Rita Ora fights back tears remembering Liam Payne at MTV EMAs: 'One of the kindest people'

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Rita Ora remembered Liam Payne teary-eyed as she hosted MTV's European Music Awards on Sunday, November 10.

The British singer called the late songwriter “very, very dear to us” as she continued, “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," as per PEOPLE.

Rita Ora pays tribute to Liam Payne

Rita Ora, with whom the former member of One Direction worked on their 2018 track 'For You', went on to describe Payne as “one of the kindest people” and noted, “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 33-year-old television actress added.

The award function then went on to display an in-memoriam-style clip of the late musician, who died on October 16 after falling multiple stories from an Argentinian hotel balcony.

The footage read, “MTV remembers Liam Payne 1993–2024,” as black-and-white photos and videos of Payne were shown.

Rita Ora wrote a heartfelt note for Liam Payne

This came after Rita Ora expressed her grief via an Instagram post soon after Payne’s death.

Sharing multiple pictures with the ‘One Direction: What Makes You Beautiful Film’ star, she wrote, “I’m devastated 💔 He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage.”

“This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P,” she added at the time.

Netizens feel emotional after Rita Ora’s honor

Meanwhile, people have reacted online to Rita Ora’s latest tribute to Liam Payne.

“How sweet and humble she is 🥹🥹🫠🫠,” an X user shared.

“The affection she had for him lpm I love you Rita. her try holding back the tears breaks my heart,” another user mentioned.

An individual tweeted, “It seems everyone will start crying after listening to this space Liam Payne brother, we are missing you a lot.”

A second one said, “There it goes, feels like its the first time hearing the news again.”

A fan commented, “I just watched it live in UK her beautiful words and then seeing his face made me cry.”

Another fan added, “She was fighting the Tears. Thank you Rita Ora for this Liam Payne Tribute and your words💔🙏🏽❤️.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.