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

4 ай бұрын

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

@puredainty1

4 ай бұрын

Makes me love the song even more.

@CndnHippo

4 ай бұрын

​@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

4 ай бұрын

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

@MsPea

4 ай бұрын

@@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.”

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

@KFontLab

4 ай бұрын

She is one of my favs

@jarredscobie

4 ай бұрын

She deseves to be everywhere 🤩

@kboyer1011

4 ай бұрын

Totally agree!

@BeautyQueen-6

4 ай бұрын

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

@seekingenlightenment2026

4 ай бұрын

She is an oasis in a cultural desert!

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

@rethabilenxumalo9742

4 ай бұрын

I feel the same way 😂😂😂❤🙏🏽

@ursulawanza8674

4 ай бұрын

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

@THORBOYD1967

2 ай бұрын

So do I!🥰🥰

@monicakeenon8943

2 ай бұрын

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

@dustinbarbagelata9174

21 күн бұрын

She’ll be an EGOT one day for sure!

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.

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

@user-dw9cn5ce2o

4 ай бұрын

🎉😂 es

@kimf442

4 ай бұрын

Yes 🙌 ❤❤❤😊

@kimberlyblunt

4 ай бұрын

Same here

@jdrv374

4 ай бұрын

So I'm not the only one

@user-og9en7rc9q

4 ай бұрын

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

That guitar solo gave me chills 🥲

@joiisler8986

4 ай бұрын

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

@markdaly1648

4 ай бұрын

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

@joiisler8986

4 ай бұрын

@@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

4 ай бұрын

It gave me chills too.

@cherylwelch2627

4 ай бұрын

​@@markdaly1648stop lying

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

4 ай бұрын

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

@kor405

4 ай бұрын

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

@Roshon1114

4 ай бұрын

@@AudreyyerduAnoone is discrediting her

@ellg3441

3 ай бұрын

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

@deadseamonster

3 ай бұрын

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

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

@johannhari8771

20 күн бұрын

❤

@sharde1158

14 күн бұрын

Sending you love and strength ❤

@PurpleNoir

8 күн бұрын

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

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

@markdaly1648

4 ай бұрын

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

4 ай бұрын

Its called sinead o connor nothing compares

@FreedomofSpeech865

4 ай бұрын

@@markdaly1648but Prince wrote it!

@FreedomofSpeech865

4 ай бұрын

@@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

4 ай бұрын

​@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

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

4 ай бұрын

Ooo !!! I felt your comment 💜💯

@mlknox8566

4 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing! ❤❤❤

@passingthefireworldwide

17 күн бұрын

Yes OM I can see it! Goose bumps!

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

@mtaylor7307

24 күн бұрын

Every song gives goosebumps.

I had this woman as a client a few days ago. She has such a kind energy.

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

@Songbird0623

4 ай бұрын

She made them PROUD!!!!

@carolynwoods4562

4 ай бұрын

YES she did!@@Songbird0623

@TrufflesGelato

3 ай бұрын

Hmmm

@AlexanderNevermind888

3 ай бұрын

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

3 ай бұрын

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

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

@jacquelinepolly9042

4 ай бұрын

That band is 🔥!!

@sassyx2048

4 ай бұрын

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

@Rosannasfriend

4 ай бұрын

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

@Gee-xb7rt

4 ай бұрын

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

@marlabrown8022

4 ай бұрын

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

She leaves blood on the stage with every performance

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

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

@MsSANDRA1024

4 ай бұрын

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

4 ай бұрын

He did that ! I wanted more

@unrepentantoffender188

4 ай бұрын

*overlook

@gracegeorge7285

4 ай бұрын

Yasss!

@studyabroaddiva9146

2 ай бұрын

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.

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

Me on the Internet watching every video of Cynthia Erivo.

Lord, deliver me from this replay button. I don't want to stop listening to this. All the feels!!! 💕

@phillippotee1910

3 ай бұрын

lol…..this made me laugh. Calling on the almighty to be delivered from the replay button. Wooo you made my day

@bennuflight

3 ай бұрын

Bahahaha 🤣😂😅 those who know KNOWWWW that kinna prayer 🙌🏾😩🤣🤣🤣

@leonardochukwu9085

3 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

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

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

@trich346

4 ай бұрын

Same

@deehentz7142

4 ай бұрын

And Chris Cornell

@kaylaireland3494

4 ай бұрын

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

@itz_nickiminaj_pur1990

4 ай бұрын

​@@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.

