'Devastated' Rita Ora planning to honour Liam Payne at MTV's Europe Music Awards

MTV's Europe Music Awards is taking place at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena on November 10, with it being reported that Rita Ora is taking over as host

The upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards is reportedly planning to pay tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death on Wednesday.

The ceremony is taking place at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena on November 10, with it being reported that Rita Ora is taking over as host. It has been said that his former collaborator Rita - with who he worked with on For You - will be involved in the plans that could be anything from a musical tribute or an in memoriam montage.

Liam was in holiday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he fell to his death from a third floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel on Wednesday evening. City ambulance service provider spokesman Alberto Crescenti said he had fallen around 45 feet and suffered “severe injuries which were incompatible with life.”

Following the news of his death, fans, family and friends have been paying tribute to the star. One Direction members Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan posted a shared statement and later took to their own pages to post their personal tributes to the singer.

Rita also penned a touching tribute to the star and later took to the stage in Osaka, Japan, to sing their duet. In a heartbreaking moment, Rita could seen holding her head in her hands as she turned away from the crowd. She looked up and confessed: "I can't even sing this right now."

And now, reports say Rita will be taking to the stage for the EMAs next month. A source said to The Sun: "In the coming days they will start drawing up official plans. Officially Rita is yet to be announced, but she is hosting this year's awards and will be involved in whatever MTV decides to do. She and Liam have been close for years and grew in the industry together. Obviously, she is devastated by his passing." The Mirror have reached out to MTV for comment.

Rita and Liam were believed to have been close friends. Liam even moved into Rita's £3.25m London penthouse in 2021 with his ex-fiancée Maya Henry. Taking to social media after her performance, Rita said: "I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P."

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