In a moment that now feels even more meaningful, Carrie Underwood delivered a stunning tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne — and it’s one fans won’t soon forget.
Back in 2023, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the country powerhouse stunned the audience with a heartfelt cover of Ozzy’s emotional ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Now, with the rock legend’s recent passing at the age of 76, that performance resonates deeper than ever.
From Country Roots to Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart
Though Carrie Underwood grew up in a conservative, country-loving household, her musical tastes have always leaned wide — and heavy. She’s never been shy about her love for rock music, especially the raw emotion and power behind Ozzy Osbourne’s songs.
“I remember being a teenager, discovering my own musical taste,” Carrie told Stern. “My mom wasn’t thrilled about me listening to Ozzy… but I saw something different in his music. It’s not all darkness — there’s love, melody, and heart in there, too.”
That appreciation came full circle when she took the mic and poured her soul into “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” a song Ozzy originally wrote as a love letter to his wife Sharon.
A Tribute Approved by the Osbournes
Before performing the ballad, Carrie made sure to do things the right way. “I always want to be respectful,” she said. “We reached out to the Osbournes, and Sharon was so sweet about it.”
That respectful spirit — combined with Carrie’s powerhouse vocals — turned the moment into something magical. Stern himself was blown away by the performance, asking her and her band to repeat the harmonies after the song ended, clearly moved by what he’d just witnessed.
A Voice Fit for a Power Ballad
Known for blending emotion with strength, Underwood’s voice was a perfect fit for the 1991 ballad. Her rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” channeled both sorrow and strength — much like the song’s original intent.
At the time, the performance was a bold genre crossover. Now, after Ozzy’s death on July 22, 2025, it stands as a poignant tribute to one of rock’s most enduring voices.
A Moment That Hits Different Now
Carrie’s cover wasn’t just technically flawless — it was filled with genuine love for a musical icon who shaped her artistic journey. With Ozzy now gone, the tribute carries even more emotional weight, reminding fans of the universal power of music — and how it connects us across genres, generations, and grief.
Watch Carrie Underwood’s moving performance of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” below.
(YouTube video)
