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

How do you follow a mega-all-star tribute like the one the inimitable Ozzy Osbourne received in England in July? The VMAs chose their spots by enlisting a pair of suitable, generation-spanning pair of singers — Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and British young gun Yungblud — and focusing on three hits.

The tribute began with a video of Osbourne’s son Jack surrounded by four of Ozzy’s grandchildren, saying “I know for sure [this tribute] would make him incredibly happy.” And then all five family members united to shout, “And in the words of our papa, ‘Let’s go crazy!’”

Yungblud channeled Ozzy with impressive power, especially on the opening song, “Crazy Train.” But after playing most of the song, the band shifted gears, moving into the only Black Sabbath song performed during the tribute, the 1972 ballad “Changes.” The song transitioned naturally into the inevitable closer, “Mama I’m Coming Home,” which featured a stellar performance from 77-year-old Tyler, accompanied by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry. Yungblud joined the pair at the front of the stage for the final chorus while Perry peeled off a solo.

The Black Sabbath singer died at age 76 on July 22, just a few weeks after his final performance at the all-star “Back to the Beginning” concert in his native Birmingham, U.K. He had been recovering from several spinal surgeries as well as his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

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Following Osbourne’s death, Aerosmith said in a statement they were “heartbroken” to hear about the passing of “our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever.”

Yungblud paid his respects on a post that highlighted the mentorship he received from Osbourne. He posted photos of the moment Yungblud presented Osbourne with a cross necklace that he had custom made, returning a gesture, as Osbourne had previously gifted him a similar piece of jewelry off his neck. Osbourne also appeared in Yungblud’s “The Funeral” music video alongside his wife, Sharon, in September 2022.

The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, has a stacked performance lineup that also includes Sabrina Carpenter, Sombr, Alex Warren, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Conan Gray and Tate McRae, among others.