Rita Ora breaks down in tears as she pays tribute to close friend Liam Payne at MTV EMAs just weeks after his death
11/10/2024 05:10 PM
RITA Ora paid tribute to Liam Payne tonight as she hosted MTV's European Music Awards.
The singer, who was close friends with the One Direction star, left fans in tears as she presented a simple video montage in honour of him.
She said: "I just want to take a moment to remember someone 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 pay was one of the kindest people that I knew ways that you talking about honouring him."
Breaking down in tears, she continued: "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.
"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."
The audience, at the northern city’s newly built Co-Op live Arena, erupted into applause as they remembered Liam.
Liam was in the city just weeks ago filming new Netflix talent show Building The Band alongside Kelly Rowland, 43, and Nicole Scherzinger, 46.
The show, which was to be hosted by former Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean, now hangs in the balance as US based bosses decide what to do.
The Sun previously told how producers were keen to honour the late star who dominated the music industry as part of the boy band from 2011 to 2016.
He later used the celeb-packed music ceremony to help launch his solo career.
Liam performed his debut single Strip That Down at the show in 2017.
The single, which was penned by Ed Sheeran, was Liam’s first of 6 UK Top 40s as a solo singer.
One Direction received twelve MTV EMA gongs out of their sixteen nominations.
They won three out of four in 2012, four out of six in 2013 and five out of six in 2014.
Rita and Liam teamed up on the 2018 single For You which featured in the film Fifty Shades Freed, part of the final movie in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
The track was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2019 Brit Awards.
Liam previously said of his bond with Rita: “Rita is someone I call a true friend and it was an absolute pleasure working with her.”
The last time the EMAs were in the UK was 2017, they were hosted at Wembley Arena with both Liam and Rita in attendance.
Liam performed his debut single Strip That Down while Rita helped host the evening as well as performing a mash up of her hit tracks Your Song and Anywhere.
Liam tragically died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from his third floor hotel balcony.
He was just 31-years-old.
Liam's funeral has been arranged and is expected to take place in the West Midlands city within ten days.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles' mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: "Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I'm truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: "I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
"He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble."
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can't believe that things have ended this way..it's shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can't describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can't believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
