Ozzy Osbourne Tribute to Rock the VMAs with Aerosmith, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt
New York, September 7, 2025 — This evening at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, music’s boldest names will come together for a moving homage to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at age 76 on July 22. The ceremony, held at Long Island’s UBS Arena and airing live coast to coast, marks the first time the VMAs have been broadcast on CBS, with simultaneous simulcasts on MTV and premium livestreaming via Paramount+ .
Hosted by LL Cool J, the show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT tonight .
Tribute Performance: Rock Royalty Unite
Leading the tribute lineup is Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, who will be joined by British firebrand YUNGBLUD and guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme. Together, they will perform a stirring medley of Osbourne’s greatest hits, honoring his monumental impact on rock music .
Osbourne’s influence spans decades — from his early days fronting Black Sabbath to solo superstardom and MTV stardom via Headbanger’s Ball, The Osbournes, and Battle for Ozzfest. He was recognized with the MTV EMA Global Icon Award in 2014, cementing his place in music history .
Premiere Broadcast Plans
For the first time, the VMAs are being broadcast on CBS, in addition to traditional simulcast on MTV, and streaming live on Paramount+ (premium tier) — bringing the event to a broader audience across platforms .
Paramount+ Premium subscribers gain access to a live feed of their local CBS affiliate, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers will be able to stream the full ceremony on demand the following day .
Star-Studded Performance Lineup & Honors
Beyond the tribute, the VMAs feature an all-star roster:
- Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominations with an impressive 12 nods and is poised to deliver a show-stopping performance .
- Mariah Carey will be honored with the Video Vanguard Award and will close the night with a retrospective medley of her greatest hits .
- Busta Rhymes will receive the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award and perform in tribute .
- Ricky Martin will garner the Latin Icon Award and join the performance lineup .
Other confirmed performers include Doja Cat, Post Malone, Conan Gray, Sabrina Carpenter, Katseye, J Balvin with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, Jelly Roll, Tate McRae, Alex Warren, and Sombr, among others, ensuring a vibrant and varied musical evening .
As an unprecedented addition this year, two new fan-voted categories—Best Country and Best Pop Artist—highlight the VMAs’ commitment to evolving alongside musical trends .
Why It Matters
The Ozzy Osbourne tribute stands out as a moment that transcends genres and generations. It’s a heartfelt celebration of the “Prince of Darkness” by fellow rock luminaries, embodying both reverence and a passing of the torch. His influence shaped multiple facets of music culture—from heavy metal to reality TV—and this performance recounts that legacy through a powerful, live homage.
Meanwhile, the VMAs’ expanded reach via CBS and Paramount+ reflects the ceremony’s broader ambition to reach diverse audiences and solidify its place in the live-event entertainment landscape.
Summary Highlight
- Date & Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
- Hosts & Location: LL Cool J; UBS Arena, Long Island, New York.
- Broadcast: First time on CBS; simultaneously on MTV; livestreamed to premium Paramount+ subscribers.
- Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt perform a medley of his hits.
- Special Honorees:
- Mariah Carey – Video Vanguard Award
- Busta Rhymes – Rock the Bells Visionary Award
- Ricky Martin – Latin Icon Award
- Notable Performers: Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Katseye, Conan Gray, and more.
- New Categories: Best Country and Best Pop Artist (fan-voted).
Enjoy the show, and don’t miss the epic tribute to a true rock icon.
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