Rita Ora’s Heartfelt Tribute to Liam Payne at the MTV Europe Music Awards
Our beloved Rita Ora, the radiant host of the MTV Europe Music Awards, took a moment to pay tribute to her dear friend Liam Payne. With the grace of a seasoned performer and the emotional depth of a Shakespearean soliloquy, she made a moving statement about his “biggest heart.” As everyone’s favorite diva, Ora stood before the audience and, let’s be honest, if anyone could turn tears into a fashion statement, it’s her!
Sadly, Payne, known for being part of the incredible One Direction, passed away tragically after an unfortunate fall from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. Can you imagine? Falling from a balcony is usually reserved for soap operas and reality TV drama, not for pop icons!
Ora, clearly shaken yet poised, reminisced about Liam’s kindness and generosity, leaving us all momentarily forgetting that we were here for an awards show and not a Netflix documentary on heartwarming friendships. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into,” she said. Isn’t that just the sweetest tribute? Somehow, I can picture him walking into a room, and entering with a confetti cannon and a disco ball, because why not add flair to your kindness?
Later in the night, while the audience wiped away tears with their high-end tissues, it became apparent that the awards weren’t just about grief. Taylor Swift was crowned best artist for the third time, breaking records faster than we can keep up! Honestly, Taylor’s out here collecting awards like Pokémon cards, and I’m just here wondering where my invite to that party got lost in the mail.
Swift, who opted for a night of football cheerleading over listening to her acceptance speeches live, sent a recorded message that magically teleported her into the event. Talk about multi-tasking! As she congratulated the fans for their support, I couldn’t help but think, “Is this a concert or a live episode of ‘America’s Got Talent’?”
And the winners kept rolling in! Sabrina Carpenter snagged the title for best song with “Espresso”—and really, who doesn’t need a daily dose of caffeine encouragement? My morning sedan is already advising me to listen to it on repeat. Raye triumphed as best UK and Ireland act too, making her fans feel like fairy godmothers of the music scene.
There was also the stunning Busta Rhymes! Can we take a second to remember that he wins the global icon award after nearly three decades in the rap game? It felt like watching my grandfather accept an award for best blender and I couldn’t get over the joy he felt! Whoever said hip-hop doesn’t age well clearly hasn’t met Busta.
And let’s not forget the opening act by Benson Boone, who came in hot with a piano performance suspended above the crowd! Who needs a concert stage when you can fly in like a pop star superhero? If that’s not setting the bar high for new artists, I don’t know what is!
In a night filled with celebration, it was hard not to feel the bittersweet nature of life as the MTV EMAs returned to the UK after what feels like a lifetime. Rest in peace, Liam; clearly, you left behind a legacy that continues to sparkle, just like the disco ball Rita probably wished she could’ve turned on just one more time in your honor.
Who Took Home the Bling?
- Best Artist: Taylor Swift
- Best Song: Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
- Best UK and Ireland Act: Raye
- Best New Artist: Benson Boone
- Global Icon: Busta Rhymes
- Pop Pioneers: Pet Shop Boys
So there we are, friends! An emotional night filled with music, memories, and a spectacular lineup of artists headlining the event we almost forgot was virtual thanks to everyone’s recorded acceptance speeches! Who needs to be there in person, right? Until next time, keep your hearts open to love, your playlists overflowing, and remember to look up—because we never know when a pop star might just ‘drop in’!
MTV Awards host Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late friend Liam Payne during the emotional ceremony, remembering him for having “the biggest heart” of anyone she knew.
Ora, who shared the stage with Payne in a duet of the touching song “For You” from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018, became visibly emotional while reminiscing about the beloved One Direction star near the end of the awards show.
The talented 31-year-old singer died tragically after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, a shocking event that has left fans mourning.
Addressing the audience at the prestigious MTV Europe Awards in Manchester, Ora fondly remembered Payne as “one of the kindest people” she had ever met, emphasizing the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him.
Her voice quivering with emotion, the 33-year-old singer fought back tears as she shared her heartfelt memories with the audience. “I just want to take a moment to remember someone very, very dear to us,” she began poignantly. “We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world.”
