When MTV throws a party, it knows how to make a moment unforgettable—and this year, the spotlight belongs to the Prince of Darkness himself. The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will feature an all-star tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, honoring the late rock icon’s unmatched impact on music, culture, and generations of fans. With a lineup that bridges classic rock and modern energy, the performance promises to be one of the night’s most emotional highlights.
Ozzy’s history with MTV is legendary, from Headbangers Ball appearances to reality-TV fame with The Osbournes. He even picked up the network’s Global Icon award back in 2014. This will be the first major U.S. awards-show tribute to Ozzy since his passing on July 22, 2025, just weeks after his final Black Sabbath show in Birmingham.
Who’s Honoring Ozz
he VMAs are pulling together a powerhouse team: Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme, and British rocker Yungblud. Together, they’ll perform a medley of Ozzy’s most iconic hits—likely including anthems such as Crazy Train, Mama, I’m Coming Home, and Paranoid. Each artist brings a different flavor: Tyler’s gritty vocals, Perry’s heavy riffs, Bettencourt’s technical fireworks, and Yungblud’s punk-fueled edge.
When & where: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, live from New York’s UBS Arena; airing on CBS and MTV and streaming on Paramount+. LL Cool J hosts.
The Emotions Behind the Stage
Since his passing, tributes have poured in from across the music world. Jack Osbourne spoke candidly about the moment he learned of his father’s death, while countless musicians have shared memories and covers in his honor. This VMA performance is expected to channel that same spirit—less of a somber goodbye and more of a celebration of Ozzy’s wild, untamable legacy.
A Night of Legends
The Ozzy tribute is set against a star-packed night: Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominations, while Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Busta Rhymes will also receive special honors. With LL Cool J hosting live from New York’s UBS Arena, the 2025 VMAs are shaping up to be a mix of memory, music, and mayhem—and Ozzy’s segment will be the one fans talk about for years to come.