‘Lost Someone Very Dear To Us’: Rita Ora Pays Emotional Tribute To Liam Payne At MTV EMA 2024 – News18

Last Updated:November 11, 2024, 10:21 IST

Rita Ora got emotional as she paid tribute to late One Direction star Liam Payne at MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday.

Liam Payne passed away in October after falling off from a hotel balcony. (Photo Credits: X)

In an emotional tribute to the late Liam Payne, Rita Ora honoured his legacy at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday, November 10. Ora, who collaborated with the One Direction star on their 2018 hit single For You, became visibly emotional as she remembered him. Describing Payne as “one of the kindest people” she knew, Ora paused for a moment of reflection. She tearfully recalled their time together, paying tribute to his life and their shared memories.

“I just want to take a moment to remember someone who was 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,” the Your Song singer said. Continuing further, she called him a “kind person” before adding, “And, you know, there were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him, and I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough. He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.”

Ora emphasised how Liam Payne brought immense joy to every room he entered, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world.

Her speech was followed by a short clip, featuring pictures and videos of Liam along with a snippet of the group’s popular track, One Direction. “MTV remembers Liam Payne 1993–2024,” the message read.

This isn’t the first time Rita Ora has opened up about her emotions. Earlier, during her Japan concert, she became visibly overwhelmed while performing, just hours after hearing the news of his death. Grief-stricken, she sat down on stage before eventually walking off. Later, she shared a heartfelt post on X, expressing her devastation. She wrote, “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart.”

On October 16, Payne died from injuries sustained during a fall from a hotel balcony.