Taylor Swift Dominates MTV EMAs as Rita Ora Pays Tribute to Liam Payne

Taylor Swift emerged the big winner at the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, taking home awards for Best Artist, Best US Act, Best Live Act, and Best Video for her collaboration with Post Malone on “Fortnight.” 

Swift, currently wrapping up her Eras tour in Europe, expressed her gratitude to fans through a video message.

The UK show kicked off with a high-flying performance from Benson Boone, who was suspended on a golden grand piano while singing his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and his latest release “Slow it Down.” Boone also celebrated his first EMA win for Best New Act.

South African artist Tyla gave Swift some serious competition, winning three awards for Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. Tyla energized the EMA audience at Manchester’s Co-op Live with her hit “Water,” followed by a dynamic performance of her new track “Push 2 Start,” accompanied by a lively group of dancers.

British singer Rita Ora, hosting the show for a record third time, paid a moving tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away last month following a fall in Buenos Aires. 

Ora, who shared a close friendship with Payne and collaborated with him on the 2018 song “For You (Fifty Shades Freed),” emotionally addressed the audience. 

“I want to take a moment to remember someone. Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew,” she said, her voice breaking. She asked the crowd to join her in remembering Payne, adding, 

“He had the biggest heart and he left such a mark on this world.”

Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes received the EMAs Global Icon Award from British rapper Little Simz. Expressing his excitement, Busta Rhymes shared that, despite 34 years in the industry and numerous Grammy nominations, this was his first MTV award. 

He treated the audience to a medley of his greatest hits, including “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” alongside dancers outfitted in tracksuits with giant dragon heads.

Shawn Mendes gave a heartfelt, intimate performance and won Best Canadian Act. Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Song for her hit “Espresso,” Ariana Grande was named Best Pop Act, and Eminem won Best Hip Hop Act.

The UK duo Pet Shop Boys were honoured with the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award in recognition of their contributions to pop music. They closed out the night with a cover of David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” alongside the Manchester Camerata orchestra, followed by their classic “West End Girls” in celebration of the song’s 40th anniversary.

Other performers included K-Pop group Le Sserafim, Mexican artist Peso Pluma, English singer Raye, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Mendes, American artist Teddy Swims, and Mexican rock duo The Warning.

Presenters throughout the evening included LL Cool J, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, musicians Neneh Cherry and Mabel, and actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lucien Laviscount.

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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