Rita Ora’s Heartfelt Tribute to Liam Payne at MTV EMAs
At the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, Rita Ora delivered an emotional tribute to her late friend and collaborator, Liam Payne. Struggling to hold back tears, Ora honored Payne’s kindness and the joy he brought to those around him. The two artists had collaborated on the 2018 single “For You.”
Payne, a former member of One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His untimely death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike.
During her tribute, Ora described Payne as “one of the kindest people” she had ever known, highlighting his generous spirit and the positive impact he had on others. She emphasized that he “had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.”
The ceremony also featured a tribute video set to One Direction’s “Night Changes,” celebrating Payne’s legacy and the joy he brought to his fans worldwide.
Ora’s heartfelt homage served as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds formed in the music industry and the profound loss felt by those who knew and admired Li
am Payne.