Birmingham-born entertainer Chico Silmani has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in his rise to fame following his appearance on The X Factor over two decades ago.
A Lasting Impact from a Rock Icon
In an exclusive reflection, Silmani, now 54 and a wellness guru, stated that Ozzy Osbourne's encouragement was just as instrumental as the guidance he received from his official mentor on the show, Sharon Osbourne. The singer, who reached the quarter-finals of the ITV reality competition in 2005, emphasised the profound personal and professional impact the Black Sabbath frontman had on his journey.
The Pivotal Poolside Moment
Recalling a now-iconic moment from his time on the show, Silmani described performing at the Osbourne family home and impulsively jumping into their swimming pool mid-song. "Ozzy literally comes up and goes 'I thought that was freaking amazing'," Silmani recounted. He believes that endorsement was a turning point, silencing any doubters. "Anyone who's anyone who had any doubts were like if 'it's good enough for Ozzy, it's good enough for us'."
He added with affection, "I thank him very much and I love him dearly. He has got to be one of the funniest, loveliest, kindest people I've ever met."
From TV Stardom to Chart Success
This boost in confidence helped propel Silmani to a successful music career post-X Factor. He famously scored a UK number one single with "It's Chico Time", an achievement that saw him dethrone pop icon Madonna from the top spot. While Sharon Osbourne's mentorship was formalised through the show, Silmani insists Ozzy's unwavering belief was equally vital behind the scenes.
A New Chapter in Wellness and Television
Two decades on from his television debut, Chico Silmani has transitioned from entertainer to spiritual guide, running wellbeing retreats globally under the banner "Celebrity HU Breath Retreats". However, he hints that a return to our screens may be imminent.
Teasing future projects while representing a new online bingo brand, Silmani revealed, "I've got a few TV ideas that I've pitched and there is some interest... There is one I'm thinking about which is like a celebrity retreat." He expressed hope that audiences would soon be able to join him on screen to explore "the fears, the tears and hopefully some cheers" of personal transformation.
The legacy of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July last year, continues to resonate deeply with those he inspired, with Chico Silmani's story serving as a powerful testament to the rock star's generosity and influence beyond the stage.
