Taylor Swift, Tyla win big at MTV EMAs as Liam Payne receives emotional tribute
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Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Raye emerged as some of the biggest winners at this year's MTV EMAs. The event featured a heartfelt tribute from host Rita Ora, honoring Liam Payne, who passed away in Argentina nearly a month ago.
The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards took place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on November 10. The event showcased live performances by artists including Tyla, Raye, Shawn Mendes, and Benson Boone.
Ora, who worked with Payne on the popular 2018 track "For You," shared a moving tribute: "I’d like to pause for a moment to honor someone who meant so much to us. We lost him not long ago, and he played a significant role in both the MTV community and in my life. I know many of you at home and everyone here tonight feels the same way."
Liam Payne was truly one of the nicest individuals I've ever met. We discussed numerous ways to pay tribute to him, but sometimes, just sharing our thoughts is all that’s needed. He had an enormous heart and was always ready to lend a hand in any way possible.
"He filled every space he entered with happiness and made a lasting impact on the world."
After Ora's speech, a video tribute was shown that showcased images of Payne, accompanied by the One Direction track "Night Changes."
Swift, who received seven nominations, won four awards including best artist, best live act, best US artist, and best video for her song “Fortnight.” With this achievement, she becomes the first artist to win the best artist award three times in the 30-year history of the EMAs.
“I'm connecting with you from the Eras tour, and I'm really bummed that I can't be there with you tonight. I truly appreciate these incredible awards. It’s amazing to see the recognition for the tour and everything related to the album this year, including the video. It feels surreal,” Swift shared in a video message as she prepares for her upcoming Eras Tour shows in Canada this week.
"I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Post Malone for being the best co-star anyone could ask for," she shared, celebrating their collaboration and the recent success of "Fortnight."
Shawn Mendes, a two-time winner of the best artist award, took home the title of best Canadian artist this year.
London-born pop artist Raye, who received the Brit Award for Songwriter of the Year in March, was honored as the best UK artist. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher took home the award for best rock artist, and Calvin Harris won for best electronic artist.
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Sabrina Carpenter took home the award for Best Song with her track "Espresso," surpassing competitors like Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!”, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em.”
South African artist Tyla took home three awards for best R&B, best Afrobeats, and best African artist. She also delivered a fantastic performance featuring a mix of her popular tracks “Push 2 Start” and “Water.”
"All of the nominees are incredible," she remarked while receiving her award for best Afrobeats. "They have propelled Afrobeats to new heights, and I’m truly honored to receive this recognition. Afrobeats has paved the way for African music in so many ways, so I'm very grateful to the genre."
Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, known for his electrifying performances, delivered a medley of his most popular tracks, including “Break Ya Neck,” “Look at Me Now,” “Pass The Courvoisier,” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.” He was honored with the 2024 Global Icon Award.
During his acceptance speech, he expressed, "After thirty-four years of making music, this is the first time MTV has honored me with an award. It feels absolutely amazing."
In a conversation prior to the event, he shared his ties to northwest England, mentioning that he spent two summers with his Aunt Velma in Morecambe during his childhood. “I attended school, took karate classes, and we sneakily went to clubs to breakdance and earn some cash. It was a blast,” he told the BBC.
The British duo Pet Shop Boys received the Pop Pioneer award in recognition of their 40 years in the music scene and gave a performance alongside the local orchestra, Manchester Camerata.
The K-pop girl group Le Sserafim took the stage in the UK for their first-ever live performance, delivering electrifying renditions of their tracks "Chasing Lightning" and "CRAZY."
They also won the award for best push.
Lisa from Blackpink took home the award for Best Collaboration for her song “New Woman,” which features Rosalía, and she also received the accolade for having the most dedicated fans. Jimin from BTS secured the Best K-pop award, while the boy band Seventeen was recognized as the Best Group.
