The festivities leading up to the 2026 Grammy Awards began in earnest last night at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Clive Davis held his legendary Pre-Grammy Gala & Grammy Salute to Industry Icons. While the evening is known for its star-studded guest list, the night opened with a powerful homage to late heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, led by genre-blending artists Machine Gun Kelly and Jelly Roll.
The event launched directly into a high-energy salute to the “Prince of Darkness,” with Machine Gun Kelly taking the stage first. He opted for a track from the latter half of Osbourne‘s career, performing a rendition of “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” the lead single from 2007’s Black Rain. Observers noted that MGK’s interpretation maintained the hard rock grit of the original recording while infusing it with a distinct Southern rock texture.
Following his set, Machine Gun Kelly prepared the audience for the second half of the tribute, handing the spotlight over to his peer with a respectful nod to the metal legend.
“Rest in peace, Ozzy. Bring it home, Jelly,” MGK proclaimed from the stage.
Jelly Roll then slowed the tempo for an emotionally resonant performance of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” the power ballad from Osbourne‘s 1991 multiplatinum album No More Tears. The singer delivered a vocal performance that honored the spirit of the original while showcasing his own stylistic nuance.
As his set concluded, Jelly Roll turned his attention away from the general crowd and directly addressed Osbourne‘s family, who were in attendance at a nearby table. Speaking to Sharon and Jack Osbourne, he offered a heartfelt dedication.
“Rest in Peace to the Prince of Darkness… to a great husband, a great father, a great musician… Ozzy Osbourne,” Jelly Roll stated.
The sentiment was warmly received; Billboard reports that as the singer left the stage to return to his seat, he was intercepted by Sharon Osbourne, who shared a long, appreciative hug with him.
These performances served as a prelude to tonight’s main event at the Crypto.com Arena, where the recording industry plans to stage a massive, official tribute to Osbourne. That segment is scheduled to feature an all-star lineup including Andrew Watt, Duff McKagan, Slash, Chad Smith, and Post Malone.
MGK paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Clive Davis’ Grammy Party pic.twitter.com/Q8s9P7dyJg
— Variety (@Variety) February 1, 2026
