Main prize for Taylor Swift, tears for Liam Payne

Pop legends, newcomers and great emotions: many big stars of the pop world met in Manchester at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Taylor Swift received the award for best artist for the third time. She is making MTV history. The 34-year-old superstar also received the awards for best live performances and best video. She thanked everyone in a recorded message.

Ariana Grande was named best pop act. The award for best new artist went to American singer Benson Boone. The South African singer Tyla was awarded the Best Afrobeats award.

Something new for a legend

The duo Pet Shop Boys received the award as Pop Pioneers. Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes (52) was honored for his life’s work with the Global Icon award. “This is my first time here. I’ve never received an award from MTV before,” said Ryhmes. He added: “It feels damn incredible.”

The awards ceremony was hosted for the third time by Rita Ora, who took to the stage at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester only slightly covered and kept surprising everyone with new outfits.

“He had the biggest heart”

The most moving moment was when Rita Ora remembered the recently deceased singer Liam Payne with tears in her eyes. He was “one of the nicest people I knew,” said the presenter about the former One Direction singer. She added: “He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer any help possible.”

Payne died last month after falling from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. Ora had worked with the boy band star.

It was the first time in seven years that the MTV Europe Music Awards were held in the United Kingdom. Last year, the awards ceremony was cancelled due to the October 7 massacre in Israel. In 2022, the awards were presented in Düsseldorf.