Ozzy Osbourne‘s Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have shared tributes to the late Prince of Darkness following news of his death Tuesday at age 76.
Iommi and Butler had just performed with Ozzy, along with original drummer Bill Ward, at Sabbath’s massive Back to the Beginning farewell concert on July 5, held in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England.
“I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” Iommi says. “It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.”
In his own post, Butler says, “Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun.”
“4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh?” Butler continues. “So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.”
Ozzy, Iommi, Butler and Ward formed Black Sabbath in 1968, pioneering the genre of heavy metal.
Sam Smith is returning on Thursday with new music.
Sam wrote on Instagram Tuesday, “To Be Free. Thursday, 5pm BST / 12pm ET. … It’s one vocal and guitar take from start to finish, made complete by the beautiful injection of the incredible choir we’ve been working with across this new project. To Be Free was written 5 years ago. It’s more than special to me.”
They included a photo of New York City’s Hudson River, noting that the Big Apple is “the city I now call home.”
Sam had previously shared a snippet of the song, as well as some of the lyrics: “Pray your heart be lighter/ Brave and free like mine/ Floating like a feather/ Hope waits down the line.”
This is Sam’s second single of 2025, following “Love is a Stillness,” which came out in February. Their most recent album, Gloria, came out in 2023.
Kelly Clarkson is coming back to NBC’s The Voice in 2026.
The singing competition announced Tuesday that for spring 2026 — season 29, if you can believe it — Kelly will return as a coach alongside Adam Levine and John Legend. The season is being called the Battle of Champions because, for the first time, the coaching panel is made up of previous winners.
The coaches will each have 10 artists and they’ll compete in four rounds. The Blinds will feature a “Triple Turn” competition, in which each coach vies for the most three-chair turns. During the Battle Rounds, the coach with the most three-chair turns earns a “Super Steal,” which allows them to override any other coach’s attempt to steal.
In the Knockout Rounds, two fan-favorite artists from their teams in previous seasons will be brought back to face off during an “In-Season All-Star Competition.” Original coach CeeLo Green will sit in and determine the winner of these so-called “All-Star Showdowns.”
During the semifinals and the finale, a new voting block will be introduced, made up of super fans and past artists who’ve appeared on the show.
Before all this happens, though, season 28, debuting this fall, will be coached by Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan and Reba McEntire.
The Weeknd is headlining this year’s Global Citizen Festival, the advocacy organization announced on Tuesday. He’ll take the stage at Central Park’s Great Lawn in New York City on Sept. 27, following performances by Tyla, Mariah the Scientist, Ayra Starr and fellow headliner Shakira.
The Weeknd’s set will mark seven years since his first performance on the Global Citizen stage in 2018, according to Global Citizen, while Tyla and Mariah will make their big debuts.
Free tickets for Global Citizen Festival can be earned by taking action on the organization’s issues of focus: providing energy access for people across Africa, ensuring 30,000 children around the world have access to education and sports, and protecting the Amazon rainforest.
Elton John: “So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.”
Queen‘s Brian May: “So sad to hear of Ozzie’s passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic. I’m grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by. But the world will miss Ozzie’s unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family. And to Bill and Geezer and my dear friend Tony – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie.”
Nirvana: “Thank you Ozzy Osbourne for the inspiration. @BlackSabbath is the template for heavy Rock.”
Pearl Jam‘s Mike McCready: “Sad to hear Ozzy died today. When I was in high school I discovered Sabbath. ‘War Pigs’ was terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time. It was Ozzy’s voice that took me away to a dark universe. A great escape. Then when The Blizzard of Ozz record came out I was instantly a fan. Randy Rhoads was an influence on me to play lead guitar. Luckily I got to play on the song ‘Immortal’ on the last record. Thanks for the music, Ozzy it makes our journey in life better.”
Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott:“Kinda lost for words here… we toured with Ozzy in 1981 & he, the band & Sharon were SO supportive… he always had time for a chat, took us under his wing & showed us how & how not to party… & played us the 2nd album months before it came out… he was funny, charming & I for one am eternally grateful to have had the chance to spend precious time with him over the years… all my love to Sharon & the kids…God bless you Ozzy.”
The Rolling Stones‘ Ronnie Wood: “I am so very sad to hear of the death of Ozzy Osbourne. What a lovely goodbye concert he had at Back To The Beginning in Birmingham.”
KISS‘ Gene Simmons: “Sad to report Ozzy has passed away. He was a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide. Prayers and condolences go out to the Osborne family.”
Bush‘s Gavin Rossdale: “RIP OZZY – a great man -a true legend – i met ozzy through jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and i love that memory. sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power.”
Pantera: “RIP @ozzyosbourne Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
Billy Idol: “Very sad 2 hear of @ozzyosbourne sudden passing… I’m so glad that I could be part of his solo induction into the @rockhall last October that I got to honor his achievements in the light of his passing. Here I am pictured with @ozzyosbourne @stevestevens on the that night last October. I saw Black Sabbath one month before the first album came out at Worthing town hall in 1968 I was right at the front & his tassels were touching me! Ozzy embodied the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, and he performed right to the end as we all saw most recently at the back to the beginning concert. My condolences to Sharon Jack Kelly, and the whole family. My heart goes out to you.”
Yungblud: “I didn’t think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room. But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage. Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”
Sammy Hagar: “@OzzyOsbourne was and will always be a one of a kind true rock legend. For him to have been that close to death on July 5 and still get up there and perform like he promised… Wow! That puts him in a category of his own. Talk about commitment and loyalty to your fans. Nobody’s going to out-do that ever! RIP my brother, you did it all.”
Disturbed‘s David Draiman: “Goodbye my dear teacher……a father to us all.…my friend. I love you @ozzyosbourne and I will miss you terribly.”
