The Osbournes Are On A Roll

Life is good for Ozzy Osbourne.

The New York Times reports that the heavy metal icon and his family are expected to sign a lucrative deal with MTV this week to renew "The Osbournes," the music channel's hit TV show. [Both MTV and CBS are owned by Viacom.]

"The Osbournes," which chronicles the wacky, profane home life of Ozzy and his family, is the hottest series in MTV's 21-year-old history, drawing more than 6 million weekly viewers. It has pushed aside professional wrestling as cable TV's biggest show, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The new agreement apparently can't come quickly enough for the Osbournes, who have announced it as a done deal.

In an "Access Hollywood" interview, daughter Kelly said, "We have signed." The pink-haired, 17-year-old refused to elaborate, saying, "I can't talk about that. Not only do I think that it isn't anyone's business but I don't really like talking about it."

During an appearance last week on NBC's "Tonight" show, wife Sharon was asked by host Jay Leno if there would be more shows.

"Yes," she replied, smiling and throwing her hands in the air. She didn't offer further details.

But MTV officials said a number of details have to be worked out before the deal is done.

Over the weekend, Ozzy and Sharon were guests at the White House Correspondents dinner - a gathering of Washington's most powerful, including President Bush. Ozzy's appearance didn't escape Mr. Bush's attention.

The aging former lead singer of Black Sabbath stood up on a chair and waved to the wildly cheering crowd after Mr. Bush recognized him, prompting the president to say, "OK, Ozzie ... Might have been a mistake."

"The thing about Ozzy is, he's made a lot of big hit recordings - 'Party With the Animals,' 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,' 'Face in Hell,' 'Black Skies' and 'Bloodbath in Paradise,'" said the president.

"Ozzy. Your mom loves your stuff."