Viewers tuning into the BRIT Awards 2026 live from Manchester’s Co-op Live arena showed divided opinions on a posthumous lifetime achievement award honoring Ozzy Osbourne, followed by a musical tribute performance.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Enduring Legacy
The Black Sabbath frontman, dubbed the Prince of Darkness, passed away at age 76 in July 2025 from a heart attack. His death came just weeks after the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert reuniting him with bandmates. Ozzy had faced health challenges, including surgeries after a 2019 fall and a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Formed in 1968, Black Sabbath pioneered heavy metal. Ozzy’s solo success and the reality series The Osbournes, featuring wife Sharon and their children, introduced him to new fans.
Sharon Osbourne’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Sharon Osbourne, accompanied by daughter Kelly, accepted the award onstage. She began by emphasizing music’s unifying power: “Everyone in this place loves music, and it brings us all together. Such amazing artists tonight. Everyone’s a winner.”
Sharon expressed her honor in receiving the lifetime achievement award for her husband: “God knows, I wish he was here to accept it himself. But you’ve got the booby prize, you’ve got me doing it!” She imagined Ozzy urging, “Just say thank you and get off that stage.”
Highlighting his 56-year career, she described him as “authentic, gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man—a true artist.” From a working-class Birmingham neighborhood, Ozzy became a global icon, navigating highs and lows with relentless drive. “He was the most humble, egomaniac you could ever meet,” she added, noting his pride as a “working class Brummie.”
The award, she said, belongs to his family, collaborating musicians, loyal crew, Birmingham well-wishers, and worldwide fans: “He loved them, and they loved him back.” Ozzy’s vast body of work, she concluded, endures in the country that shaped him.
Tribute Performance Features Robbie Williams
Sharon curated a special rendition of Black Sabbath’s 1991 track “No More Tears.” Family friend Robbie Williams performed alongside former Ozzy band members: keyboardist Adam Wakeman, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, drummer Tommy Clufetos, and guitarist Zakk Wylde.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
Opinions split on the choice of performers. Fans praised Robbie’s effort, with one posting, “Prove all the haters wrong @robbiewilliams show them what you can do. Love the t-shirt #ozzyforever #Brits2026.” Another said, “Robbie Williams sings Ozzy better than he sings Robbie Williams #Brits2026.” Supporters added, “Robbie killed it with his performance tribute to OZZY, I loved it!” and “Well I loved that Ozzy tribute; Robbie Williams smashed it!”
Critics preferred Yungblud, who earned a Grammy for Best Rock Performance with his cover of Ozzy’s “Changes” at the 2025 Villa Park concert. One viewer commented, “This Ozzy Osbourne tribute isn’t right, surely Yungblud would have been a better choice?” Others echoed, “Big fan of Robbie, but if anyone should be doing the Ozzy tribute it should be @yungblud,” while noting Sharon’s involvement: “I’m sure Sharon had her say who she wanted to do it. That was a lovely tribute.”
