From Raye to Jedward : Eight bits of gossip from MTV Europe awards

"MTV EMAs: 8 Surprising Revelations From The Night"

The K-Pop group Le Sserafim has made their first appearance in the UK with a performance at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena.

For the first time in their 30-year history, the MTV Awards took place in Manchester on Sunday night, yet it somehow lacked a distinct Mancunian vibe.

There was no indication that Take That, Aitch, or Liam Gallagher were present, despite him winning the award for best rock star.

The event organizers paid some understated tributes to the city. The stage was bordered with the iconic black and yellow stripes associated with Factory Records, and whenever nominees were revealed, the song "Blue Monday" by New Order filled the air.

The event expanded its focus to a worldwide scale, featuring performances from artists in Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and the United States. As expected, Taylor Swift won in the evening’s two major categories: best artist and video of the year.

She made a video appearance and opted to spend the evening supporting her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, an American football player, as he guided the Kansas City Chiefs to a win over the Denver Broncos.

There were numerous other celebrities present at the event and walking down the red carpet. Here’s some of the buzz we heard during the evening.

Raye Updates On Her Missing Songbooks

Two weeks back, Raye informed her followers that the release of her second album was postponed because thieves took her car, which contained multiple notebooks filled with lyrics and song concepts.

On the red carpet, she stated that the police had not managed to locate them, explaining, "I've just had to move on."

The singer mentioned that she was unable to reproduce many of her concepts because putting them on paper allowed her mind to explore different creative avenues.

You let it slip away, believing you’ll be able to return to it later, but now there are countless ideas that are lost forever. It’s really disheartening.

However, the artist who was awarded Best UK Artist kept a hopeful attitude.

"Everything occurs for a purpose. I might need to begin anew, and perhaps this is a hidden opportunity."

Busta Rhymes Shares His Surprising Comedy Hero

The choice to honor rap legend Busta Rhymes with a global icon award in Manchester was not as spontaneous as it may seem.

Before he mastered his quick-paced rap style, 11-year-old Rhymes spent two summers staying with his Aunt Velma in Morecambe.

"I attended a karate school, and we would sneak into nightclubs to earn some extra cash by break-dancing," he shared with us.

"I remember how awesome Boy George was, and Wham was really great too," he went on.

"However, our top pick has always been Benny Hill. Even now, he remains our favorite. I don't believe anyone has ever matched his humor and charisma."

Did he ever imagine that, during those carefree days of enjoying raunchy comedies in Morecambe, he'd return to receive a lifetime achievement award?

"You can never predict something like this," he remarked. "When we first got into hip-hop, we weren't motivated by any recognition. We did it simply because we were passionate about it."

"That said, tonight truly feels like a dream realized."

To commemorate the occasion, he delivered a nine-minute speech of gratitude, acknowledging everyone from his mother to an art instructor he had encountered behind the scenes.

"I've never received an award from MTV until now. After 34 years in the music business, this is my first time being recognized by them, and it feels amazing."

Olly Alexander's Tips For Next Year's Eurovision Contenders

On Saturday night, Olly Alexander performed at a pre-show event and was amazed by the warm welcome for his song "Dizzy," which secured him 18th place in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

"That turned out much better than it did at Eurovision," he chuckled just before Jedward stormed onto the stage, creating total mayhem.

During the main event, Alexander presented the Song of the Year award to Sabrina Carpenter for her hit "Espresso." He also took a moment to share some advice for those thinking about representing the UK in next year's competition.

"I would tell them, no matter who it is, 'Give me a call, and we can discuss it seriously,'" he said, his expression reflecting the troubled experiences he's had.

Bez Becomes Benson Boone's Newest Fan

Besides being named the best new artist, American singer Benson Boone kicked off the event with an amazing performance that featured him hanging in mid-air on a grand piano. He then executed an impressive front flip from a platform beside the stage.

"The insurance situation is always wild," he chuckled, "but I really enjoy performing."

One individual who was in disbelief was Bez from the Happy Mondays, who approached Boone while he was being interviewed by Rita Ora.

