Taylor Swift topped the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, winning Best Artist, Best American Act, Best Live Group and Best Music Video for “Fortnight” (with Post Malone).
Swift, who is currently wrapping up her Eras tour across the Atlantic, thanked fans for the bounty of prizes via video message.
The British show opened with an acrobatic Benson Boone suspended in the air on a golden grand piano performing his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and his latest album “Slow it Down.” Boone also accepted his first EMA for Best New Act.
South African newcomer Tyla gave Swift a run for her money by winning three awards for Best Afrobeats, Best R&B and Best African Group.
Tyla performed her hit ‘Water’ in front of the EMA audience at Co-op Live in Manchester, flanked by a crowd of dancers, and sang energetic new track ‘Push 2 Start’.
British singer Rita Ora, who hosted the show for the third time, paid tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne, who died last month after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires.
Ora had a close relationship with the singer and the pair recorded a song together in 2018, “For You (Fifty Shades Freed).” She addressed the audience, saying: “I want to take a moment to remember someone. Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.” Her voice cracked as she asked the crowd to take a moment to remember Liam’s statement: “He had the biggest heart and he left such a mark on this world.”
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes accepted the EMAs Global Icon Award from British rapper Little Simz, telling the crowd that in 34 years of professional recording, it was his first MTV award and it was incredible. The 12-time Grammy nominee, who has sold more than 10 million albums to his credit, performed a mega medley of his biggest hits “Break ya Neck,” “Touch it” and “Put Your Hands Where the Eyes can See”, accompanied by dancers wearing tracksuits with giant dragon heads.
Shawn Mendes gave an intimate and heartfelt performance and also received the Best Canadian Artist award. Sabrina Carpenter won best song honors for her hit “Espresso,” while Ariana Grande was crowned best pop group and Eminem won best hip hop group.
British duo Pet Shop Boys received the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award for their contribution to pop music and closed the show accompanied by local orchestra Manchester Camerata with a cover of David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” followed by their hit iconic “West End”. Girls” to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary.
Other performers on the night included K-Pop quintet Le Sserafim, Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma, English singer and songwriter Raye, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, American powerhouse Teddy Swims and Mexican rock sisters The Warning.
LL Cool J, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, mother and daughter musicians Neneh Cherry and Mabel and TV and film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lucien Laviscount all presented awards.
