Rita Ora breaks down as she honours dear friend Liam Payne at MTV EMAs

Rita Ora was overcome with emotion as she paid tribute to Liam Payne during the MTV EMAs (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Viacom International)

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 pop star was a good friend of Payne’s (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Viacom International)

The singer described him as ‘one of the kindest people’ that she knew (Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Images of Payne were displayed in the arena (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Viacom International)

One Direction track Night Changes played during the tribute (Picture: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for Viacom International)

‘He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on this world.’

‘So, let’s just take a moment to remember our friend, Liam,’ she concluded, choked up and struggling to finish her words.

Black-and-white images of the singer were then shown on screens in the arena as One Direction song Night Changes played.

Taking to social media following the emotional segment, fans shared their devastation after a tough few weeks.

A devastated X user named _nkaxa_ wrote: ‘how did we go from watching liam light up the stage to honoring his memory on it?! it feels so unreal, his name echoing through a crowd with the spotlight on an empty space… what i’d give for him to be here just one more time.’

Payne died on October 16 at the age of 31 (Picture: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

He and Rita shared the stage together many times, performing their single For You (Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire)

indiarainrocks echoed: ‘i’m just still so devastated i cannot believe this is even real’.

‘Oh Liam. You beautiful soul. We didn’t deserve you. Forever’, wrote AFanOfLarry.

Others agreed that the tribute was ‘heartbreaking’ and vowed: ‘We will never forget you, Liam.’

Elsewhere tonight, six-time Brit Award-winner Raye said she was ‘actually quite shocked’ in a video that played on screen as she was announced as winner of best UK and Ireland act.

A recorded video message from Taylor Swift was played after she was announced as the winner in the best live, best video, and best artist categories.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande won in the best pop category and best collaboration went to Lisa featuring Rosalia for New Woman.

Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes led arrivals on the red carpet tonight (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Olly Alexander brought the glamour (Picture: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Mabel sweetly posed with her famous mum Neneh Cherry (Picture: Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

Maya Jama served Elizabeth Hurley realness in a safety pin dress (Picture: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Earlier in the evening, music stars from across the globe took to the red carpet, including rock band Blossoms.

The Stockport-based group said it was ‘amazing’ to see the awards, which have been held in cities across Europe, taking place in Manchester.

Drummer Joe Donovan said: ‘Things happening in your city closest to where you grow up is amazing.’

The red carpet was in a covered tent, meaning those attending were safe from the typical northern rain.

Happy Mondays star Bez, who arrived with bandmate Shaun Ryder, said he expected a good night in the city.

He said: ‘Hopefully it will be able to live up to its reputation and deliver a great party.’

Tyla lit up the stage with her performance (Picture: Reuters)

Raye performed her hits Escapism and Body Dysmorphia (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)

Rita served several incredible looks throughout her night as host (Picture: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images for Viacom International)

Irish singers John and Edward Grimes, better known as Jedward, added some sparkle to the red carpet in glittery suits and said they were looking forward to seeing British singer Charli XCX, nominated for five awards.

John said: ‘Charli XCX is the biggest Jedward fan, back in the day she tweeted and said she wanted to marry Edward but she settled for John. But no one knew about Charli XCX; we were giving her good vibes.

‘I’m happy it’s all Brat summer and she’s popping and locking.’

The ceremony has returned for the first time since 2022 after last year’s event was cancelled over the ‘volatility of world events’ following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.