Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards paid tribute to the late heavy metal pioneer and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July at the age of 76. The tribute featured a medley of Osbourne’s hits, including “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” performed by Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler, bandmate Joe Perry, singer Yungblud, and Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
Yungblud kicked off the tribute with his high-energy performance of “Crazy Train,” which got the crowd head-banging. Before taking the stage, he kissed the cross necklace Osbourne had gifted him and appeared to mouth, “For Ozzy!” He also performed an excerpt from “Changes,” which he had previously sung at Osbourne’s final show.
Steven Tyler, 77, made a grand entrance with Joe Perry, singing the opening lyrics to Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Images of Osbourne throughout his life faded in and out in the background, adding an emotional touch to the performance. Yungblud joined Tyler for the finale, harmonizing and trading lines to finish out the power ballad.
Aerosmith’s Retirement and Steven Tyler’s Return to the Stage
Aerosmith had announced its retirement from touring in August 2024, citing Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury as the reason. However, Tyler has since returned to performing live, including a six-song set at the Hollywood Palladium in February. His daughter, Mia Tyler, praised his stage comeback on Instagram, sharing a snippet of the performance and saying, “And that’s how you do a tribute. Beautiful. Just beautiful.”
The VMAs also saw other notable performances and award winners, including Lady Gaga, who took home four prizes, and Mariah Carey, who received the Video Vanguard award. Carey jokingly threw shade at the music show for previous snubs, saying, “I just have one question: What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for?”
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on CBS from the UBS Arena in New York, with LL Cool J hosting the event. For more information on the VMAs and the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, visit Here.
Image Source: www.latimes.com
