Taylor Swift Wins Big at the 2024 MTV EMAs, While Rita Ora Pays Tribute to Liam Payne

By Louise Dixon

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Taylor Swift dominated the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday night, taking home a remarkable four awards. Swift won Best Artist, Best U.S. Act, Best Live Act, and Best Video for her hit “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. Although she couldn’t attend in person due to the final leg of her Eras Tour, Swift appeared via video to thank her fans for their ongoing support and the accolades.

The night opened with an eye-catching performance from Benson Boone, who made a grand entrance suspended above the stage on a golden grand piano. Boone performed his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and recent release “Slow it Down” before accepting his first EMA for Best New Act.

South African rising star Tyla also made a big impression, winning three awards: Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. Tyla captivated the crowd with a high-energy performance of her smash hit “Water,” alongside a group of dancers, and followed it up with her new track “Push 2 Start.” Her victories and performances solidified her position as one of the most promising voices in global music.

The evening took a heartfelt turn when Rita Ora paid tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne. Payne has been open about his recent health struggles, and Ora’s words and performance served as a touching gesture of support for her friend and fellow artist, reminding audiences of the music industry’s close-knit community.

With spectacular performances and heartfelt moments, this year’s EMAs celebrated artists from around the world and showcased a wide range of talent. As the night’s biggest winner, Swift’s successes underscored her lasting influence, while rising stars like Tyla proved that a new generation of talent is ready to take the spotlight.