Celebrating Ozzy Osbourne at the Pre-Grammy Gala
Last night (Jan. 31), the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles hosted Clive Davis’ annual Pre-Grammy Gala & Grammy Salute to Industry Icons, leading up to the much-anticipated 2026 Grammy Awards. Among the star-studded attendees were Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll, both of whom paid tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne with powerful covers of his iconic tracks.
Machine Gun Kelly’s Tribute: “I Don’t Wanna Stop”
Performance Highlights
According to Billboard, the event commenced with a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, featuring Machine Gun Kelly’s rendition of “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” the lead single from Ozzy’s 2007 album, *Black Rain*. While the choice of song might surprise some, MGK’s performance was a commendable blend of the original’s hard rock essence, infused with a Southern rock vibe.
Fan Reactions
Reactions to MGK’s performance have been mixed. Some fans praised his vocal ability, with one stating, “Actually not a bad singing voice. I don’t know what lane he’s in musically, but that’s not such a bad thing artistically. Respect.” Others, however, were less impressed, with comments like, “God, I can’t stand this dude” and critiques on his vocal performance. The divided feedback reflects MGK’s polarizing presence in the music industry.
Jelly Roll’s Emotional Cover: “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
Performance Highlights
Following MGK, Jelly Roll took the stage, performing “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” one of Ozzy’s most cherished songs from the 1991 album *No More Tears*. Jelly Roll’s rendition maintained the original’s emotional depth while showcasing his powerful and nuanced voice. The moment became even more poignant when he dedicated the performance to Ozzy, addressing Sharon and Jack Osbourne in the audience.
Fan Reactions
Similar to MGK, Jelly Roll’s performance elicited a range of responses. Supporters hailed it as a “beautiful, raw tribute,” while detractors criticized it as an unnecessary take on an Ozzy classic. One comment noted, “Not as bad as Jelly Roll doing ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ but bad. Very bad.” This contrast illustrates the varied opinions surrounding tributes to iconic artists.
2026 Grammy Awards Preview
Both Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll’s tributes are fitting as tonight’s Grammy Awards will feature an official homage to the late Ozzy Osbourne. Collaborating on the tribute will be Andrew Watt, Duff McKagan, Slash, Chad Smith, and Post Malone, though details on the specific songs remain under wraps.
The Grammy Awards this year are highlighted by a competitive slate of nominees, including Nine Inch Nails, Sleep Token, Hayley Williams, Turnstile, and Yungblud for Best Rock Song. The Best Metal Performance category features Turnstile, Spiritbox, Sleep Token, Ghost, and Dream Theater.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, beginning at 8 PM ET on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. For those looking to catch the early announcements, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place at 3:30 PM ET, streaming live on Grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s official YouTube channel.
Conclusion
The tribute performances by Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll at the Pre-Grammy Gala have set the stage for an unforgettable Grammy night, honoring the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne. As fans eagerly await the main event, the conversation continues around the interpretations of classic rock songs and the artists who attempt to pay homage to them.
FAQs
What songs did Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll cover at the Pre-Grammy Gala?
Machine Gun Kelly covered “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” while Jelly Roll performed “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
How did fans react to the performances?
Reactions were mixed, with some praising the performances as respectful tributes, while others criticized them as unnecessary renditions of Ozzy’s classics.
When are the 2026 Grammy Awards taking place?
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on February 1, 2026, starting at 8 PM ET on CBS.
Who will perform in the official tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the Grammy Awards?
The tribute will feature Andrew Watt, Duff McKagan, Slash, Chad Smith, and Post Malone, although the specific songs they will perform have not been disclosed.
