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MTV Awards host Rita Ora paid a poignant tribute to her friend Liam Payne on stage at the ceremony, saying he had the “biggest heart”.

Ora, who duetted with Payne on the song For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack in 2018, became emotional as she spoke about the One Direction star towards the end of the event.

The 31-year-old singer died after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October.

Speaking on stage at the MTV Europe Awards in Manchester, Ora described Payne as “one of the kindest people” she ever knew.

MTV EMAs host Rita Ora paid tribute to Liam Payne at the end of the ceremony. Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Reuters

Her voice shaking, the 33-year-old appeared tearful as she addressed the audience.

“I just want to take a moment to remember someone very, very dear to us,” she said. “We lost him recently and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world.”

Payne “had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could”, she added. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”

The tribute took place near the end of a ceremony which saw Taylor Swift crowned best artist – making her the first act to claim the award three times.

The star, who is about to resume her record-breaking Eras tour next week, also won the awards for best live act, best US artist and best video for Fortnight, her collaboration with Post Malone. She did not attend the event – instead cheering on her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce at his latest game – but gave a recorded speech to accept her prizes.

“I had the best time touring in Europe this summer, so it just is wonderful for you to do this,” she said.

Sabrina Carpenter and Raye among winners

Raye performs at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Raye was named best UK and Ireland act. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Sabrina Carpenter‘s mega hit Espresso was crowned best song, while Ariana Grande was named best pop act and South African star Tyla – one of the night’s performers – picked up the awards for best Afrobeats and best R’n’B.

British singer Raye, who cleaned up at the Brits earlier this year, was named best UK and Ireland act, and also performed her hits Escapism and Body Dysmorphia as her name shone in lights behind her.

Hip-hop star Busta Rhymes received the global icon award before performing a medley of hits including Break Ya Neck, Put My Hands Where Your Eyes Could See, and I Know What You Want.

“I’ve never got an award from MTV before,” he said, as he accepted the trophy from British star Little Simz. “Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV.

“It feels f****** incredible.”

Busta Rhymes receives the Global Icon award at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Busta Rhymes was honoured with the global icon award. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


The night was opened by Benson Boone, who made a show-stopping entrance suspended in the air playing a golden piano before touching down to perform his hit, Beautiful Things, as pyrotechnics sparked around him.

He quickly went on to pick up the first prize of the night, for best new artist.

“Thank you guys for changing my life,” he told the crowd. “I promise you I will be giving it all back to you.”

Tyla performs at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Tyla performed before picking up awards including best R’n’B. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Rapper Eminem was also among the winners, accepting his best hip-hop gong in a video speech which he started in a mock British accent. “I appreciate y’all, man,” he added.

Other award winners were announced on screen, including Liam Gallagher for best rock and Calvin Harris in the best electronic category.

The show was closed by the Pet Shop Boys, who performed the classic hit West End Girls and their new cover of Mott The Hoople’s All The Young Dudes, after being honoured with the pop pioneers award.

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Stars on the MTV Awards red carpet

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Shaun Ryder and Bez talk pop and politics

Earlier in the night, stars gathered on the red carpet – including local Mancunian guests such as Blossoms and Happy Mondays stars Shaun Ryder and Bez.

Former X Factor stars Jedward – twins John and Edward Grimes – were also among the VIP guests.

Speaking to Sky News on the red carpet, they paid tribute to Payne, saying they had “grown up together” and that his death was a “big loss”.

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This is the first time the MTV event, which is held in different European cities each year, has taken place in the UK since a ceremony in London in 2017 – when Payne performed Strip That Down, his first solo single, to launch his career after One Direction.

It has also previously been held in Liverpool and Glasgow, but this is a first for Manchester and its new Co-op Live arena – which opened earlier this year, albeit three weeks later than planned due to several setbacks and cancellations.

