Why A Popstar’s Reaction to Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at VMAs Goes Viral

Although originally billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance with Black Sabbath, the Back to the Beginning concert turned into a star-studded celebration of his legacy. Featuring artists like Yungblud and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, the event highlighted the legendary rocker’s impact across generations. Yungblud, in particular, delivered a powerful cover of “Changes” that resonated deeply with fans.

Following Osbourne’s recent passing, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards honored the heavy metal icon with a moving tribute. Once again, producers turned to Yungblud, Tyler, Joe Perry, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt to pay homage. As images from Ozzy’s life played across giant screens, the group performed a set that left the audience—and viewers around the world—deeply moved. Among the most notable reactions was pop star Ariana Grande, who appeared visibly emotional during the performance.

Yungblud, Tyler, Perry, and Bettencourt Command the Stage

MTV has since uploaded the tribute to its YouTube channel, where it quickly racked up more than 354,000 views within the first 24 hours. The set featured classic Osbourne hits, including “Crazy Train” and “Changes,” with Yungblud wearing a necklace gifted to him by Ozzy shortly before his death. The most emotionally charged moment came during “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” when Tyler and Perry joined Yungblud onstage.

The chemistry and raw emotion between the performers electrified the venue, but it was Grande’s stunned, tearful reaction that captured the internet’s attention. Her candid moment alone has drawn over 750,000 views and has been widely shared as a symbol of how deeply the tribute resonated. Fans flooded the comments with praise, calling the performance “real music” and commending the artists for honoring Ozzy with authenticity and heart.

A Performance Ozzy Would Have Been Proud Of

Despite recent vocal cord issues, Steven Tyler delivered a passionate performance, refusing to hold back as he belted out his tribute to his longtime friend and fellow rock icon. His signature grit, combined with the talents of Perry, Bettencourt, and Yungblud, created a tribute that was both personal and epic in scale.

For fans and fellow musicians alike, the VMAs performance stood as a fitting farewell to a true pioneer of rock. Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but the legacy he built over decades lives on—in his music, his influence, and in unforgettable tributes like the one that brought the VMAs to a standstill.