The MTV Awards came to Manchester for the first time in their 30-year history on Sunday night, but somehow didn't feel very Mancunian. There was no sign of Take That or Aitch, or Liam Gallagher - even though he won best rock star. Organisers made a few subtle nods to the city: The stage was framed in the black and yellow stripes of Factory Records, and New Order's Blue Monday pumped through the speakers every time nominees were announced. But the show took a more global perspective, highlighting acts from Mexico, South Korea, South Africa and America - including a predictable victory for Taylor Swift in the night's two biggest categories, best artist and video of the year. She only appeared by video, choosing instead to spend the night watching her boyfriend, American Football player Travis Kelce, lead the Kansas City Chiefs to victory against the Denver Broncos.
But there were plenty of other stars at the show and on the red carpet. Here's some of the gossip we picked up along the way.
A Touch of Manchester
The decision to bring rap legend Busta Rhymes to Manchester to receive a global icon award wasn't as random as it sounded. Before he developed his rapid-fire rap delivery, an 11-year-old Rhymes spent two summers living with his Aunt Velma in Morecambe. “I went to karate school, and we illegally went into nightclubs, to make a little money break-dancing,” he told us. “I remember Boy George was cool, Wham was cool,” he continued. “But our favourite was Benny Hill. Benny Hill is still our favourite to this day. I don't think anybody has as ever been as funny or as charismatic as Benny Hill.” So, during those halcyon days of watching smutty comedy in Morecambe, did he ever think he'd be back, winning a lifetime achievement prize? “You can never foresee something like that,” he said. “When we first got involved with hip-hop, we didn't do it for none of the accolades. We just did it because we loved it.
“But with that being said, tonight is a dream come true.”
To honour that moment, he gave a nine-minute acceptance speech thanking everyone from his mother to an art teacher he'd met backstage. “I’ve never got an award from MTV before. Thirty four years of professionally recording [and] this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. It feels incredible.”
A Liam Payne Tribute
Liam Payne won 12 MTV EMAs during his time in One Direction, and later used the ceremony to launch his solo career, performing his global smash hit Strip That Down at the 2017 ceremony. It was only fitting that the event marked his death - but striking the right tone in the middle of a huge showbiz event is never easy. In the end, his friend and collaborator Rita Ora just spoke from the heart. “There were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him,” she said. “But sometimes simply speaking is enough.” Addressing the camera directly, she shared her memories of the 31-year-old, as her voice cracked. “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew,” she said. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into. And he left such a mark on this world.” It was sombre and restrained, yet powerfully emotional. Ora wasn't the only one crying.
The Rise of Tyla
South African star Tyla, best known for her viral hit Water, clinched both the best R&B and best Afrobeats awards. The awards marked her continued ascent, after being named one of the BBC's Sounds of 2024 - but she made sure to honour her inspirations. On the red carpet, she rocked a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress with a turquoise blue zebra print. The exact same dress had previously been worn by US rapper Eve at the 2000 Soul Train Awards. And R&B legend Aaliyah wore a canary yellow version at the 2000 MTV Awards, where she won best female video for Try Again. The ceremony took place in September 2000, less than a year before Aaliyah's tragic death in an plane accident. The singer was just 22 at the time - the same age that Tyla is now.
The Unexpected Charm of Jedward
For absolutely no reason at all, Jedward went on a massive charm offensive for the international press. “Oasis are back and Jedward are back!” they declared, before racing over to baffled German and French journalists, while singing Stop Crying Your Heart Out. This went on for two deliriously brilliant hours, as the twins, who found fame on The X Factor 15 years ago, insisted that “a lot of artists have been inspired by Jedward”. And, to be fair, they have proof. Mercury Prize nominee CMAT recently said the brothers had encouraged her to finish her second album, with a motivational voice message. “You have to think about it, in life,” explained John. “Don't always think you're the main character. Reach out to other people. Serve that tennis ball and see what they do.” “It's always about keeping that spark alive,” added Edward. “We're like a support animal for all the artists.” They were, to be honest, an absolute blast.
Swift Takes Home the Biggest Prizes
Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Raye were among the top winners at the MTV EMAs this year, a ceremony that saw an emotional tribute from host Rita Ora for Liam Payne, almost a month after the One Direction star’s death in Argentina. The 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards show was held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on 10 November and featured performances from Tyla, Raye, Shawn Mendes, and Benson Boone. Ora, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 hit single “For You”, made a heartfelt tribute to Payne: “I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us. We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of you at home and everybody in here tonight.
“Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. And, you know, there were so many ways that we were talking about honouring him, and I think sometimes just simply speaking is enough. He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.
“He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”
Ora’s speech was followed by a video tribute that featured photos of Payne, set to the One Direction song “Night Changes”.
Swift, who earned seven nominations, took home four awards for best artist, live act, US artist, and best video for “Fortnight”. This makes her the first musician to have won best artist three times in the 30-year history of the EMAs. “I am coming to you from the Eras tour, and I’m so sad that I can’t be with you tonight. But thank you so much for these amazing awards. The fact that you have honoured the tour [and] everything that’s happened with the album this year, the video, it’s just unbelievable,” Swift said via video link as she gears up for her Eras Tour in Canada this week. “I have to say thank you so much to Post Malone for being the most amazing co-star possible,” she added to celebrate her duet with the US rapper “Fortnight’s” win. Two-time best artist winner Shawn Mendes won the best Canadian artist this year. London-born pop singer Raye, who won this year’s Brit Award for Songwriter of the Year in March, won the best UK artist, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher picked up the best rock artist, while Calvin Harris won the best electronic artist award. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” won the best song award, edging out Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!”, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”, and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em”.
South African musician Tyla picked up three wins for best R&B, best Afrobeats, and best African artist, and also performed a medley of her hit songs “Push 2 Start” and “Water”. “Literally, all the nominees, they are insane,” she said, accepting her award for best afrobeats. “They have taken Afrobeats so far and I’m so honoured to be winning this award…Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music, so thank you so much to Afrobeats.” Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes, who performed a medley of his greatest hits like “Break Ya Neck”, “Look at Me Now”, “Pass The Courvoisier”, and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”, took home the 2024 Global Icon Award. In his acceptance speech, he said: “Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. And it feels f****** incredible.” In an interview before the ceremony, he revealed his connection to northwest England, saying he spent two summers with his aunt Velma in Morecambe when younger. “I went to school, went to karate school, and we illegally went to clubs, breakdancing to make a little money, and it was fun,” he told the BBC. UK duo Pet Shop Boys took home the Pop Pioneer award to celebrate their four decades in the music industry, and performed with local orchestra Manchester Camerata. K-pop girl group Le Sserafim performed their songs “Chasing Lightning” and “CRAZY”, marking their first live show in the UK. They also took home the best push award. Blackpink’s Lisa won the best collaboration award for “New Woman” featuring Rosalía as well as the award for biggest fans. BTS’s Jimin won the best k-pop award and boy group Seventeen won the best group.
