Rita Ora paid tribute to her late friend Liam Payne during the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 10, honoring the late singer’s life and legacy.
Hosting the event for the third time, Ora took a moment to reflect on Payne's impact on both the MTV world and her personal life. “I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us,” she said. “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.”
Ora, who collaborated with Payne on their 2018 song "For You," described the former One Direction star as "one of the kindest people" she knew. She shared that she and the MTV team had discussed numerous ways to honor him during the ceremony.
“I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough,” Ora added. “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 tribute concluded with a touching in memoriam segment that featured black-and-white photos and videos of Payne, accompanied by the One Direction song "Night Changes." The clip ended with the message, "MTV remembers Liam Payne 1993–2024."