Tributes paid to Sinéad O’Connor who has died at 56 | First Thing

Irish singer known for Nothing Compares 2 U, one of the biggest-selling singles of 1990, has died. Plus, why we fear being scammed

Good morning.

Sinéad O’Connor has died at the age of 56, prompting grief and tributes for a singer who enchanted and at times shocked the world.

What tributes have been paid to her? Micheál Martin, the Irish deputy prime minister, said Ireland had lost one of its greatest music icons. “Our hearts goes out to her children, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.” Colm O’Gorman, the executive director of Amnesty International Ireland, said few artists had made such a social and cultural impact. “What a loss. Heartfelt condolences to her children, her family and all who loved her.”

What has Morrissey said? The former Smiths frontman has written a vociferous tribute to O’Connor, decrying the media and music industry for a lack of support for her. Praising her “proud vulnerability”, he wrote on his website: “There is a certain music industry hatred for singers who don’t ‘fit in’ (this I know only too well), and they are never praised until death – when, finally, they can’t answer back […] You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.”

Can USA still win the group? The 1-1 draw means the group winner will probably be decided by goal difference in the final matches, assuming the Netherlands and USA both win their final matches. The USA will face Portugal and the Netherlands will play Vietnam in simultaneous matches on Tuesday. The Americans currently sit atop Group E with a superior goal difference.