Teary-eyed Rita Ora honors Liam Payne with emotional tribute at MTV EMAs 2024 | WATCH

Manchester: Rita Ora paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne at the 2024 MTV EMAs, where she hosted for a record third time. Ora, who had a close relationship with the former One Direction member, spoke tearfully about his passing last month after a tragic fall in Buenos Aires.

"Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew,” Ora said, fighting back tears. She urged the crowd to remember Payne, adding, “He had the biggest heart and he left such a mark on this world.”

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night, taking home Best Artist, Best U.S. Act, Best Live Act, and Best Video for "Fortnight" (featuring Post Malone). Swift, finishing up her Eras tour overseas, thanked her fans for their support via a video message.

The evening kicked off with an acrobatic performance by Benson Boone, who was suspended in the air on a gold grand piano. Boone performed his viral hit "Beautiful Things" and his new release "Slow It Down," earning his first EMA for Best New Act.

South African artist Tyla also made waves, winning three awards: Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. Tyla performed her smash hit "Water" and new song "Push 2 Start," with a lively group of dancers.

Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes was presented with the EMAs Global Icon Award by British rapper Little Simz. Rhymes, who has been recording for 34 years, revealed that it was his first MTV award. He performed a medley of his greatest hits, including “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Put Your Hands Where the Eyes Can See,” accompanied by dancers in tracksuits with giant dragon heads.

Other winners included Shawn Mendes, who took home Best Canadian Act, and Sabrina Carpenter, who won Best Song for “Espresso.” Ariana Grande was named Best Pop Act, while Eminem won Best Hip-Hop Act.

The Pet Shop Boys were honored with the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award for their lasting contribution to pop music. The duo closed the show with a performance of their iconic hit “West End Girls” and a cover of David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary.

Additional performances came from K-pop group Le Sserafim, Peso Pluma, Raye, Teddy Swims, and the Mexican rock sisters, The Warning. Celebrities including LL Cool J, Gavin Rossdale, Neneh Cherry and Mabel, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson also presented awards. AP