"I was truly amazed by your performance, my friend," he said to the singer.

"When you appeared on that glittering piano, I couldn't help but think, 'Elton John is really going to be disappointed.'"

Le Sserafim Visits Manchester's Christmas Market

Photo credit: Yunjin / Instagram

Manchester boasts the largest K-Pop store in the UK, and on Sunday morning, the team there could hardly believe that one of the most popular girl groups in the genre had arrived in their city.

"One of them mentioned to me, 'Le Sserafim shared photos from the Christmas market, which is just a five-minute walk away!'"

The five-member group, who have been breaking records in the US music scene, flew in for their inaugural performance in the UK, featuring a blend of their song Chasing Lightning and the classic 90s house hit Crazy.

However, they were even more thrilled to enjoy the city without being overwhelmed by crowds.

"It was amazing—we had baklava!" exclaimed singer Huh Yun-Jin, as her bandmate Sakura enjoyed some fish and chips.

"It was my first experience," she shared. "I absolutely enjoyed it."

During their performance at the EMAs, the band received one of the loudest cheers of the evening, even though they are still quite under the radar in the UK... at least for the time being.

"Visiting Europe has always been a dream for us, so this feels completely unreal," Yun-Jin expressed. "We really want to leave a positive mark."

Jedward Stuns For Two Hours On Red Carpet

For no apparent reason, Jedward launched an extensive outreach campaign to win over the global media.

"Oasis has returned, and so has Jedward!" they announced excitedly, then they hurried over to the confused German and French reporters, singing "Stop Crying Your Heart Out."

For two exhilarating hours, the twins, who gained popularity on The X Factor 15 years ago, passionately argued that "many artists have drawn inspiration from Jedward."

To be honest, they back it up with evidence. CMAT, who was nominated for the Mercury Prize, recently shared that the brothers motivated her to complete her second album, "external," by sending her an inspiring voice message.

"You need to consider it in life," John stated.

"Don't assume you're always the center of attention. Connect with others. Toss them the tennis ball and observe how they respond."

"It's all about maintaining that excitement," Edward said. "We serve as a source of support for all the artists."

To be truthful, they were an incredibly fun experience.

Liam Payne Tribute Was Flawlessly Done

Check it out: Rita Ora gets teary-eyed as she takes the lead in honoring the star.

Liam Payne secured 12 MTV EMAs while he was part of One Direction, and he later took advantage of the awards show to kick off his solo career. He performed his international hit, "Strip That Down," at the 2017 event.

It was only appropriate that the event commemorated his passing, but finding the right mood during such a large entertainment gathering can be quite challenging.

Ultimately, his friend and partner, Rita Ora, expressed her true feelings.

"We discussed numerous ways to pay tribute to him," she mentioned. "But at times, just sharing our words is sufficient."

Looking straight into the camera, she spoke about her memories of the 31-year-old, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Liam Payne was truly one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met," she expressed. "He filled every space he entered with happiness and made a significant impact in this world."

The atmosphere was serious and subdued, but filled with deep emotions. Ora wasn't the only one shedding tears.

Tyla Honors Aaliyah With Heartfelt Tribute

Image credit: PA / Getty Images

South African sensation Tyla, famous for her popular track "Water," took home awards for both the best R&B and best Afrobeats categories.

The awards highlighted her ongoing rise to success, following her recognition as one of the BBC's Sounds of 2024. However, she took the time to pay tribute to those who have inspired her.

On the red carpet, she stunned in a classic Roberto Cavalli gown featuring a turquoise zebra pattern.

The identical dress was worn earlier by American rapper Eve during the 2000 Soul Train Awards.

R&B icon Aaliyah donned a bright yellow outfit at the 2000 MTV Awards, where she took home the award for Best Female Video for her song "Try Again."

The event occurred in September 2000, just a few months prior to Aaliyah's heartbreaking passing in a plane crash.

The singer was only 22 years old back then, which is the same age Tyla is currently.