The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs) took place on November 10 at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, featuring powerful performances and unforgettable wins. Hosted by Rita Ora, the night honored top artists, including Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, while also paying an emotional tribute to Liam Payne, following his recent passing in Argentina. Here’s a look at the highlights and memorable moments from this year’s awards.
Taylor Swift Leads with Four Major Wins
Taylor Swift dominated the night, winning four out of her seven nominations, including Best Artist, Best Live Act, Best US Artist, and Best Video for her hit “Fortnight.” Swift made history, becoming the first artist to win Best Artist three times in the 30-year legacy of the EMAs. Though unable to attend, Swift accepted her awards virtually, expressing gratitude to her fans and tour partners:
“The fact that you have honored the tour, the album, and the video this year is just unbelievable,” she said while on her Eras Tour in Canada.
Sabrina Carpenter Takes Best Song for “Espresso”
In one of the night’s toughest categories, Sabrina Carpenter claimed the Best Song award for “Espresso,” beating competitors like Billie Eilish and Beyoncé. This award highlights Carpenter’s growing influence and impact on the music scene.
Tribute to Liam Payne
Host Rita Ora delivered an emotional tribute to Liam Payne, her collaborator on the 2018 single “For You.” Remembering Payne’s warmth and generosity, Ora shared, “He was one of the kindest people I knew.” The tribute featured a video montage set to One Direction’s “Night Changes,” deeply touching both fans and attendees.
Top Performances and Wins
The ceremony included incredible performances from Tyla, Raye, Shawn Mendes, and Benson Boone. Tyla, a rising star from South Africa, swept three categories: Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Artist, and she performed a medley of her hits “Push 2 Start” and “Water.”
Other notable wins include:
- Best UK Artist: Raye
- Best Rock Artist: Liam Gallagher
- Best Electronic Artist: Calvin Harris
- Best Canadian Artist: Shawn Mendes
Busta Rhymes Honored with the Global Icon Award
Busta Rhymes received the Global Icon Award for his 34-year career. The hip-hop legend performed a medley of his iconic songs and shared memories from his youth in northwest England, adding a personal touch to his acceptance speech.
Pet Shop Boys Celebrate Four Decades in Music
Pet Shop Boys took home the Pop Pioneer Award for their four-decade-long impact on pop music. Accompanied by the Manchester Camerata orchestra, they delivered a performance that celebrated their legacy.
K-Pop Sensation Le Sserafim’s UK Debut
Le Sserafim, the K-pop girl group, marked their UK live debut with performances of “Chasing Lightning” and “CRAZY.” Their performance brought the global K-pop wave to the EMA stage, thrilling fans.
Conclusion
The 2024 MTV EMAs celebrated not only musical achievements but also highlighted connections, memories, and tributes that left a lasting impact. From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking wins to the heartfelt tribute for Liam Payne, this year’s ceremony showcased both the triumphs and emotional moments that continue to shape the music world.
