Steven Tyler Holds Back Tears, Yungblud Brings the Energy in Emotional VMAs Ozzy Osbourne Tribute

This year's MTV Video Music Awards paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, following the star-studded memorial held in England earlier this summer. The segment opened with a video message from Ozzy’s son Jack, who appeared alongside four of the singer’s grandchildren. Jack expressed his confidence that his father would have loved the performance, before the whole family energetically yelled Osbourne’s trademark phrase, “Let’s go crazy!”

The musical homage began with British alt-rocker Yungblud delivering a high-energy version of “Crazy Train,” capturing Osbourne’s raw stage presence. The set then transitioned into Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad “Changes”—the only Sabbath song performed. The emotional peak arrived with “Mama I’m Coming Home,” led by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, now 77, whose vocals were powerfully backed by bandmate Joe Perry on guitar. Yungblud returned for the finale as Perry launched into a searing solo.

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath—a band often credited with creating heavy metal—died on July 22 at age 76. His passing came just weeks after his final public appearance at the “Back to the Beginning” tribute in his hometown of Birmingham. In his later years, Osbourne confronted significant health challenges, including several spinal surgeries and a prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s disease. His cultural impact reached well beyond music; as music historian Dr. Lena Shaw noted, “Ozzy fused theatricality, vulnerability, and defiance, creating an archetype that still inspires artists across genres.”

Following his death, Aerosmith issued an emotional statement calling Osbourne “a true rock sibling” whose artistry “defined an era.” Yungblud also shared a personal tribute online, reflecting on the guidance he received from the metal icon. He posted images of the moment he presented Ozzy with a handmade cross necklace—a gesture that echoed the time Osbourne gifted him one from his own collection. Their connection deepened when Ozzy and his wife Sharon made an unexpected cameo in Yungblud’s “The Funeral” music video in late 2022.

Hosted by hip-hop legend LL Cool J, the 2025 VMAs showcased a diverse roster of performers including Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Alex Warren, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray, and Tate McRae. The ceremony artfully blended modern pop and hip-hop with a sincere salute to one of rock music’s most unforgettable pioneers.