Ozzy Osbourne to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Honour at BRIT Awards 2026
The legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne will be posthumously honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, marking a poignant celebration of the Black Sabbath frontman's unparalleled impact on global music. Osbourne, who passed away in July last year at the age of 76, will be recognised for his inimitable influence and enduring legacy in the rock genre.
All-Star Rock Tribute Curated by Sharon Osbourne
The awards ceremony will culminate in a spectacular all-star rock tribute performance, personally curated by Ozzy's widow, Sharon Osbourne. The segment will be led by Robbie Williams, who was invited to participate directly by Sharon due to his long-standing admiration for Ozzy's music and his friendship with the Osbourne family. This tribute will feature a special arrangement of No More Tears, the title track from Ozzy's multi-million selling 1991 album of the same name.
The performance will showcase a phenomenal lineup of British and international musical talent, including musicians who performed as part of Ozzy's band over the years. Robbie Williams will be joined on stage by Ozzy's lead guitarist Zakk Wylde, alongside Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, and Tommy Clufetos. This collaboration promises to be a heartfelt homage to one of rock's most iconic figures.
Ozzy Osbourne's Legacy and Final Performances
Ozzy Osbourne was not only one of the most influential music figureheads and rock icons of all time but also hosted The BRIT Awards in 2008 alongside his family, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. His passing followed an 'acute myocardial infarction' and 'out-of-hospital cardiac arrest' at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22. Just three weeks prior, he performed a farewell show with his original Black Sabbath bandmates at Birmingham's Villa Park, reuniting with them for the first time since 2005.
Over 42,000 fans attended the Back To The Beginning show, where Ozzy delivered his final speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the crowd. He was later laid to rest during a private funeral on the grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion, attended by family and rock royalty, including Marilyn Manson and Zakk Wylde.
BRIT Awards Committee and Industry Tributes
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, praised Ozzy's contributions, stating: 'Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music. Possessing an unmistakable voice and unique presence, he reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide.'
Changes and Nominations at the 2026 BRIT Awards
The 2026 BRIT Awards also marks a significant shift in venue and nominations. Leading the nominations are Lola Young and Olivia with five nods each, followed closely by comeback artist Lily Allen, recognised in three categories. This year has seen a major turnaround in gender representation, with 70% of nominations being female or non-binary, addressing previous backlash over low female representation since the removal of gendered categories in 2022.
Additionally, the event will be the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester. Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, expressed excitement about the relocation, highlighting Manchester's vibrant cultural history. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, welcomed the move as a massive coup for the region, emphasising its status as the UK capital of music and culture.
The ceremony will take place at the state-of-the-art Co-op Live venue in Manchester, promising to invigorate the show and celebrate world-class music in a new setting.
