Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Rita Ora pays emotional tribute to Liam Payne at 2024 MTV EMAs: “He left such a mark on this world”

Rita Ora has paid an emotional tribute to her friend Liam Payne while hosting the 2024 MTV EMAs.

The former One Direction member died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentinian prosecutor’s office has since shared that his cause of death was due to multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding.

Speaking from the stage of the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester during the awards ceremony on Sunday night (November 10), Ora said: “I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us. 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.

“Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. You know, there were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him, but I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough.”

“He had the biggest heart, he 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,” she continued, with her voice starting to break.

As the live crowd cheered, she added: “So, let’s just take a moment to remember our friend Liam.” As the live audience continued to show their own tribute to the late singer, One Direction’s 2014 song ‘Night Changes’ played over a montage of photos of Payne.

Just hours after Payne’s death last month, Ora paid tribute to him with an emotional performance of their collaboration ‘For You’, from the soundtrack to the 2018 film Fifty Shades Freed. Halfway through the performance, Ora announced “I can’t even sing this right now — can you do it for me?”, as she sat on a riser with her head in hands, appearing to be crying. Later, she mouthed “I’m sorry” to the audience before walking offstage with her arms crossed.

After the performance, Ora took to social media to share that same photograph of herself with Liam in the studio. She wrote in Payne’s memory: “I’m devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”

Ora was hosting the MTV EMAs for a record-breaking third time, and the show featured live performances from Benson Boone, RAYE, Shawn Mendes, Teddy Swims, The Warning, LE SSERAFIM, Peso Pluma, Tyla, Busta Rhymes and Pet Shop Boys. Little Simz also presented the Global Icon Award to Busta Rhymes.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

News

Michael Jackson‘s ‘Beat It’ was initially much more metal-oriented before Quincy Jones  suggested it be changed, his ‘Thriller’-era guitarist has said. Jackson’s session musician...

News

The nominees for the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame have been revealed and include the likes of Eminem, Janet Jackson, Boy George and more...

News

Travis Scott has shared his reaction to Coldplay playing a cover of his hit song ‘Goosebumps’ – see what the rapper had to say...

News

Doja Cat has seemingly begun teasing her new album – find out more below. READ MORE: Doja Cat live in Glasgow: pyros and poise from...