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Best moments from the MTV EMAs

Last year’s EMAs ceremony was planned for Paris, but was cancelled amid security concerns “given the volatility of world events” following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

The European awards are separate to the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), which take place in the US earlier in the year.

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Swift dominated at that ceremony, taking home seven gongs to equal Beyonce’s career total of 30 and match her as most-awarded musician in VMAs history.

But her three EMA wins take her to a career total of 18 – which means she still has a few to go to equal Justin Bieber’s record of 22.

The MTV EMA winners

Taylor Swift is shown on screen after winning the Best Video award for "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone, at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards at Manchester Co-op Live in Manchester, Britain, November 10, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble
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Taylor Swift accepted her awards in a video message. Pic: Reuters/Phil Noble


Best artist – Taylor Swift
Best song – Sabrina Carpenter, Espresso
Best UK and Ireland act – Raye
Best video – Taylor Swift ft Post Malone, Fortnight
Best new artist – Benson Boone
Best collaboration – Lisa ft Rosalia, New Woman
Best US act – Taylor Swift
Best live – Taylor Swift
Best pop – Ariana Grande
Best rock – Liam Gallagher
Best alternative – Imagine Dragons
Best hip-hop – Eminem
Best K-pop – Jimin
Best electronic – Calvin Harris
Best R’n’B – Tyla
Best Afrobeats – Tyla
Best Latin – Peso Pluma
Best push – Le Sserafim
Biggest fans – Lisa
Global icon – Busta Rhymes
Pop pioneers – Pet Shop Boys

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Rapper Ghetts facing new charges after allegedly causing death by dangerous driving

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Rapper Ghetts facing new charges after allegedly causing death by dangerous driving

The rapper Ghetts, who allegedly caused the death of a man in a hit-and-run collision, is facing further charges.

The rapper was charged at the end of last month after a 20-year-old died in a road incident in northeast London.

The musician, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, initially faced a single count of causing the death of Yubin Tamang by dangerous driving.

He now faces two further charges of driving dangerously before and after the collision on 18 October.

It is alleged he drove dangerously in Tavistock Place, in the Bloomsbury area of central London, and on other roads in the borough of Camden, north London.

The collision with Mr Tamang occurred in Redbridge Lane, Ilford, at 11.33pm on 18 October, the Met Police said. Clarke-Samuel is accused of failing to stop after his BMW hit the victim.

Mr Tamang died on 20 October.

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Clarke-Samuel allegedly continued to drive dangerously in Worcester Crescent, Redbridge, on the journey back to his home in King’s Avenue, Woodford, east London.

The black BMW, which is allegedly registered and insured in the defendant’s name, was said to have suffered significant damage.

The rapper has been in custody since a preliminary appearance at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 27 October.

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On Monday, he appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Pentonville prison and spoke to confirm his name.

Mr Tamang’s family watched in the court, having travelled to the UK from Nepal.

Adjourning the case, Judge Nigel Lickley KC said Clarke-Samuel could appear in court by videolink again next time as he remanded him in custody.

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Jimmy Cliff: Reggae singer and actor dies

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Jimmy Cliff: Reggae singer and actor dies

Jimmy Cliff, a musical artist who helped bring reggae to an international audience, has died aged 81.

Known for hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, The Harder They Come, and Many Rivers To Cross, his career spanned six decades.

Cliff performing on the Pyramid Stage, at the Glastonbury Festival in 2003. Pic: PA
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Cliff performing on the Pyramid Stage, at the Glastonbury Festival in 2003. Pic: PA


His wife, Latifa Chambers wrote on Instagram: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”

Thanking the medical staff who helped during his illness, she added: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”

Signed by his wife, and two of his children, Latifa and Lilty, the statement concluded: “We see you Legend.”

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Tributes to the singer included those from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, calling him “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world… Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.”

UB40 star Ali Campbell, who covered Cliff’s song Many Rivers To Cross in 1983, also paid tribute, saying he was “absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather” in a post on X.

