Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne while hosting the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday.
Clad in a somber black suit, the British singer-songwriter addressed the audience towards the conclusion of the awards ceremony held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. She stated, “I would like to take a moment to remember someone who was very, very special to us.”
“We recently lost him, and he played a significant role in both the MTV community and my life, as well as in the lives of many of you here tonight,” she continued.
“Liam Payne was among the kindest individuals I have ever known,” Ora remarked, eliciting cheers from the audience.
“There were numerous ways we considered honoring him, but sometimes, simply speaking about him is sufficient,” she added, her voice trembling and tears welling in her eyes.
“He possessed the biggest heart and was always the first to extend a helping hand in any way possible,” she continued. “He brought immense joy to every space he entered and left an indelible mark on this world.”
As her emotions intensified, she said, “So, let us take a moment to remember our friend Liam.”
A video tribute featuring images of the former One Direction member was then displayed on screen, accompanied by the band’s 2014 song “Night Changes.”
Payne passed away on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Three individuals are currently facing preliminary charges related to his death.
In 2018, Payne and Ora collaborated on the track “For You,” which was included in the soundtrack of the erotic drama “Fifty Shades Freed” and reached number 8 on the UK’s official singles chart.
“I can’t even sing this right now,” Ora expressed while performing the song at her concert in Tokyo just days after Payne’s passing.
One Direction accumulated numerous EMAs before their split in 2015. This year’s awards recognized winners such as Taylor Swift for best artist, Raye for best UK & Ireland act, Sabrina Carpenter for best song (“Espresso”), Benson Boone for best new artist, and Tyla.