April 25, 2003

Sinead O’Connor announced retirement from the music business for the second time on April 25, 2003. The provocative Irish singer rose to international fame in the late 1980s and early ’90s. She was acclaimed for her unique sound and strong message, and also noted for her changeable relationship with the public. O’Connor’s first retirement came in 1992, shortly after scandal ensued when she ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a Saturday Night Live appearance, allegedly in protest of the church’s abuse of children. She emerged from retirement two years later, releasing the album Universal Mother. O’Connor announced her second retirement on her website, citing her desire to “live like a normal person.” She returned to music again in 2005 with Throw Down Your Arms.