Campbell also called Cliff “a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world”.

Jimmy Cliff (L) stands with Wyclef Jean at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2010. Pic: Reuters
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Jimmy Cliff (L) stands with Wyclef Jean at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2010. Pic: Reuters

A legend of music and screen

A two-time Grammy-winning artist, Cliff was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit in 2003, the highest honour in the arts and sciences, from the Jamaican government.

Over the years, he would work with stars including the Rolling Stones, Sting, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, Paul Simon and Wyclef Jean.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

A prolific writer, frequently expressing his humanitarian views through his work, his 1969 track Vietnam was reportedly described by Bob Dylan as “the best protest song” he had ever heard.

Cliff was also well known for cover versions of songs, including Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now, which appeared on the soundtrack of the 1993 movie Cool Runnings, and Cat Stevens’ Wild World.

He twice performed on high-profile US chat show Saturday Night Live.

An actor and a musician, as well as singing the title track of 1972 cult classic The Harder They Come, Cliff also starred in it.

One of the first major commercial releases to come out of Jamaica, the movie is credited with bringing reggae to the world, as well as showing a grittier and more realistic side to the country.

During this time, Cliff’s fame rivalled Bob Marley as the reggae’s most prominent artist.

The storyline, which revolved around Cliff’s character, Ivan, moving to Kingston, Jamaica, to make it as a musical superstar, had parallels with his own.

Cliff at the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards at the London Arena in London's Docklands in 2002. Pic: PA
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Cliff at the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards at the London Arena in London’s Docklands in 2002. Pic: PA

‘Hurricane Hattie’

He was born James Chambers, during a hurricane, on 30 July 1944, in St James Parish, northwestern Jamaica.

In the 1950s, he moved with his father from the family farm to Kingston, determined to succeed in the music industry.

He began writing as Jamaica was gaining its independence from Britain, and as the early sounds of reggae – first called ska – were being developed.

At just 14, he became nationally famous for the song Hurricane Hattie, which he had written himself.

Cliff would go on to record over 30 albums and perform all over the world, including in Paris, in Brazil and at the World’s Fair, an international exhibition held in New York in 1964.

The following year, Island Records’ Chris Blackwell, the producer who launched Bob Marley And The Wailers, invited Cliff to work in the UK.

Jimmy Cliff during the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in 2019. Pic: Shutterstock
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Jimmy Cliff during the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in 2019. Pic: Shutterstock

‘I still have many rivers to cross!’

Speaking about his burning passion for life during a 2019 interview, when the star had begun losing his sight, Cliff said: “When I’ve achieved all my ambitions, then I guess that I will have done it and I can just say ‘great’.

“But I’m still hungry. I want it. I’ve still got the burning fire that burns brightly inside of me – like I just said to you. I still have many rivers to cross!”

Cliff’s last studio album, Refugees, made with Wyclef Jean, was released in 2022, and the singer said he wrote the title track “due to emotional feelings towards freedom taken away from human beings”.

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Woman charged with fraud over ‘sale of Oasis tickets’

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Woman charged with fraud over 'sale of Oasis tickets'

A woman has been charged with fraud offences over the alleged sale of Oasis tickets.

Rosie Slater has been charged with 11 counts of fraud by false representation, Staffordshire Police said.

The 32-year-old, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, has been granted unconditional bail and is due to appear in court at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 11 December.

The charges relate to the alleged sale of Oasis tickets in May.

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It comes as ministers confirmed plans to make it illegal for tickets to concerts, theatre, comedy, sport and other live events to be resold for more than their original cost.

Earlier this month, pop stars including Sam Fender, Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Radiohead urged the prime minister in an open letter to stand by his election promise to restrict online ticket touts.

The huge profits made by resellers were put in the spotlight last year when thousands of Oasis fans complained of ticket prices for their reunion tour, with some Wembley Stadium show tickets listed at more than £4,000.

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