Rita Ora Honors Late Friend Liam Payne with Heartfelt Tribute at MTV Europe Awards

At the MTV Europe Awards, host Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and fellow artist, Liam Payne, honoring his memory with emotional words. Ora, who collaborated with Payne in 2018 on For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, was visibly moved as she reflected on her friendship with the former One Direction member.

Payne, 31, tragically passed away on October 16 after a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Speaking to the audience in Manchester, a tearful Ora shared, “I want to take a moment to remember someone very, very dear to us.” She described Payne as “one of the kindest people” she had known, recalling his generous spirit and how he “brought joy to every room he entered.”

“Liam had the biggest heart and was always the first to offer help however he could,” she said, honoring the positive impact he had on the lives of others.

The tribute came toward the end of an eventful night where Taylor Swift was crowned best artist, becoming the first to win that title three times. Swift, currently preparing to resume her Eras tour, also won best live act, best US artist, and best video for her Fortnight collaboration with Post Malone. Although absent from the ceremony due to her attendance at partner Travis Kelce’s NFL game, Swift shared her gratitude in a recorded acceptance speech, thanking her European fans for their support during her summer tour.