Rita Ora breaks down in emotional tribute to Liam Payne at MTV EMAs

Rita Ora took a poignant moment during the MTV Europe Music Awards on Sunday night to honor her late friend and former collaborator, Liam Payne. 

Hosting the awards at Co-op Live in Manchester, the 33-year-old singer became visibly emotional as she paid tribute to the former One Direction member, who passed away in October at 31. 

In her heartfelt speech, Rita shared, "I just want to take a moment to remember someone very, very dear to us. 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."

Rita, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 hit single 'For You,' continued, "Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could." 

Breaking down further, she asked the audience to "take a moment to remember our friend Liam." Rita had previously expressed her sorrow on social media, describing Payne as having "the kindest soul" and sharing how his passing had left a void in her life.

Liam Payne tragically died last month in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel. Reports from Argentine police state he suffered "extremely serious injuries" due to the fall and had traces of alcohol, cocaine, and an antidepressant in his system. 

Payne’s legacy, particularly among his fans and former bandmates, remains cherished. Rita’s tribute concluded the emotional evening, leaving viewers touched as they remembered Payne's impact on the music world and beyond.