The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) held on Sunday night became a poignant moment as the late One Direction star Liam Payne was commemorated during the ceremony.
Rita Ora, who took on the role of host for the evening, struggled to hold back tears as she paid heartfelt tribute to her friend and fellow artist, expressing how Liam Payne “was a big part of the MTV world and my world”.
“Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could,” Ora reminisced about Payne’s generous nature and unwavering support. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”
Their friendship extended beyond personal ties, as the two artists collaborated on the popular track “For You,” which was part of the soundtrack for the film Fifty Shades Freed, showcasing their shared musical chemistry.
Tragically, the talented singer passed away at the tender age of 31 following a shocking fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, just last month, a loss that sent ripples across the music industry.
An image of Liam Payne was displayed on the large screens during the event, eliciting an emotional response from fans who were visibly moved within the newly opened Co-op Arena, a testament to Payne’s enduring legacy.
Following the investigation into his untimely death, three individuals were arrested and charged last Friday, with prosecutors explicitly ruling out “self-harm” as a potential cause of his tragic demise.
Prosecutors revealed that one of the accused was consistently in the singer’s company while they were in Argentina, while another worked at the hotel where Payne was staying. The third individual is alleged to have supplied narcotics, further complicating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In addition to the arrests, authorities have also ordered nine raids on various properties throughout Buenos Aires as the investigation progresses, with several of Payne’s electronic devices currently undergoing forensic analysis.
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**Interview with Rita Ora on the Emotional Tribute to Liam Payne at the MTV EMAs**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Rita. The MTV Europe Music Awards was an emotional event this year, especially with the tribute to Liam Payne. Can you share how you felt during the ceremony?
**Rita Ora:** Thank you for having me. It was an incredibly emotional night. From the moment I stepped on stage, I felt his presence, and I knew I had to honor him in a meaningful way. Liam was not just a friend; he was family.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your tribute that Liam ”was a big part of the MTV world and my world.” Can you elaborate on his impact both personally and professionally?
**Rita Ora:** Absolutely. Liam was such a significant figure, not just in music but in our lives. He had an innate ability to connect with everyone around him. Personally, he was always there for me during challenging times, offering support and kindness. Professionally, his contributions to the music industry and to the MTV community were immense. He truly embodied what it means to be an artist.
**Editor:** You described Liam as “one of the kindest people” you knew. Can you share a specific memory that highlights his generous nature?
**Rita Ora:** One memory that sticks out is a charity event we worked on together. Liam was the first to volunteer his time, and he rallied his friends to help out too. He always made it a priority to give back to the community and help those in need. His heart was bigger than life itself, and that made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
**Editor:** Given the emotional weight of the tribute, how did you manage to convey both your grief and celebration of his life during the ceremony?
**Rita Ora:** It was tough. I wanted to be strong for Liam, to honor him the way he deserved. I focused on the joy he brought into our lives and the wonderful memories we shared. It was important to celebrate his legacy while also acknowledging the pain of losing him. I think that balance resonated with everyone who loved him.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing such heartfelt insights, Rita. As we continue to remember Liam, what do you hope his legacy will be?
**Rita Ora:** I hope his legacy will be one of kindness, love, and authenticity. Liam had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued. I want people to remember him for his generous spirit and the joy he brought into our lives. That’s how we can keep his memory alive—by embracing those qualities ourselves.
**Editor:** Thank you, Rita, for your reflections. Liam Payne will certainly be missed, but his impact will forever remain in our hearts.
**Rita Ora:** Thank you. It means a lot.
