Rita Ora honors Liam Payne at the MTV EMAs: 'He had the biggest heart'
Rita Ora is still mourning the loss of Liam Payne's death, honoring him at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards.
On Monday (Philippine time), the EMAs paid tribute to Liam with a video including a clip of One Direction's Night Changes.
Rita, who was hosting the ceremony, took a brief moment to reflect on Liam's life.
She said: "I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us," said Ora, who served as the awards show's host for the third time. "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 singer added that the former One Direction member was "one of the kindest people" she knew and that she and the MTV producers had discussed various ways to honor his memory during the awards show.
"I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough," she continued. "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 two artists collaborated on the 2018 track For You. During a concert in Osaka, Japan on Oct. 17, Rita became emotional and asked the audience to sing the song in Liam's memory.
"I can’t even sing this right now," she said, as a photo of Payne appeared on the screen behind her. "Can you sing this for me?"
She later shared photos of herself and Liam in the studio on Instagram, reflecting on their time together.
"I’m devastated," she wrote. "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," she continued. "Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P."
The former member of One Direction, tragically passed away on Oct. 16. The 34-year-old singer fell from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Prior to the incident, hotel staff had called emergency services twice, reporting a guest under the influence of drugs and alcohol who was "destroying" the room.
An autopsy confirmed that Payne died from multiple injuries sustained in the fall. Local authorities have charged three individuals, including a suspected drug dealer, a hotel employee, and a close associate of Payne, in connection with his death.