Defying the scorching sun, dozens of Bulgarians journalists and cameramen waited eagerly for Irish rebel singer Sinead O'Connor to arrive at Sofia airport on Tuesday only to fail to recognize her.

After catching up with her outside the airport, it was hard for them to believe that this is the Sinead O'Connor who, 20 years ago, stared intently into a camera and sang the now iconic song Nothing Compares 2 U.

The Irish singer, renowned for her shaved head appearance, looked somewhat different as she arrived in Sofia on Tuesday.

Surprisingly, the 44-year-old campaigner was sporting a full head of hair, which she had combined with a very dowdy-looking cardigan and jeans.

The outspoken singer, who has four children to four different fathers, spared a few minutes for the media people. She said she has the feeling that the concert in Sofia will be a success.

Asked what she expects of her Bulgarian fans, she said simply and with a smile:

"That they will come."

The Irish singer will perform for the first time in Bulgaria on Wednesday.

Her gig is scheduled for 20:00 in Sofia's National Palace of Culture. The world renown singer will be accompanied by her husband, guitarist Steve Cooney, as well as seven other musicians, the Dnevnik daily reports.

Sinead O'Connor's Sofia concert marks the beginning of her European tour.

The controversial Irish performer rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved commercial success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U" and the accompanying video.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!