MTV EMAs: Tributes to Liam Payne as Taylor Swift picks up multiple awards

This years EMA awards were hosted at Machester's Co-Op Live Arena last night, with an abundance of recognition for Taylor Swift, and a tribute to Liam Payne's passing by Rita Ora.

Among the award nominees were Hozier and Fontaines D.C. for Best Alternative artist.

The show featured performances from Benson Boone, Peso Pluma, Pet Shop Boys and The Warning.

After winning Best Artist, Best US Act, Best Live Act and Best Video for 'Fortnight', Swift said in a video statement, “Thank you so much for these amazing awards. The fact that you’ve honoured the tour, everything that’s happened with the album this year, the video, it’s just unbelievable."

.@RitaOra remembers her friend, Liam Payne ❤️ #MTVEMAs pic.twitter.com/pmHv9dct9B

— MTV EMA (@mtvema) November 10, 2024

"I have to thank you so much to Post Malone for being the most amazing co-star possible in the ‘Fortnight’ music video, Rodrigo Prieto my amazing DP. The fans for voting on this...I had to best time touring Europe this summer, so it’s just wonderful for you to do this.”

The event was hosted by Rita Ora, who paid homage to the passing of former One Direction singer Liam Payne during the ceremony, explaining that she wanted to speak as a way of honouring his memory.

"Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew," she said "he had the biggest heart and was always the first person to help in any way that he could, he brought so much joy to any room he walked into. "

This year's EMAs marked the 30th anniversary of the awards, which are held in a different city in Europe each year.