Kelly Osbourne wore a black velvet dress paired with a feathered jacket, while Sharon chose a sharp three-piece black suit as she prepared to accept the award on behalf of her late husband. Ozzy Osbourne, the longtime frontman of Black Sabbath, died in July last year at age 76.
MANCHESTER — The spirit of the “Prince of Darkness” loomed large over the Co-op Live arena on Saturday night as the music industry gathered to bestow its highest honor upon the late Ozzy Osbourne. Seven months after his passing in July 2025, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 BRIT Awards, sparking a night of raw emotion and high-octane heavy metal.
A Family United in Grief and Pride
The red carpet, usually a place of neon colors and experimental fashion, felt a touch more somber as the Osbourne family arrived. Kelly Osbourne, 41, paid homage to her father’s dark aesthetic in a floor-length black velvet bodycon dress, topped with a dramatic black feathered shawl that evoked the gothic theater of her father’s stage shows.
Beside her, Sharon Osbourne, 73, looked every bit the matriarch of metal in a tailored three-piece black suit, accessorized with a signature diamond-encrusted bat brooch—a wink to the infamous 1982 incident that cemented Ozzy’s place in rock folklore.
The weight of the evening was evident. “I wish he was here to accept it himself,” Sharon told the press before the ceremony. “But he’s looking down, probably telling me to hurry up and get to the bar.”
Dolly Parton’s Poignant Introduction
In a surprising but deeply moving moment, the award was introduced via video link by country music icon Dolly Parton. Speaking from a studio in Nashville, Parton reflected on Ozzy’s unexpected versatility and his permanent imprint on music.
“Ozzy Osbourne dedicated his entire life to music,” Parton said. “He knew how to get your attention with his love of theatrics and his musical gifts. He could turn any occasion into a full-blown show.”
As Parton invited Sharon and Kelly to the stage, the 20,000-capacity arena rose for a deafening standing ovation—a tribute to a man who had spent 56 years at the pinnacle of the rock world.
“Shut Up and Get Off the Stage”
Taking the microphone, Sharon Osbourne delivered a speech that was quintessentially “Osbourne”—blunt, foul-mouthed, and fiercely loving.
“I know what he’s thinking right now,” Sharon told the laughing crowd. “He hated making speeches. He’d be saying, ‘Hey missus, shut the f*** up, say thank you, and get off that stage.’ But I’m not going to, because he deserves to be waffled on about.”
Sharon reflected on Ozzy’s journey from a working-class neighborhood in Birmingham to becoming a global icon. She described him as a “humble egomaniac” who, despite his wild-man persona, never stopped pushing himself to be a better artist and a better man.
Kelly Osbourne took a brief moment to thank the fans. “Thank you for loving my father as much as we do,” she said, before drawing playful boos from the Manchester crowd by shouting “Birmingham Forever!” and “Up the Villa!”—a nod to Ozzy’s beloved Aston Villa football club.
A Supergroup Tribute: “No More Tears”
The emotional peak of the evening came with the closing performance, a tribute curated by Sharon herself. A “supergroup” comprised of musicians who had toured with Ozzy over the decades took the stage, including:
- Zakk Wylde (Guitarist)
- Robert Trujillo (Metallica bassist)
- Tommy Clufetos (Drummer)
- Adam Wakeman (Keyboardist)
Fronted by Robbie Williams—a long-time family friend—the band performed a blistering, orchestral arrangement of the 1991 hit “No More Tears.” Williams, performing shirtless in a black-and-white suit, channeled Ozzy’s manic energy, leading the crowd in a massive singalong that served as a final, loud goodbye to the godfather of heavy metal.
The Legacy of the Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22, 2025, marked the end of an era. Having survived decades of substance abuse, a near-fatal quad-bike accident in 2003, and a 2019 Parkinson’s diagnosis, Ozzy had defied medical odds so many times that many fans believed he was truly immortal.
His final performance on July 5, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, saw him reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates. Though he was physically frail and performed seated, his voice remained a powerful, haunting siren. He died peacefully at home just 17 days later.
As the house lights came up in Manchester on Saturday night, the message on the giant screens was simple: OZZY FOREVER.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ozzy Osbourne’s Posthumous BRIT Honor
When and where did the 2026 BRIT Awards take place?
The ceremony was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. This marked a significant departure from the event’s traditional home at The O2 in London.
What was the specific honor bestowed upon Ozzy Osbourne?
The legendary Black Sabbath frontman was posthumously awarded the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor recognized his five-decade career and his role as the “godfather of heavy metal,” both as a solo artist and as the founding vocalist of Black Sabbath.
Who accepted the award on his behalf?
The award was accepted by his wife and longtime manager, Sharon Osbourne, and their daughter, Kelly Osbourne. During the ceremony, Sharon delivered an emotional and candid speech, noting that Ozzy “hated making speeches” and would likely have told her to “shut up and get off the stage.”
What were the family’s notable red carpet looks?
- Kelly Osbourne: Wore a floor-length black velvet gown with a corseted bodice and a dramatic black feathered bolero jacket. She accessorized with necklaces featuring a cross and an “O” in tribute to her father.
- Sharon Osbourne: Opted for a sophisticated three-piece black suit, maintaining a sharp and professional aesthetic for the somber yet celebratory occasion.
When did Ozzy Osbourne pass away?
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. His passing occurred just 17 days after his final “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham. His death was attributed to natural causes following a period of declining health, including a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and heart issues.
Who performed in the musical tribute?
The ceremony concluded with an all-star rock tribute curated by Sharon Osbourne. The performance of the 1991 hit “No More Tears” was fronted by Robbie Williams, a close family friend. The backing band featured several of Ozzy’s longtime collaborators:
- Zakk Wylde (Guitar)
- Robert Trujillo (Bass)
- Tommy Clufetos (Drums)
- Adam Wakeman (Keyboards)
Was there a special introduction for the award?
Yes, country music legend Dolly Parton provided a poignant video introduction, praising Ozzy’s dedication to his craft and his unique ability to turn any occasion into a theatrical masterpiece.
