This past Sunday, the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) captivated the UK, with Manchester serving as the venue for music’s most significant worldwide event. Pop megastar Taylor Swift led the night as the ceremony’s biggest winner, taking home an impressive four awards, including Best Artist, Best Video for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone, Best Live, and Best US Act.
“For a long time we’ve been saying that Manchester is the UK’s capital of music, with a rich musical heritage stretching back decades that has helped build a vibrant, diverse music scene that continues to flourish today,” said Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. “Having the MTV EMAs, music week, and some of the biggest names in pop music like Rita Ora in Manchester not only helps to strengthen our claim, but it also provides a huge boost to our music industry and the wider economy.”
Shawn Mendes, Raye, and South African sensation Tyla delivered show-stopping performances at the high-energy awards show, broadcast live to over 150 countries. Manchester hosted the EMAs for the first time, having previously traveled to other UK music hubs like Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, and Edinburgh.
Rita Ora, who hosted the ceremony, took a moment during the show to pay an emotional tribute to the late Liam Payne of One Direction fame. “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew,” Ora said, fighting back tears. “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 the world.”
Raye was another big winner of the night, taking home awards for Best UK & Ireland Act and Best Afrobeats. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter from London has been steadily rising through the ranks, and this year’s EMA wins are sure to propel her to new heights.
The inaugural 2024 MTV EMA Pop Pioneer Award honored Pet Shop Boys, the legendary British electronic duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, for their remarkable 40-year career. Performing alongside a local orchestra, the Manchester Camerata and Pet Shop Boys closed out the show in style.
“This is my first time here. I’ve never gotten an award from MTV before. After thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes expressed his immense joy upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from British rapper Little Simz.
Other notable winners included Sabrina Carpenter for Best Song (“Espresso”), Ariana Grande for Best Pop, Calvin Harris for Best Electronic, Imagine Dragons for Best Alternative, and Liam Gallagher for Best Rock.
People often view the EMAs as a precursor to the Grammys, as the winners offer a preview of potential honorees for music’s biggest night. This year’s ceremony was no exception, with Swift, Raye, and Pet Shop Boys cementing their status as global superstars.
The music world has further cemented Manchester’s reputation as the UK’s true capital of music. Manchester, with its rich history, vibrant present, and bright future, continues to establish itself as the central hub of the British music scene.