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

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

3 ай бұрын

Like the opera singer in 5th element movie

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

4 ай бұрын

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

@cloudz9467

4 ай бұрын

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

@Mapes2023

4 ай бұрын

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

@lisah7792

4 ай бұрын

Same here!!

@sassyx2048

4 ай бұрын

She's classically trained that what sets her apart.

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

At this point I’m convinced she can sing everything

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

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

@dawnw.6559

4 ай бұрын

Truth!!😢💜💜💜💜

@AnanaParris

4 ай бұрын

Agreed. It’s why I clicked.

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

4 ай бұрын

She sure destroyed this song.

@fangal12

4 ай бұрын

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

@JudiRadin

3 ай бұрын

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

3 ай бұрын

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

@JudiRadin

3 ай бұрын

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

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

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

Cynthia ATE the Kennedy Center UP, basically. gobbled the whole place up, just.. CHOMP.

@jacquelinepolly9042

4 ай бұрын

Gobbled it up! Baby.......

Gotta give credit to that band. Those musicians are incredible.

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! ❤

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.

Her singing makes me cry. She sounds so beautiful.

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

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!

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

@ElizmaSwart

3 ай бұрын

Straight up fax 🔥🙌🏾

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

seeing her getting the flowers she deserves is a joy.

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.

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.

I need Cynthia in the role of the Blue Alien in a remake of the Fifth Element👽 She would tear that stage up!

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

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

@stevecarmichael7000

4 ай бұрын

"Terrible" would be a much better word.

@jovanreid6782

4 ай бұрын

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

@sharesecombs3931

4 ай бұрын

💜🙏💕

@khiarapollock8227

4 ай бұрын

@@stevecarmichael7000Can you do better?

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

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

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

I liked this version more than the original. This woman has incredible records.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

She looks and sounds fabulous!

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.

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.

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

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!!

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

She's INCREDIBLE!

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

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

@candicestephens415

2 ай бұрын

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

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!

The look on the background singers' faces is priceless. Cynthia you are something special! Love the energy of the guitarist, you can tell he loves his job! Great performance!

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

One of the best vocalist of all times!!! Love her 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

This was such a beautiful and captivating performance. She gave the same elegance and energy that Prince and Sinead did. So proud of her professionalism and gift. @PBS still educating decades later. This was amazing!! Thank you! ❤

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

Her love of the beat and stage presence is what draws me in. I am now a fan.

@edikeosemeke5275

4 ай бұрын

a lady sang it on the voice america. But the emotions not as strong but vocals was succint

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

Ah... Cynthia Erivo is just Special. Goosebumps. 😍🔥👏🏾

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

She put her heart into that... beautiful soulful performance!

@stevecarmichael7000

4 ай бұрын

Terrible.

Yes!!!. She transports me. That is what a true artist does. Thank you, Cynthia❤

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

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

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

Sinead O, Connor would have been proud of this performance rip*🌹..That was a world-class performance 💯👌🏾

I am never disappointed when I see “Cynthia Erivo live performance-“ NEVER!

One can honestly say she slayed that performance every way it could be slayed.

Us Cynthia fans are really getting spoiled rn 😂

Geez❤ Yup, that’s all I got. There’s no words, absolutely none❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ in love with this woman’s talent

@stevecarmichael7000

4 ай бұрын

"Terrible" would be the correct word.

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

Absolutely stunning voice and performance. Nearly moved to tears. Looking forward to hear more! Nothing Compares 2Ur voice!

Wow Cynthia! You're a diamond❤

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

Wherever they may be, I'm sure Cynthia made Prince and Sinead smile.

WHAT?! This is the BEST version of it I've EVER heard! Thank you Ms. Cynthia...Prince would be proud.

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

chills! so many emotions. joy at watching her talent, sadness at the way she's embodying the lyrics. epic

To hear Prince's version again....man! I was waiting on her to cut loose and make it "hers". Boy, did she deliver! Simply PHENOMENAL!

Legit she sings from her soul

Absolutely beautiful!!! Brought tears to my eyes. Prince, I miss you being here on earth with us!!Your song was perfect. 💜Rest Well Prince and Sinead

She truly is The Moment