As the world continues to mourn the loss of rock’s enigmatic Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, country superstar Carrie Underwood delivered a tribute that hit deep — a heartfelt rendition of his iconic 1991 ballad, “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Though Carrie first performed the song back in 2023 on The Howard Stern Show, the tribute now carries a powerful new weight.

A Country Star’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart

Though she’s known as a country powerhouse, Carrie’s roots run deep in rock and metal. Growing up in Oklahoma, her musical tastes clashed with her religious upbringing — especially when it came to Ozzy Osbourne. During her interview with Howard Stern, Carrie recalled:

“I remember being a teenager discovering my own musical taste, and my mom being very much against me listening to Ozzy.”

But that never stopped her admiration. She praised Ozzy not just for his heavy riffs and dark theatrics but for his ability to write emotional, melodic songs — “Mama, I’m Coming Home” being a shining example.

A Tribute with Heart and Respect

Before she sang, Carrie shared how important it was to honor Ozzy respectfully. She’d even sought permission from Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and lifelong partner, who graciously gave her blessing.

Her performance transformed the ballad into something fresh yet deeply moving — Carrie’s soaring vocals balanced raw power with tender vulnerability, breathing new life into a song that was originally Ozzy’s love letter to Sharon.

Howard Stern’s Emotional Response

The moment struck a chord with Howard Stern himself, who was visibly moved and urged Carrie and her band to repeat the harmonies.

“That was so beautiful. Can you do those harmonies again?”

Fans watching online quickly echoed the sentiment. One comment summed it up:

“Ozzy would be proud. That cover gave me chills.”

Breaking Boundaries: Carrie’s Rock Cred

This isn’t Carrie’s first venture into rock territory. At Stagecoach 2023, she shocked fans by bringing out Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose for a surprise duet of “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Her live sets often feature rock anthems like “Welcome to the Jungle,” proving her love for hard-hitting classics runs deep.


Carrie Underwood’s fearless blending of genres and heartfelt tributes make her one of today’s most dynamic and respected artists — bridging the gap between country roots and rock legends with grace and authenticity.