MTV Europe Music Awards: Rita Ora creates an emotional moment

At the MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday evening (November 10th) in Manchester, Rita Ora (33), as presenter, almost eclipsed the award-winning stars of the music world: she set a record herself with her third presentation at the awards ceremony and immediately amazed everyone eleven sensational looks and created the most emotional moment of the evening in the Co-op Live Arena.

Because she paid tribute on stage to the late singer Liam Payne (1993-2024), with whom she once worked. “I want to take a moment to remember someone who was very, very dear to us,” Ora said. “We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a big part of your world at home and everyone here tonight.”

Ora, who worked with Payne on her 2018 song “For You,” emphasized that the One Direction star was “one of the nicest people” she knew, noting that she and MTV producers had ” discussed so many ways we could honor him.” She then continued, “I think sometimes just talking is enough. He had the biggest heart and was always the first to offer help where he could. He brought so much joy to every room he went into entered the world and he left such a big mark on this world. So let’s take a moment to remember our friend Liam.”

At the ceremony, according to Ora, a memoriam-style clip was shown that said: “MTV remembers Liam Payne 1993-2024″, alongside black and white photos and videos of the late musician and a snippet of the One Direction song ” “Night Changes”.

Payne died on October 16 when he fell several stories from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was only 31 years old. Rita Ora honored her at a concert in Osaka, Japan, just hours after the news of his death became known. In an emotional moment on stage, she sang the song “For You” through tears.

Taylor Swift (34) had the best chance of winning an award with seven nominations. She ultimately won four and was once again the winner of the evening. In absentia, the American superstar was honored as best artist for the third time. She was also honored for Best Video, Best Live Video and Best US Act. The singer expressed her gratitude in a recorded message in which she also apologized for her absence.

Ariana Grande (31) was named best pop act. She has had close ties to the city since the attack at her concert in Manchester in 2017, but also didn’t make it to the UK because Los Angeles was hosting her Wicked premiere. US singer Benson Boone (22) was named best new artist, South African singer Tyla (22) was named best Afrobeats. The Pet Shop Boys received the award as Pop Pioneers, singer Busta Rhymes (52) was honored with the Global Icon for his life’s work.

The MTV Europe Music Awards were held in Manchester for the first time. Last year, the awards ceremony was scheduled to take place in Paris, but was canceled due to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th. The 2022 awards were last presented in Düsseldorf.