A subtle tribute to Ozzy Osbourne was tucked away in last night’s (September 7) MTV Video Music Awards that fans might have overlooked.
Steven Tyler and Yungblud teamed up at the event to deliver a poignant homage to the British heavy metal icon, marking the first major music awards show since Ozzy’s passing. However, earlier in the evening, Yungblud, also known as Dominic Harrison, offered a more understated nod to his mentor and close friend.
On the red carpet, Yungblud was spotted sporting Ozzy’s signature cross necklace. Throughout his career, Ozzy frequently wore chains adorned with a crucifix, making the piece of jewelry a staple of his brand. The news comes amid Sabrina Carpenter hitting back at critics with an F-bomb in the VMAs 2025 acceptance speech.
As Yungblud sported the golden tribute, he chatted with reporters, telling Paper that he was doing well and expressing his excitement: “I’m really excited. I think it’s such a massive moment for me and my peers who are playing here.”
During the ceremony, Steven and Yungblud joined Joe Perry on stage, belting out a medley of Ozzy Osbourne classics like Changes, Crazy Train, and Mama, I’m Coming Home. Introduced by Ozzy’s son, Jack, the trio paid their respects to the Birmingham-born rocker, with Yungblud concluding the set with, “Ozzy forever, man.”
Ozzy and Yungblud formed a close bond after meeting on the set of Yungblud’s music video for The Funeral in 2022. The 28- year- old was already friends with Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, who arranged for her parents to meet Yungblud on set that day.
Following this, Ozzy and Yungblud developed a tight bond, with Dominic performing at his idol’s final show on July 5 at Villa Park, Birmingham, UK. It’s now reported that Ozzy symbolically passed the baton to his protégé when he gifted Yungblud his necklace backstage at Black Sabbath’s last concert.
Apart from his association with Ozzy, Yungblud is recognized for his own music, with tracks like Zombies and Lovesick Lullaby gaining massive popularity among fans.
He has also established his own festival, BludFest, with the goal of combining inclusivity and affordability to create an open and accessible event. At the festival, Yungblud not only provides music for his guests, but also offers sensory tents, an Accessibility Hub, and mental health support.
Yungblud is currently embarking on his Idols world tour, which is happening in the US. His next performance will be in Milwaukee on September 9, 2025.
