Ozzy Osbourne to Receive Powerful MTV VMAs Tribute Featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud
September 7, 2025 – New York, NY — The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a stage for unforgettable performances, but this year’s ceremony carries an especially poignant weight. On Sunday, September 7, the world will witness a star-studded tribute to the late Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, as a cross-generational lineup of rock icons and modern innovators come together to celebrate his indelible mark on music and pop culture.
The tribute, which will air live from the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, promises to be one of the emotional high points of the night. Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are set to share the stage with Extreme’s guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt and British rocker Yungblud. Together, they will perform a medley of some of Osbourne’s most iconic songs—a fitting salute to a man who not only defined heavy metal but also influenced countless artists across genres and generations.
Hosted by LL Cool J, the 2025 MTV VMAs will broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS, while also simulcasting on MTV and streaming on Paramount+’s premium tier, ensuring fans across platforms can share in the moment.
A Tribute Years in the Making
Ozzy Osbourne’s passing earlier this summer at the age of 76 marked the end of an era. Revered as both the frontman of Black Sabbath and a groundbreaking solo artist, Osbourne’s career spanned more than five decades, pushing boundaries musically and culturally. Known for his haunting vocals, eccentric stage presence, and unfiltered personality, he was more than a rock star—he was a cultural icon.
What makes this tribute particularly significant is the lineup of performers. Tyler, Perry, Bettencourt, and Yungblud were all present at “Back to the Beginning”, the emotional July farewell concert that served as Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s final bow. To see them reunite just weeks later for a tribute at the VMAs gives this performance a continuity that fans will deeply appreciate.
While MTV has not confirmed the exact songs chosen for the medley, speculation is already running wild. With Yungblud on the bill, the Black Sabbath ballad “Changes” is a strong contender. The 2003 duet version featuring Ozzy and his daughter Kelly Osbourne remains one of his most beloved late-career recordings, and Yungblud’s emotionally raw delivery could breathe new life into it. Fans are also hoping to hear staples like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and Paranoid—tracks that embody the energy, darkness, and theatricality of Ozzy’s legacy.
Tyler, Perry, Bettencourt, and Yungblud: A Cross-Generational Ensemble
The choice of performers is deliberate and symbolic:
- Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, as two of the most recognizable figures in American rock history, represent the classic rock generation that grew up alongside Ozzy and Black Sabbath in the 1970s. Their participation underscores the respect and camaraderie shared among rock’s elder statesmen.
- Nuno Bettencourt, best known for his work with Extreme and as a sought-after guitarist for artists like Rihanna, bridges the gap between classic metal virtuosity and modern versatility. His guitar heroics promise to inject electrifying energy into the performance.
- Yungblud, the fiery British rocker beloved by Gen Z, brings a modern edge. Known for his theatrical performances, raw vocals, and punk-infused style, Yungblud embodies the rebellious spirit that Ozzy himself carried in his youth. His presence ensures the tribute resonates not just with older fans but with new audiences who continue to discover Osbourne’s music.
Together, these four artists represent different eras and influences, coming together in a performance that embodies the universality of Ozzy’s music.
The VMAs: Expanding Beyond Pop and Hip-Hop
While the MTV Video Music Awards are often dominated by pop and hip-hop superstars, this tribute underscores the VMAs’ ongoing commitment to honoring musical diversity. It also reminds viewers of MTV’s long history with Osbourne. From his prominence on Headbanger’s Ball in the 1980s, to the groundbreaking reality show The Osbournes in the early 2000s, Ozzy and his family helped shape MTV’s identity during multiple eras.
The VMAs airing on CBS for the first time, with premium streaming access through Paramount+, reflects MTV’s broader strategy of bringing the show to the widest possible audience. With the inclusion of tributes like this, the network is emphasizing its role as a cultural stage for honoring music history as much as celebrating current chart-toppers.
An Evening Full of Stars
While the Ozzy tribute is expected to be the most emotional performance of the night, the rest of the VMAs lineup is equally stacked:
- Lady Gaga, leading all nominees with 12 nods, is set to deliver one of her signature theatrical sets.
- Mariah Carey will be honored with the Video Vanguard Award, closing the ceremony with a medley of her greatest hits.
- Busta Rhymes is receiving the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, highlighting his decades-long influence on hip-hop.
- Ricky Martin will be celebrated with the Latin Icon Award, further underlining the international scope of this year’s VMAs.
Performances from Doja Cat, Post Malone, Conan Gray, Sabrina Carpenter, Jelly Roll, Tate McRae, and more round out the evening, ensuring a balance of rock, pop, hip-hop, and country representation. The addition of two new categories—Best Country and Best Pop Artist—shows the VMAs’ effort to stay relevant as genre boundaries continue to blur.
Why This Tribute Matters
For millions of fans worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne was not just a musician—he was a force of nature. His fearless artistry, his willingness to embrace the bizarre and outrageous, and his unmistakable voice carved out a space that no one else could occupy. His influence can be heard in heavy metal, hard rock, alternative, punk, and even mainstream pop.
By dedicating prime airtime to honor Ozzy at one of music’s biggest nights, MTV acknowledges his unparalleled cultural impact. This tribute ensures that younger generations—many of whom may have only known Ozzy through pop culture references or family stories—experience his music in a fresh, live, and unforgettable way.
Looking Ahead
As the lights go down at the UBS Arena and the opening notes of Ozzy’s classics ring out, fans can expect more than just a performance—they can expect a celebration of a man who redefined what it meant to be a rock star. With Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud leading the charge, the VMAs are poised to deliver a tribute worthy of the Prince of Darkness himself.
For those tuning in, the message is clear: Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but his music and spirit remain eternal.
✅ Event Details Recap
- When: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Where: UBS Arena, Long Island, NY
- Broadcast: Live at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on CBS, simulcast on MTV, streaming on Paramount+ (premium tier)
- Hosted by: LL Cool J
- Highlight: Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud
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