In an unforgettable farewell to one of rock’s most iconic voices, Carrie Underwood delivered a soul-stirring performance of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” at Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral in Birmingham, England — a city where his legend was born and now, finally, laid to rest.

Held at St. Philip’s Cathedral, the ceremony brought together a crowd of thousands — fans, family, and fellow musicians — to celebrate the life of the man once dubbed the “Prince of Darkness,” and to mourn the passing of a global music icon.

But it was Carrie — dressed in an elegant black gown, with tears welling in her eyes — who offered one of the night’s most emotionally devastating tributes.

Ozzy’s Admiration for Carrie Was No Secret

In reality, Ozzy Osbourne had expressed admiration for Carrie Underwood, whose powerhouse vocals and rock-leaning country style won her not only multiple Grammy Awards, but the respect of artists across genres. In 2022, Underwood shocked fans by covering “Mama, I’m Coming Home” as part of an Apple Music session — a rendition that even Ozzy himself praised, saying through his team that it was “a powerful and moving tribute” to the original.

It’s that same version she brought to life once more — this time, as a farewell.

“Ozzy once said Carrie’s voice ‘cut like a knife’ — raw, beautiful, and real,” Sharon Osbourne shared quietly before Carrie began.
“He loved her energy, and he always said, ‘That girl could sing the hell out of anything.’”

A Cathedral Filled with Legends — and Grief

As Carrie stood before the Ozzy memorial wall, draped in black roses and covered in floral tributes from fans across Birmingham — the city where Ozzy was born in 1948 — the crowd held its breath.

Her voice floated through the cathedral like a whispered hymn, stripped of spectacle, full of ache:

“Times have changed and times are strange… I’m leaving my life behind…”

The room fell into silence — save for the trembling breaths of mourners.

Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Elton John, James Hetfield, and even former Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi were seen wiping their eyes.

“You could feel it — everyone did,” said one guest.
“That voice… that song… it cracked everyone wide open.”

“Mama, I’m Coming Home” — A Song with History

Written by Ozzy, Zakk Wylde, and Lemmy Kilmister, “Mama, I’m Coming Home” became one of the most poignant songs in Osbourne’s catalog — a rock ballad about returning home, forgiveness, and reflection. Released in 1991, the song hit No. 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and has been a staple of his live shows and tributes ever since.

Carrie Underwood’s connection to the song — and her 2022 cover — gave it new life, and its place in his funeral was not just symbolic, but deeply personal.

A Final Note, A Final Goodbye

As Carrie sang the final chorus, her voice cracked softly on the last “Mama, I’m coming home.” She then stepped back, placed a single white rose beneath Ozzy’s photograph, and bowed her head.

“Ozzy didn’t need fireworks in his farewell,” one attendee said. “He needed heart. Carrie brought it.”

There was no applause — only the sound of sniffling, of tears falling, and the rustle of tissues. Sharon stood, embraced Carrie, and whispered something only they heard.

A Farewell Fit for a Legend

The funeral marked the end of a weeklong tribute to Ozzy’s life — including global tributes, Spotify streaming spikes of over 600%, and a BBC retrospective covering his career from Black Sabbath to his solo years.

The city of Birmingham also announced plans to rename a local street “Osbourne Way” in his honor.

Ozzy Osbourne may have once been called the Prince of Darkness — but as Carrie Underwood reminded us, he left this world surrounded by light, love, and the power of music to bring us all to our knees.

Rest in peace, Ozzy. You’re finally home.