London, UK – June 4, 2025 — A wave of emotion swept through the crowd at the MTV Europe Music Awards last night as British pop star and host Rita Ora paid a heartfelt tribute to her late friend, Liam Payne.
The former One Direction singer tragically passed away last month after a fatal fall from a balcony in Buenos Aires. He was 31.
As the lights dimmed at the start of the ceremony, Ora stepped onto the stage wearing a simple black gown, her voice trembling as she addressed the audience.
“I want to take a moment to remember someone incredibly special to me and to so many around the world,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Liam Payne was more than a superstar. He was a friend, a brother, a light in our lives. Losing him has left a hole that words can’t fill.”
A montage followed, playing clips of Payne’s biggest musical moments—from his early days with One Direction to his solo career—set to a stripped-down piano version of “Little Things.” The arena fell silent, many audience members visibly emotional.
Ora, who had collaborated with Payne on the 2018 hit “For You,” continued, “Liam had this incredible way of making everyone feel seen and loved. Tonight, we celebrate his life, his music, and the joy he brought to millions.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support, gratitude, and heartbreak. The hashtag #RIPLIAM quickly trended worldwide.
The tribute stood out as one of the night’s most powerful moments, reminding everyone that behind the fame and accolades are real lives, deeply felt losses, and legacies that live on.
