The recent MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) held in Manchester on November 10, 2024, saw host Rita Ora become visibly emotional as she paid a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and collaborator, Liam Payne. The One Direction star tragically passed away in October 2024, and Ora took a poignant moment during the awards ceremony to remember him.
Ora, who collaborated with Payne on the hit single “For You” for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018, appeared tearful as she addressed the audience. Her voice trembled as she spoke of Payne’s impact and the loss felt by many.
“I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us,” Ora said, her voice thick with emotion. “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.”
Dressed in a somber dark suit, a stark contrast to the otherwise upbeat atmosphere of the event, Ora continued her moving tribute. “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. And, you know, there were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him, and I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough.”
Visibly fighting back tears, Ora described Payne’s character: “He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could. He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world. So let’s just take a moment to remember our friend Liam.”
Following her heartfelt words, the ceremony presented a brief “in memoriam” style video clip dedicated to Payne. The clip featured black-and-white photos and videos of the late singer, accompanied by a snippet of One Direction’s song “Night Changes.” The simple yet touching tribute resonated deeply with the audience and viewers worldwide, underscoring the significant impact Payne had on the music industry and his fans.
Rita Ora’s emotional tribute at the MTV EMAs echoed the sentiments of many who continue to mourn the loss of Liam Payne. Her personal connection to him, through their successful collaboration on “For You,” added an extra layer of poignancy to her words. The moment served as a powerful reminder of Payne’s vibrant personality and the void he has left behind.
Earlier, shortly after the news of Payne’s passing broke, Rita Ora had also paid tribute to him during a concert in Osaka, Japan, where she sang “For You” and was overcome with emotion, highlighting the deep bond they shared.
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