The Grammys Are Honoring Ozzy in 2026 — And the Performer Lineup Has Fans Emotional

The Grammy Awards are coming up in 2026, and music enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement for the major event. Organizers of this year’s live ceremony have confirmed that there will be a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, honoring the legendary rock star and the impact he made on music. The homage will take place during the broadcast on Sunday night, February 1, and it is expected to be one of the most memorable moments of the show.

Ozzy Osbourne, often referred to as the Prince of Darkness, built a career that shaped heavy metal and rock music for generations. His influence extends far beyond any single genre, from his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his long and successful solo career. The Grammy tribute is designed to celebrate that legacy, with performances by musicians who knew him personally and worked closely with him.

A Great Group of Rock Stars

The Recording Academy has announced the performers who will take part in the tribute, and the lineup is impressive. Post Malone, Duff McKagan (bassist for Guns N’ Roses), Slash (guitarist for Guns N’ Roses), Chad Smith (drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers), and producer Andrew Watt will all share the stage. The tribute feels especially meaningful because each of these artists has a unique connection to Ozzy.

While the Grammys have not revealed which songs will be performed, the tribute is expected to highlight different eras of Ozzy’s career. With a mix of classic rock icons and modern artists, the performance may blend the raw power of old-school metal with a contemporary edge. That balance reflects how Ozzy’s music continues to resonate, even decades after it first shook the world.

The Links That Make It Personal

Andrew Watt played a major role in Ozzy Osbourne’s later years as a recording artist. He produced Ozzy’s final two studio albums and helped bring together musicians from different generations. Watt worked closely with Duff McKagan and Chad Smith, who handled bass and drums on those records. Their close collaboration helped give Ozzy’s later work a sound that was both raw and forceful.

Some fans may be surprised to see Post Malone included, but he shared a genuine connection with Ozzy. The two collaborated on tracks from Ozzy’s album Ordinary Man, and their friendship helped introduce Ozzy to a younger audience. Post Malone has openly spoken about his admiration for Ozzy, making his role in the tribute especially meaningful.

Slash also shared a long-standing relationship with Ozzy. He collaborated with him on Ordinary Man and had worked with him previously in the late 1980s. Slash’s signature guitar style complements Ozzy’s music perfectly, making him a natural choice for the tribute.

Ozzy Osbourne and the Grammy Awards

Throughout his career, Ozzy Osbourne received 12 Grammy nominations and won five awards. His wins spanned both his solo work and his time with Black Sabbath, underscoring the wide reach of his influence. While Ozzy never seemed overly concerned with accolades, those Grammy wins helped cement heavy metal’s place on the world’s biggest musical stages.

Ozzy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of Black Sabbath and once as a solo artist—an honor achieved by only a handful of musicians. His career was not only long-lasting but also revolutionary, unpredictable, and fearless from beginning to end.

A Last Show and a Last Goodbye

Ozzy Osbourne passed away in July, just weeks after his final live performance. That last show, titled Back to the Beginning, served as a heartfelt thank-you to fans who had supported him throughout his career. Despite ongoing health issues, Ozzy gave everything he had on stage one final time. News of his passing deeply affected fans around the world, and the upcoming Grammy tribute feels like a public farewell from the music industry itself—one last opportunity to celebrate his life and legacy.

When and Where to Watch

The Grammy Awards will air on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. CBS will air the ceremony live, with streaming available on Paramount+.

As the biggest night in music approaches, the Ozzy Osbourne tribute stands as more than just a performance. It is a reminder that one artist’s voice can echo for decades and touch countless lives. One final time, Ozzy’s legacy will be loud, fearless, and unforgettable.