In an exclusive and emotionally charged revelation, British rock sensation Yungblud has celebrated his Grammy victory while delivering a pointed critique of the BRIT Awards. The 28-year-old artist, born Dominic Harrison from Doncaster, secured the Best Rock Performance award for his powerful rendition of Changes at Villa Park, performed during Ozzy Osbourne's final Back to the Beginning show.
A Heartfelt Dedication to the Osbournes
Yungblud's Grammy win was presented to him by Sharon Osbourne on stage, marking a poignant moment as the pair had lit a candle for her late husband, Ozzy, the night before the Los Angeles ceremony. The singer dedicated his award to the "beautiful" Sharon, crediting her and Ozzy as instrumental figures in his breakthrough into the American mainstream music scene.
He expressed deep gratitude, stating: "It's beautiful how supportive they've been of me and supportive they've been over young artists, especially in rock music, over the past 30, 40 years." Yungblud highlighted the Osbournes' legacy through the annual Ozzfest festival, which he noted has provided crucial opportunities for emerging bands.
Snubbing the BRITs with Arena Success
In a defiant move, Yungblud framed his Grammy success as a rebuke to BRIT Awards organisers, who have overlooked him for nominations at next month's ceremony in Manchester. Reflecting on the snub, he remarked: "I think since the start of my career, I've had a lot of people saying no at home. When it [the nominations] got announced, we were in India. So we were f***ing a bit busy!"
He added, "To be honest, I don't really think about it that much. It's very weird, but I mean, my vibe is all good, all I'll focus on is my 11 sold out arenas." This statement underscores his focus on direct fan engagement and live performances over industry accolades.
Emotional Tributes and Legacy Honours
On stage, Yungblud paid a moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at age 76 in July last year after a battle with Parkinson's disease. He shared: "To grow up loving an idol who helps you figure out your identity not only as a musician but also as a man is something that I'm truly grateful for."
The ceremony also featured a special performance of Black Sabbath's War Pigs by an all-star lineup including rapper Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Guns N' Roses members Duff McKagan and Slash. Ozzy's family, including daughter Kelly Osbourne, were visibly emotional in the audience.
Kelly Osbourne later commented: "It means more than I can express into words to see his peers in this community cherish him in such a way and a way that he deserves... I'm here to support my mum, because it's just as much about her as well, he wouldn't have been him without her and vice versa." She admitted to struggling with her father's loss, calling it "the hardest thing I've ever been through."
British Success Stories at the Grammys
Yungblud's win was part of a broader celebration for British artists at the Grammys. Notable achievements included:
- Olivia Dean winning Best New Artist, the first Brit to do so since Dua Lipa in 2019.
- Lola Young securing her first Grammy for Best Pop Performance with her single Messy.
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande earning Best Pop Duo for their performance of Defying Gravity from Wicked.
Internationally, rap star Kendrick Lamar led the night with five wins from nine nominations, including Record of the Year for Luther featuring SZA. However, the Album of the Year award went to Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who dedicated it to immigrants pursuing their dreams.
Lady Gaga also shone, winning three awards including Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem. The event featured memorable performances, such as Tyler, The Creator crashing a Ferrari F40 on stage and Justin Bieber's celebrated return after a four-year hiatus.
Yungblud's Grammy triumph not only honours rock legends but also challenges the domestic music establishment, highlighting a vibrant era for British talent on the global stage.
