The 2024 MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) were an evening of both celebration and sorrow, as pop superstar Rita Ora led a heartfelt tribute to the late Liam Payne of One Direction during the ceremony held at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
Ora, a three-time EMA host, described Payne as “one of the kindest people I knew” as her voice began to break. “He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could,” she added, visibly emotional.
Payne, 28, tragically passed away last month after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Ora and Payne had previously collaborated on the 2018 hit single “For You” from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack.
Taylor Swift Makes History
While the tribute to Payne provided a somber moment, the night was largely defined by triumph, as Taylor Swift continued her global dominance by making history at the EMAs.
The pop superstar became the first artist ever to win the best artist award three times, solidifying her status as one of the biggest stars in the world. Swift also took home prizes for best video, best live act, and best US act.
“I am coming to you from the Eras tour, and I’m so sad that I can’t be with you tonight,” Swift said in a video acceptance speech. “But thank you so much for these amazing awards.”
Sabrina Carpenter, who won best song for her hit “Espresso,” and Raye, who won best UK and Ireland act, were among the other notable winners. Tyla had a particularly successful night, scooping awards for best R&B, best Afrobeats, and best African artist.
Busta Rhymes Is Honored As A Global Icon
The ceremony also featured a special honor for veteran rapper Busta Rhymes, who received the global icon award. In a touching moment, Rhymes revealed a personal connection to the north-west of England, recalling how he spent two summers living with his Aunt Velma in Morecambe as a child.
“Tonight is a dream come true. I’m honored. I feel tremendously blessed,” Rhymes said backstage before the show. The legendary MC later took the stage to perform a medley of his biggest hits to a crowd of 23,500 at the UK’s largest indoor music venue.
Manchester Music Is Celebrated
The choice of Manchester as the host city for this year’s EMAs was a nod to the region’s rich musical heritage. Despite his absence from the ceremony, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher won the best rock act award.
In a tribute to the city’s musical roots, the show utilized the iconic diagonal black and yellow motif of the former Hacienda nightclub, while the introduction music featured the synth-pop classic “Blue Monday” by local legends New Order.
“For a long time we’ve been saying that Manchester is the UK’s capital of music,” 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.”
With show-stopping performances, history-making victories, and emotional tributes, the 2024 MTV EMAs cemented Manchester’s status as a global music hub and celebrated the industry’s biggest stars.
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