Ozzy Osbourne to Be Honored with Explosive Tribute at the MTV VMAs

The MTV Video Music Awards have long been a stage for jaw-dropping performances, emotional tributes, and history-making moments. This year, the show is set to deliver another unforgettable night as the legendary Ozzy Osbourne—Prince of Darkness himself—will be honored with a monumental tribute performance on Sunday, September 7.

What makes this year’s tribute especially electric is the lineup: Aerosmith icons Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will headline the performance, promising an eruption of raw rock energy that feels tailor-made for Osbourne’s legacy. As pioneers in their own right, Tyler’s gritty vocals and Perry’s fiery guitar riffs will collide with Ozzy’s mythos, creating a performance that has all the makings of a historic VMAs moment.

The event also carries another first: for the very first time, the VMAs will be broadcast not only on MTV but also on CBS, expanding its reach to millions of households. In addition, the show will be live-streamed on the premium tier of Paramount+, with a simulcast still running on MTV. Viewers across platforms are encouraged to check local listings to ensure they don’t miss a second of the spectacle.

The Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne isn’t just a rock star—he’s an institution. From his groundbreaking years as the frontman of Black Sabbath to his wild, unpredictable solo career, Ozzy has carved a place in music history as one of the genre’s most iconic and enduring figures. With his unmistakable voice, rebellious spirit, and larger-than-life persona, Ozzy became the face of heavy metal for generations.

Beyond his music, his influence has stretched into popular culture—from reality TV with The Osbournes to his signature bat-biting stage antics that shocked and fascinated fans in equal measure. Honoring him at the VMAs is more than just a nod to his career; it’s a recognition of the way he shaped the cultural DNA of rock and roll.

Why Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry?

The pairing is nothing short of genius. Aerosmith, dubbed “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” shares a kinship with Osbourne in terms of attitude, resilience, and timeless appeal. Tyler’s on-stage charisma and Perry’s guitar wizardry have cemented them as legends in their own right, making them perfect torchbearers for this tribute.

When asked about their participation, insiders say Tyler and Perry were “all in” from the first moment. “There’s no one like Ozzy,” one source noted. “Paying tribute to him isn’t just about music—it’s about honoring a spirit that refuses to be tamed.” Fans can expect a setlist that dives into some of Ozzy’s most iconic hits, reimagined with Aerosmith’s explosive style.

A VMAs Tradition of Iconic Tributes

The MTV VMAs have built a reputation for their tributes to legends, from Madonna honoring Michael Jackson to Beyoncé celebrating Prince. This year, with Ozzy Osbourne in the spotlight, the show continues its tradition of giving rock icons their moment under the neon lights of one of music’s most-watched stages.

Unlike some tributes that lean heavily on nostalgia, this one promises to be visceral, loud, and unforgettable. If early rehearsals are anything to go by, viewers can expect roaring guitars, soaring vocals, and a performance that embodies everything Ozzy stood for: chaos, passion, and unapologetic rock energy.

How to Watch

Date: Sunday, September 7
Where: Broadcast on CBS (check local listings)
Streaming: Paramount+ premium tier (live streaming)
Simulcast: MTV

For fans of Ozzy, Aerosmith, or simply the spirit of rock and roll, this is a cultural moment that cannot be missed. The VMAs have always thrived on shock value and spectacle, but this tribute feels like something deeper—an acknowledgment of a man whose voice, vision, and presence helped build the very foundation of modern rock.

Final Thoughts

Ozzy Osbourne has been called many things: the Prince of Darkness, the Godfather of Metal, a survivor, and even an unlikely TV star. But above all, he remains one of music’s greatest trailblazers. On September 7, as the lights blaze and the crowd roars, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will lead the charge in celebrating not just the music, but the man, the myth, and the legend.

For one night only, the MTV VMAs will belong to Ozzy.