Dee Snider: “Farewell @OzzyOsbourne. You and your bands changed my life. Thank you for the ride.”
Rod Stewart: “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.”
Jason Momoa: “Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP.”
Duran Duran: “What can you say about Ozzy? Whatever it is, it’s in a Brummie accent. Hard to imagine a world without him, Ozzy brought so much joy, humour and raw power to the world, in a life of many chapters. Ozzy was a cat who had way more than nine lives. Thanks for the ride Ozzy, love from the other Brummies.”
Flavor Flav: “Man,,, real heart broken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE,,, we go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP.”
Ice T: “RIP Ozzy. Right after the recent huge Black Sabbath final concert. Sad.. In my opinion the Creators of Heavy Metal.”
Kodak Black talks about the power of teamwork in his new single, “By Myself.” The song samples Fabolous‘ “Make Me Better” featuring Ne-Yo, and sees him team with South Florida risers DJ E Money and G6reddot.
“I could do this by myself, but I prefer if we were together,” Kodak raps. “You know I don’t really need no help, but it’d be nice if you helped me help you.”
In the video, he meets up with DJ E Money and G6reddot for a celebration at a small bar complete with cards, women, booze and money. A skit paying homage to Fabolous’ song is also featured in the video, with an appearance from Ne-Yo in the intro skit.
Taylor Swift fans know that she has mad skills in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking. Most recently, her BFF Selena Gomez was on the receiving end of one of her home-baked treats — as revealed by Selena’s fiancé, Benny Blanco.
On Tuesday — Selena’s 33rd birthday — Benny posted a photo on his Instagram Story showing a gift basket from Taylor. In addition to a scented Le Labo candle and a few bottles of something unidentifiable, the basket contained a round loaf of bread with a floral pattern baked into the top.
The homemade sourdough bread was packaged in a see-through bag with stickers on it, which read, “For Selena + Benny,” “’It’s a loaf story'” and “Love, Taylor.”
Benny also celebrated Selena on her special day by posting a carousel of photos showing Selena sleeping at different times and places. He captioned it, “our life is a dream… so i’m never waking u up… happy birthday my love.”
Kelsea Ballerini‘s stripping it down to give fans a new look at her 2024 album, Patterns.
The new Patterns (Stripped Session) special includes acoustic performances of seven of the record’s songs: current hit “Baggage,” “Sorry Mom,” “We Broke Up,” “To the Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” “Hindsight is Happiness,” “I Would, Would You” and the title track.
Only 50 fans were on hand when Kelsea recorded the intimate take on the record. You can watch the full special now on YouTube.
Patterns, Kelsea’s fifth album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart when it came out last fall.
Ozzy Osbourne, undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic heavy metal singers on the planet, has died at age 76.
A statement from his family issued on Tuesday reads, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
In 1968, the Birmingham, England, native co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward. The band helped define the metal genre, thanks in large part to Osbourne’s otherworldly vocals on such classic tunes as “Iron Man,” “Paranoid” and “War Pigs.” Ozzy also gained notoriety for his often-drug-and-alcohol-fueled exploits. His persona and antics earned him the nicknames the Prince of Darkness and the Metal Madman.
After a decade with the group, Osbourne was fired from Sabbath in 1979, purportedly over his substance abuse. However, he soon launched a solo career that, with initial help from virtuoso guitarist Randy Rhoads, became more successful than Black Sabbath’s. Among Ozzy’s memorable tunes from the ’80s are “Crazy Train,” “Flying High Again,” “Shot in the Dark,” “Bark at the Moon” and “No More Tears.” In 1988, Osbourne scored a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Close My Eyes Forever,” a duet with former Runaways guitarist Lita Ford.
Ozzy occasionally reunited with Black Sabbath over the years, while mainly focusing on his solo endeavors. In 1996, Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, launched Ozzfest, an annual hard-rock festival and tour that Ozzy regularly headlined either solo or with Sabbath.
In the early 2000s, the singer found a whole new audience when he starred alongside Sharon and two of their children — Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne — in the hit MTV reality series The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 to 2005. He and Jack teamed up again for another reality show, Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour, which debuted in 2016.
In 2006, Ozzy was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath. The band — minus Ward — reunited to record a final studio album, 13, which was released in 2013. The group launched a farewell tour called The End that ran from January 2016 to February 2017.
Ozzy then refocused on his solo career and in 2018 launched the No More Tours II outing, which he intended to be his final major trek. But in early 2019 he battled an upper respiratory infection and pneumonia, which forced him to postpone tour legs in the U.K. and Europe, and cancel dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Also in 2019, Osbourne suffered a fall in his home, aggravating injuries he suffered in a 2003 ATV accident. He required extensive surgery and recovery time, and continued to postpone tour dates. In 2020, Ozzy revealed he’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Amid all that, Ozzy continued to put out new music, including the Grammy-nominated 2022 solo album Patient Number 9, which he supported with several live appearances. Still, the effects from the 2019 fall continued to hamper him, and in early 2023, he announced that his long-postponed tour dates would be canceled and that he was retiring from touring.
In 2024, Ozzy returned to the stage for his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist: He shouted the iconic “All aboard”‘ intro to “Crazy Train” from a throne onstage. In addition to that song, an all-star band paid tribute to him with versions of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “No More Tears.”
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy made his final onstage appearance as part of the epic 10-hour all-star Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, England. He performed a five-song solo set while seated on a throne and was joined by his original Black Sabbath bandmates for a four-song set that included “War Pigs,” “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.” The concert will screen in theaters in 2026.
Ozzy had announced earlier in July that a memoir entitled Last Rites will be released Oct. 7.
