by British artist Yungblud recently addressed criticism about his energetic persona, defending his authenticity in an interview with Allison Hagendorf.
When asked what he says to critics who call him “too performative,” Yungblud offered a passionate defense of his approach to artistry.
“Of course, I f*cking am. I’m excited. That’s my vibe,” he said. “It’s just like with it all. It’s like, and I’ll never forget Ozzy Osbourne said that to me. He’s like, ‘Never compromise your f*cking energy. They will get it later. They will understand it in hindsight.’ And I was like, that f*cking hit me in the in the forehead because he was like, I was always too this or too that or too mad or too aggressive or too funny or blah blah. And he was like, ‘Trust me. Don’t dim it.’”
The artist reflected on the nature of artistic evolution, drawing comparisons to legendary musicians.
“Because to find your way in this life is the art piece. If you look at Bowie, some of it was intentional, some of it was by accident, some of it was a mistake, some of it was groundbreaking, some of it was a step backwards. Some, if you look at an artist’s career like that or Ozzy or I don’t know, Amy Winehouse, even though it was short, it’s all this part of this journey,” he explained.
Yungblud emphasized his confidence in his current artistic direction.
“With it all, it’s just like I’m not going to be perfect yet. I’m not supposed to be. It’s fun if someone hates me now or and falls in love with me in three years or loves me now and hates me in three. That’s the whole point of art. I think I’ve never been more prepared for it than right now because if anyone gives me hate, I’m very secure in what I’m doing and I’m loving what I’m doing and I’m really excited in it,” he concluded.
This defiant stance comes at a pivotal moment in Yungblud’s career. He continues to prove his critics wrong through both his creative output and high-profile collaborations.
The Rock Revival reported that Yungblud released his fourth studio album, “Idols,” on June 20, 2025. The album showcases his characteristic high-energy style and emotional intensity in songs like “Lovesick Lullaby” and “Fire.” It demonstrates his commitment to the vibrant, unfiltered approach that has become his signature, despite ongoing criticism about his performative nature.
The British rocker has also been actively touring in support of “Idols” throughout the United States. This further emphasizes his dedication to energetic live performances. His sustained work ethic on tour and in the studio underlines the authenticity behind his theatrical persona, challenging those who dismiss him as merely performative.
Perhaps most notably, Yungblud collaborated with rock legends Aerosmith on a new single, “My Only Angel,” released in 2025. This partnership marks a significant milestone in his career. It highlights his musical versatility and earns him respect among established rock icons. The collaboration, along with a forthcoming joint EP, further cements his credibility as a serious artist rather than simply a performative figure.
The advice from Ozzy Osbourne that Yungblud referenced appears to have resonated deeply with the young artist. His continuous engagement with fans through raw, emotional music and unfiltered performances blends theatricality with genuine personal expression. This creates an artistic identity that refuses to be dimmed by criticism. As he continues to evolve and collaborate with respected artists, Yungblud’s energetic persona increasingly appears less like an act and more like an authentic expression of his artistic vision.
