Justin Hawkins recently clarified his comments about Yungblud\u2019s MTV VMAs tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. He addressed the controversy in a statement shared on Justin Hawkins Rides Again.<\/p>\n
The statement focused on his reactions to the VMAs performance and his observations about Yungblud\u2019s use of real-time pitch correction during the live tribute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing feudy about it, especially when it comes to my reactions to the VMAs performance,\u201d Hawkins said. \u201cNone of that was intended to incite a feud. I think that Yungblud is a very well-connected and, as such, dangerous artist. He\u2019s an individual who is not the sort of bear you\u2019d go round poking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hawkins elaborated on his criticism of the performance, particularly regarding the use of autotune and Yungblud\u2019s background.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I think that when there\u2019s real-time pitch correction happening and stuff like that, and the other observations I made about the overall delivery of it\u2026 you\u2019re talking about somebody that came from musical theatre via Disney and is now being lauded as the future of rock,\u201d he continued. \u201cAnd if they have real-time pitch correction and that kind of background, I think it\u2019s OK to be a bit skeptical about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He defended his right to express critical opinions within the reaction community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that\u2019s not a very popular opinion but from the reaction community if you can\u2019t say something negative about something that leaves you only one option available to you and that\u2019s not how life works,\u201d he said. \u201cEverybody\u2019s allowed to say whatever they want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hawkins concluded by reframing his criticism as a broader concern about the future of rock music.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not slagging him off because\u2026 I don\u2019t even think I\u2019m slagging it off actually,\u201d he said. \u201cI think I\u2019m making a point that if the future of rock requires real-time pitch correction in a live environment rock is pretty f*****, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hawkins\u2019 initial reaction to Yungblud\u2019s VMAs performance sparked discussion online. The comments came after this reaction.<\/p>\n
The controversy stems from Yungblud\u2019s performance at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. He played a central role in honoring the late rock legend.<\/p>\n
Rock Sound reported that Yungblud led an emotional tribute medley to Ozzy Osbourne alongside Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt at the ceremony. The performance featured a medley including \u201cCrazy Train,\u201d \u201cChanges,\u201d and \u201cMama, I\u2019m Coming Home.\u201d Yungblud wore Ozzy\u2019s cross as a symbol of respect.<\/p>\n
Many viewers regarded the tribute as touching and powerful. YouTube coverage of the event showed that some viewers called it the best performance of the night. The emotional weight of the tribute drew strong responses from both the audience and performers, including tears from Steven Tyler.<\/p>\n
However, the performance also drew some criticism regarding Yungblud\u2019s vocal ability. Social media responses revealed that some viewers questioned whether Yungblud was in tune during the tribute. They raised doubts about his vocal performance during the high-profile moment.<\/p>\n
Despite Hawkins\u2019 claims about Yungblud\u2019s background in musical theatre and Disney, no public records or available information support these assertions. Yungblud is primarily known as a rock musician recognized for his raw energy and emotive performances rather than theatrical or Disney-related experience.<\/p>\n
As of now, neither Yungblud nor his team has publicly responded to Hawkins\u2019 comments about the VMAs performance or the broader criticism regarding pitch correction and his musical background.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Justin Hawkins recently clarified his comments about Yungblud\u2019s MTV VMAs tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. He addressed the controversy in a statement shared on … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n