Ozzy Osbourne’s final farewell in Birmingham, England marked the end of an era—but his influence is far from buried. As the heavy metal icon was laid to rest on Wednesday, tributes poured in from across the musical spectrum, from Green Day and Alice Cooper to Metallica and Pearl Jam. Yet, perhaps the most surprising and heartfelt homage came from the world of country music.
Carrie Underwood, a longtime metal fan, has repeatedly championed Osbourne’s music. Known for her soaring vocals and electrifying stage presence, Underwood has covered “Mama, I’m Comin’ Home” multiple times, most recently in a stripped-down performance on The Howard Stern Show. Her renditions have served as a bridge between mainstream country and the emotional weight of classic metal ballads.
That connection is growing. Dolly Parton recently teamed up with Mötley Crüe for a version of “Home Sweet Home,” while outlaw country artist Alex Williams reimagined Osbourne’s “Flying High Again” as a Southern-rock-tinged duet with Cody Jinks on his album Space Brain.
Osbourne’s music, once the anthem of rebels and outsiders, has now become a thread weaving together unexpected genres. As country artists continue to honor his legacy, it’s clear: the Prince of Darkness rocked far beyond metal’s borders.
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