The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. The event will be held on Sunday, September 7, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET with the Pre-Award Show starting one hour earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
There is a lot to be excited about this year, including the list of nominees, the performers, and the hosting abilities of beloved rapper LL Cool J (who is hosting for the second time after co-hosting in 2022). But undoubtedly one of the most emotional parts of the ceremony will be when a tribute is paid to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
A Tribute for the Late Ozzy Osbourne
Osbourne died on July 22. His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement.
In honor of the rock icon, a tribute will feature Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt, who will perform some of Osbourne’s biggest hits.
Upon learning of Osbourne’s passing, Aerosmith released a heartfelt statement. “We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever,” they wrote, People reports. “From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy. He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring. Our love goes out to Sharon, his family, his band, and the millions around the world who felt his fire.”
YUNGBLUD, who had a close personal relationship with Osbourne, revealed news of the tribute on Instagram on September 5. He posted a photo of himself and Osbourne and shared his thoughts in the caption. “They’ve asked me to pay tribute to you at the @vmas on Sunday night. I’ll try my best to do you proud Oz. Tune in from up there. I love you forever,” he wrote.
Reactions to the post include, “You are definitely the chosen one,” “have a feeling this moment will definitely crown you the new king of rock,” and “What an honor. You are carrying the torch, my friend. You are making all of us so very proud.”
Bettencourt’s connection to the late rocker includes performing alongside him and his band, Black Sabbath, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The concert was performed just weeks before Osbourne’s passing.
Who Will Perform at the MTV VMAs
In addition to the performers above who will pay tribute to Osbourne, other highlights on the night will include performances by Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Alex Warren, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, sombr, and Tate McRae.
The artist with the most nominations going into Sunday’s event is Lady Gaga with 12 nominations. She is closely followed by Bruno Mars with 11. Other top nominees include Sabrina Carpenter, ROSÉ, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Charli XCX, Bad Bunny, Doechii, and Miley Cyrus.
Viewers can watch the show on CBS and MTV and stream it on Paramount+.
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