot2714]

I don’t know how I did not know who Erivo is until a couple of weeks ago. Undeniably talented. And her style…

[@tammiewidder1086]

I’m in a dark place Listening to this song uplifted me. Nothing is going in right direction for me. I just want to be at peace. Thank you Cynthia. I heard your voice. Use your gift and sing sing ❤

[@tarah.9236]

❤

[@hectordelatorrebarrios7666]

That moment on the guitar, it’s flawless!!!! ❤❤❤

[@SuzePean-oe1zo]

This woman does everything extremely well. She is phenomenal

[@jacobmccain8794]

Why do I feel like everyday there has been a new Cynthia Kennedy Center performance! I’m so here for being serenading by one of the best voices on the planet!!

[@chellez29]

Just discovered this lady. Didn't know I was missing this voice in my life! What a smooth, silky and beautiful voice😊

[@caramelkisses1068]

Trying to find the right word. All I can say is “WOW”! My favorite rendition of all. Prince Fan 💜

[@stevecarmichael7000]

"Terrible" would be a much better word.

[@jovanreid6782]

​@@stevecarmichael7000 Your mind is a missing motor if you really feel thar way.

[@sharesecombs3931]

💜🙏💕

[@khiarapollock8227]

@@stevecarmichael7000Can you do better?

[@thubbard6690]

She puts her heart and soul into every performance and you certainly feel it. The guy in the grey turtleneck felt God's presence ❤

[@danielcjames]

She had breath to spare at the end of all that. She coulda kept going! What a wildly talented human.

[@enockopolot3928]

Besides Cynthias amazing vocals, The arrangement is sick🔥🔥🔥 , Rickey Minor is a legned❤❤❤

[@sandrahildebrand4283]

Of all the people who have sang this song in the last 5 months, THIS ONE is the only version I have heard that had the emotion to do it Justice, well done.

[@thewordofgog]

Wowser! She didn't just knock it out of the park, that went in to the next state! First time hearing this amazing woman and what an introduction. Blimey! (As we say on this side of the pond)

[@osmanysuarez5676]

As mere mortals, we should try the impossible: put all the light of midday on this woman. Wonderful Cynthia!

[@robertpattinsonfan5658]

Took it ALL the way to church. Prince would have been proud. Rip simead ❤️

[@candicestephens415]

He HATED anyone doing covers of his work, He would have hated her too. You don't know Prince. Do some research before saying what that B would have been proud of. He was a hateful person

[@rileyearl1]

Cynthia can sing every song I've heard, like it was written for her. More, more!

[@AdannaKenlow]

Nothing compares to HER!!! 🤩😍🤩😍🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🥹💜

[@hottubtimemachine1200]

This is one of my favorite Prince songs. She sang it beautifully and the band was great as well. ❤

[@cwgtube]

I just picked my jar up off the floor and stuffed my heart back in my chest. What is this water coming from my eyes. Cynthia Erivo is a true talent. She sings from her toes to the top of her soul and everything is gutteral…😢 and I still have to goosebumps after watching it twice.

[@gamingaya]

What amazes me is that she goes to the highs even without getting loud. She did justice and made this sone hers

[@gregcooper8725]

She's a beast of a singer. A treasure.🤩

[@debracox3020]

Prince would've been smiling from ear to ear at this stellar performance. When Cynthia sings a songs she sings it with her entire being, it's truly amazing to witness.

[@donnajohnson5923]

That dress though. She kills it musically and stylistically every time.

[@jmoosic]

Amazing rendition.....that guitarist👀

[@keslg_5482]

She truly is The Moment

[@gwen3010]

Cynthia Erivo's voice is magical! Love, love, love her. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sassyx2048]

Look at this British Nigerian Phenomenal Woman. Multi talented. She's very expressive in her in her deliverance that's why you feel the raw emotions.

[@JessicaDeBruin-l2d]

i feel like i shouldve paid to watch this performance. chills through my whole body!!!

[@elfuegohumano]

Cynthia gave justice and a new flavor to this classic song. 👏🏼

[@e_G_o_05]

She needs to sing EVERY song!!

[@adrianken97]

Ugh

[@soniaramos5165]

Cynthia and the guitarist SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!!!!!❤️❤️

[@nagehendrickson3828]

Best vocalist and storyteller around right now. Argue with yourself 🙏🏽

[@earlvinceenero4885]

Cynthia has been slaying week by week and I'm here for this. Keep it coming! ❤

[@stevenhaycock2436]

Rarely do I find a cover of a song that like better the original by the original artist, but this does in my humble opinion. It surpasses the original by leaps and bounds, and for reasons I don't fully understand brings me to tears. Truly powerful ✨

[@robertonascimento2746]

What could be said about Cynthia Erivo? The voice extension capacity and versatility. The crystal clear vocal emissions. The emotions on each and every words, lyrics. Cynthia Erivo seems like from other world, extremely gifted, powerful. Gets better and better on every single performance. Looking forward to seeing you live soon.

[@e.d.h5533]

There is nothing this woman can't sing exceptionally well. I knew of her as an actress/comedian before I knew she could sing. She's just so dang amazing at everything she does❣️ What a treat for the eyes and ears she is. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@idoltyler06]

We have Prince original, and Sinead amazing cover if the song two different feels. This one though, i felt in a way i had never felt this song before. It was truly amazing, and put me in tears. Cynthia is a world class singer and im so glad she is getting some recognition! Also the band was fire too!

[@La-Ront6886]

Prince fell off a cloud when he heard this! Cynthia Erivo 👏🏾👏🏾💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