Britain's Got Talent's Vinnie McKee shares heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne ahead of funeral

Britain's Got Talent star Vinnie McKee has shared a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne ahead of the Black Sabbath star's funeral today.

The 29-year-old Scottish singer, who was a finalist on this year's series of the ITV competition, revealed how the Prince of Darkness has inspired his own music and the star is currently working on the band's 1972 hit Changes himself.

The hit song was also covered by artist and close pal of Ozzy's, Yungblud, at Black Sabbath's final concert, Back To The Beginning, just weeks before Ozzy's sad death. Just a few days later, on July 22, it was announced that the iconic rock and reality TV star had died at the age of 76. It comes as Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes.

Since the sad news of Ozzy's death, tributes have poured in from stars all over the world and thousands of people flocked to the streets of Birmingham yesterday to memorialise and celebrate the late, great Ozzy as his coffin was taken on a 'final tour' around his hometown before a private funeral, which is taking place today.

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Heartbreaking images yesterday saw Ozzy's beloved wife Sharon breaking down alongside her children Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Ozzy's son Louis from a previous relationship as they stopped the procession to look at the huge collection of tributes left for Ozzy on Black Sabbath bench and bridge. It was hard not to be moved by the scenes, which Vinnie admits had an emotional impact on him.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at the National Reality TV Awards on July 31, Vinnie said of Ozzy's procession through Birmingham: "I was watching today actually when I was coming down on the train and my heart went out to Sharon I think they're such a lovely family and I send them all the thoughts and prayers in the world."

Vinnie is also due to release a new version of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) – the song he did a moving rendition of for his first BGT performance which saw him score the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell earlier this year. Speaking of his life after that spectacular moment, Vinnie told us: "My world has totally changed. I've got my single coming out next month, I'm really excited for that [it's] my own version of 500 Miles."

However, that isn't the only music Vinnie has got coming up as the BGT star revealed that Ozzy's recent Black Sabbath reunion and sad death has inspired him to create a new cover. "I've got a cover of Changes that I've been working on," Vinnie said. "I love Ozzy Osbourne I think he's amazing. And I really was inspired by YungBlud's performance."

Ozzy's death was announced in a statement from the Osbourne family. It read: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.

"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."

It was later reported that air ambulance crew flew to the Black Sabbath star's Buckinghamshire mansion and worked for two hours in a bid to save his life.

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