The singer honoured her late friend and collaborator during an emotional moment at Manchester’s star-studded awards ceremony.

The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Manchester took a poignant turn last night as host Rita Ora paid a tearful tribute to late singer Liam Payne, almost a month after the former One Direction star’s untimely death. Ora, who collaborated with Payne on their 2018 hit single For You, honoured him with heartfelt words that moved the audience.

The usually upbeat ceremony, held at Co-op Live Arena, paused as Ora, dressed in a sombre dark suit, took a moment to speak directly to the crowd. “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight.”

Ora’s tribute came towards the end of the show, marking a sharp contrast to the high-energy performances and celebrations that dominated the evening. She reflected on Payne’s warmth and generosity, sharing, “He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could. He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world.”

To honour Payne’s memory, a touching video montage was played, featuring black-and-white photos of the beloved star alongside a snippet of One Direction’s song Night Changes. The arena fell silent as fans and artists alike took a moment to reflect on Payne’s legacy, with screens displaying the message: “MTV remembers Liam Payne 1993-2024.”

A Night of Triumph for Taylor Swift and Rising Stars

While the ceremony had its share of emotional moments, it was also a night of celebration for other artists. Taylor Swift continued her unstoppable streak by making history as the first artist to win the Best Artist award three times in the EMAs’ 30-year history. Despite not attending in person, Swift dominated the evening, picking up four awards, including Best Video for her song Fortnight, Best Live Act, and Best US Artist.

In a pre-recorded acceptance speech, the pop superstar thanked her fans for their unwavering support. “I am coming to you from the Eras Tour, and I’m so sad that I can’t be with you tonight,” she said. “The fact that you have honoured the tour and everything that’s happened with the album this year, the video, it’s just unbelievable.” Swift was seen earlier in the day supporting her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, at a Kansas City Chiefs game.

Other notable winners included British singer Raye, who won Best UK and Ireland Act and delivered powerful performances of her hits Escapism and Body Dysmorphia. Rising stars Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla, and Benson Boone also took home awards, reflecting a night that celebrated both established legends and fresh talent.

A Return to the UK Stage

This year’s EMAs marked the first time since 2017 that the event was held in the UK, with Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena providing the perfect backdrop for the star-studded affair. It was also the third time that Rita Ora hosted the event, proving once again her ability to balance humour, glamour, and heartfelt moments.

Despite the festivities, Ora’s tribute to Payne remained the evening’s emotional highlight, resonating deeply with fans who continue to mourn the loss of the beloved singer. As the music world reflected on Payne’s impact, Ora’s words served as a reminder of the tight-knit community that defines the industry.