Yungblud Responds to Criticism of Ozzy Osbourne VMA Tribute
Singer Yungblud is defending his performance during the MTV Video Music Awards tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, responding to negative comments from fellow musicians who questioned his involvement.
The 28-year-old English artist was part of a medley performance alongside Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, and Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt at the September awards show, playing Osbourne classics like “Changes,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train.” Following the broadcast, guitarist Dan Hawkins of The Darkness publicly criticized the performance on Instagram, calling it “cynical, nauseating and…shit,” and suggesting it was a career move. Yungblud addressed the criticism yesterday on Jack Osbourne’s “Trying Not to Die” podcast, stating, “The thing about hate is you will never see someone that’s bigger or more emotionally evolved than you talk shit on you.”
Yungblud suggested the criticism stems from insecurity, arguing that established artists “don’t got anything to prove” and “don’t need to insert themselves into a conversation.” He believes his detractors are attempting to gain relevance by criticizing a tribute to a rock icon. The controversy highlights ongoing debates within the rock community about authenticity and tribute performances. He further explained, “It’s just bitter and jealous…They are doing the things they say we are doing.”
Jack Osbourne, visibly emotional during the podcast, defended Yungblud’s connection to his father, Ozzy Osbourne, revealing a text message he sent Yungblud before the performance: “Fucking crush it.” Osbourne emphasized that Yungblud’s relationship with his father was genuine, stating, “Dom meant something to my dad. My Dad meant something to Dom.” Yungblud is currently preparing for a North American tour beginning May 1, 2026, in Sterling Heights, Michigan; full tour details are available on his website. For more on the history of the VMAs, visit MTV’s official VMA page.
Representatives for Hawkins have not yet responded to requests for comment, and Yungblud is expected to continue preparations for his upcoming tour.
