Rita Ora delivers emotional tribute to Liam Payne at MTV EMAs: 'His heart was truly immense'
Rita Ora delivered a poignant homage to Liam Payne as she presided over the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday. The British singer, elegantly attired in a somber black ensemble, addressed the gathered crowd at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena near the show's conclusion. "I just want to pause and honor someone who was profoundly cherished by us," she articulated.
"We recently lost him, and he held a significant place in the MTV community, in my life, and I believe in many of yours," she continued, her voice imbued with emotion. "Liam Payne was among the most compassionate souls I encountered," she declared, eliciting applause from those present.
"There were numerous ways discussed to pay tribute to him, but sometimes, simply voicing it suffices," she added, her voice quivering, tears glistening in her eyes. "He possessed an enormous heart, always eager to assist however possible," she emphasized. "He infused joy into every room he entered and imprinted an indelible legacy on this earth."
Growing more emotional, she implored, "Let's take a moment to remember our friend Liam." A montage of images of the former One Direction star then illuminated the screens, accompanied by the band’s 2014 hit “Night Changes.”
Payne tragically passed away on October 16, aged 31, following a fall from a hotel’s third floor in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Three individuals are currently facing preliminary charges related to his demise.
In 2018, Payne and Ora joined forces on "For You," a track from the "Fifty Shades Freed" soundtrack, which soared to number 8 on the UK singles chart. "I can't bring myself to sing this now," Ora confessed during a Tokyo concert shortly after Payne’s passing.
One Direction clinched multiple EMAs before their 2015 disbandment. This year’s ceremony celebrated victors such as Taylor Swift for best artist, Raye for best UK & Ireland act, Sabrina Carpenter for best song ("Espresso"), Benson Boone as best new artist, and Tyla for best R&B.
MTV had previously canceled last year's EMAs due to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
