Showbiz world in shock as celebrities pay tribute to tragic Sinead O’Connor after her death aged 56

TRIBUTES have poured in from the showbiz world following the tragic death of Sinead O'Connor, aged 56.

The iconic Irish singer, best known for her anthemic hit Nothing Compares 2 U, has passed away 18 months after the devastating loss of 17-year-old Shane O'Connor, who struggled with mental health issues.

Piers Morgan started his Uncensored show on TalkTV by paying tribute to the singer.

He began: "We start the show with some very sad breaking news. Irish music legend Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of just 56. She was a troubled and beautiful soul. Fearless, uncompromising, shocking, courageous. She was a rebel at heart.

“She took on the Catholic Church. She used a primetime performance on US TV to stage a protest, even as everybody told her it could ruin her career. Above all else, she enchanted millions with a song that’s known across the world and across the generations. Few people can truly say their voice defined an era. But Sinead’s did. Put simply, nothing compared to Sinead O’Connor.”

Boy George added: "Devastated. Love you, Sinead!"

Irish presenter Dara O'Briain wrote on twitter: Ah s***e, Sinead O’Connor has died. That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her."

Laura Whitmore said on instagram: "Sinead was the biggest star I ever met. And I was so starstruck I barely spoke. In many ways a star that shone so bright it was probably hard to cope having that much talent. The most beautiful voice, face and aura.

"As an Irish woman growing up in the 90s she was everything, showing girls were cool, Irish women could be recognised globally and shaved heads not just for guys - though not a look I could carry off. My mam told everyone who visited Sinead lived on our road - she was our royalty. Rest in peace Queen x"

Presenter Laurence Fox tweeted: "Rest in peace. Beautiful honesty and sincerity. A true artist.

Rocker Bryan Adams wrote: "RIP Sinéad O'Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland together and chats, all my love to your family."

The Saturdays singer Una Healy shared a snap of Sinead on her instagram with the caption: "Nothing Compares 2 U Sinead. R.I.P."

Dermot O'Leary also posted a black and white image of Sinead, captioned with a simple green heart and an 'x'.

Rapper Ice T added: "Respect to Sinead….. She stood for something… Unlike most people…. Rest Easy."

The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess said: "Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace."

Writer and broadcaster Caitlin Moran weighed in: "Sinead: and she was the first to talk about abuse in the Catholic church - tearing up the picture of the Pope on TV - but 99% of the music industry hung her out to dry. She was decades before her time, and fearless. Rest in power, queen."

Bestselling author Marian Keyes penned: "Oh lord, this is heartbreaking. How she suffered. Poor, poor Sinead. Rest in peace, you amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder."

Comic and Catastrophe star Rob Delaney shared: "I saw Sinéad live many times. First time when I was 12. With my sister, with my mom. My wife and I listened to her all the time. My son Henry listened to her & I think about him when I listen to her now. I was so sad when her son died. I love her she is my hero in art & honesty."

Music publicist and radio host Eric Alper said: "I worked with Sinead O'Connor for several albums but adored her from the start. I have always said this when someone passes, but I mean it more than ever: May she rest in peace. She deserves it, wanted it, strived for it and could never achieve it. I will miss her greatly."