Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt and emotional tribute to Liam Payne while hosting the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday evening. The event took place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where Ora, dressed in a solemn black suit, addressed the audience as the awards show was coming to a close.
As she prepared to honor Payne, she paused to gather her thoughts, stating, “I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, who gathered to celebrate music and artistry but were also reminded of the recent loss. “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,” she continued, evoking a strong sense of community in shared grief.
During her tribute, Ora described Payne as “one of the kindest people that I knew,” prompting an appreciative cheer from the crowd. She spoke of the numerous ways they had considered honoring his memory, emphasizing, “I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough.” Her voice trembled with emotion, and tears glistened in her eyes as she reflected on his character, saying, “He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.” She added that Payne brought immense joy to every room he entered and left a profound mark on the world around him, further underscoring his influence in the industry and beyond.
Becoming increasingly tearful, Ora asked the audience to join her in a moment of remembrance, saying, “So, let’s just take a moment to remember our friend Liam.” In a touching homage, images of the former One Direction member were projected on a large screen, accompanied by the poignant strains of the band’s song “Night Changes,” released in 2014.
Liam Payne’s tragic passing occurred on October 16 at the age of 31, following a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In connection to his death, three individuals are currently facing preliminary charges related to the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has left his fans and loved ones in shock.
Rita Ora and Liam Payne had a musical collaboration in 2018 with their song “For You,” which was featured on the soundtrack of the popular erotic drama “Fifty Shades Freed.” The song achieved significant success, reaching number 8 on the UK’s official singles chart. Just days after Payne’s untimely death, Ora expressed her grief while performing, stating, “I can’t even sing this right now,” highlighting the profound impact his loss had on her.
The ceremony also recognized various artists, with Taylor Swift receiving the award for Best Artist, Raye being honored as the Best UK & Ireland Act, Sabrina Carpenter taking home the award for Best Song with “Espresso,” Benson Boone being named Best New Artist, and Tyla recognized as the Best R&B artist.
Interestingly, MTV had canceled last year’s EMAs due to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, making this year’s event even more significant for the attendees, as they came together to celebrate both achievements in music and the memory of a beloved figure in the industry.