Payne “had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could,” she continued. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”
The emotional tribute was delivered just before the ceremony, where Taylor Swift was crowned best artist, marking a significant milestone as the first musician to receive this award three times.
Sabrina Carpenter and Raye among winners
Sabrina Carpenter‘s mega hit “Espresso” was crowned best song, while Ariana Grande received the title of best pop act, and South African star Tyla showcased her versatility as she picked up awards for both best Afrobeats and best R’n’B.
British artist Raye, fresh off her success at the Brits earlier this year, emerged victorious as the best UK and Ireland act, and delivered a stunning performance of her hits “Escapism” and “Body Dysmorphia,” her name illuminated behind her in bold letters.
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes was honored with the prestigious global icon award before electrifying the audience with a medley of his classic hits including “Break Ya Neck,” “Put My Hands Where Your Eyes Could See,” and “I Know What You Want.”
“I’ve never received an award from MTV before,” he joyfully proclaimed while accepting the trophy from British star Little Simz. “Thirty-four years of professionally recording music, and this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. It feels f****** incredible.”
The show commenced with an unforgettable performance by Benson Boone, who made a dazzling entrance suspended in mid-air while playing a golden piano, descending to perform his hit, “Beautiful Things,” surrounded by stunning pyrotechnics.
Rapper Eminem also joined the list of winners, accepting his best hip-hop award in a humorous video speech that began with a cheeky mock British accent. “I appreciate y’all, man,” he concluded with gratitude.
Earlier in the night, stars gathered on the red carpet – including local Mancunian guests such as Blossoms and Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez. Speaking to Sky News, the twins John and Edward Grimes of Jedward reflected on the loss of their friend Liam Payne, noting that his death felt like a “big loss” as they remembered their shared experiences growing up together.
This year’s MTV event marked its first return to the UK since a ceremony held in London in 2017, where Payne had performed his breakout solo hit “Strip That Down,” which kickstarted his post-One Direction career.
The MTV EMA winners
Best artist – Taylor Swift
Best song – Sabrina Carpenter, Espresso
Best UK and Ireland act – Raye
Best video – Taylor Swift ft Post Malone, Fortnight
Best new artist – Benson Boone
Best collaboration – Lisa ft Rosalia, New Woman
Best US act – Taylor Swift
Best live – Taylor Swift
Best pop – Ariana Grande
Best rock – Liam Gallagher
Best alternative – Imagine Dragons
Best hip-hop – Eminem
Best K-pop – Jimin
Best electronic – Calvin Harris
Best R’n’B – Tyla
Best Afrobeats – Tyla
Best Latin – Peso Pluma
Best push – Le Sserafim
Biggest fans – Lisa
Global icon – Busta Rhymes
Pop pioneers – Pet Shop Boys
Formance by Benson Boone, who took to the skies with a stunning piano act suspended above the audience. His entrance alone had everyone buzzing, setting an electrifying tone for the night ahead.
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) showcased not just the incredible talent within the industry but also served as a poignant reminder of the friendships and legacies that shape the music world. Rita Ora brought tears to our eyes with her tribute to Liam Payne, touching on the deep impact he had on so many lives. The heartfelt memories she shared resonated with everyone, reminding us of the importance of kindness and connection.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift continued to mark her territory as one of the industry’s biggest stars, expertly juggling between her fanbase and her busy schedule. With her third Best Artist win, she’s undoubtedly in a league of her own, and her ability to engage with fans despite physical distances is a testament to her dedication.
This year’s winners also highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of music today. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” provided the perfect anthem for fans needing a caffeine boost, while Raye’s triumph as Best UK and Ireland Act was celebrated with her powerful performances. Busta Rhymes’ Global Icon award reminded us that talent transcends time, as he continues to create magic decades into his career.
In an emotional reflection of the night, the festival of music and memories will be remembered as a tribute not only to the artists’ achievements but also to the iconic friendships that unite us all. Here’s to the legends we’ve lost and the new stars emerging into the limelight—may they continue to inspire future generations.
