Rita Ora grew tearful as she remembered One Direction singer Liam Payne during the 2024 MTV EMAs tonight. Held in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena, the annual ceremony welcomed some of music’s most current stars, with Shawn Mendes and Raye both walking the carpet. As much as it was a night for celebration, host Rita, 33, made sure to take a moment to remember someone close to her.
On October 16, the 1D star tragically died at the tender age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An outpouring of grief from fans and friends followed, with the star’s body having arrived back in the UK this week as funeral preparations get underway . Speaking to the crowd at tonight’s awards, Rita became incredibly emotional as she honoured Payne’s legacy.
The host said: ‘I just want to take a moment to remember someone 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.
’ The arena then burst into cheers and applause. She added: ‘There were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him and I think sometimes simply speaking is enough.’ Rita continued: ‘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, le.
