Taylor Swift reigned supreme at the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, sweeping the awards with honors for Best Artist, Best U.S. Act, Best Live Act, and Best Video for her collaborative hit "Fortnight" featuring Post Malone. As she wrapped up her Eras tour across the Atlantic, Swift gratefully acknowledged her fans' overwhelming support through a heartfelt video message, celebrating the plethora of accolades.
The UK event kicked off with a breathtaking aerial display by Benson Boone, who dangled precariously above the stage on a gleaming gold grand piano as he belted out his viral sensation "Beautiful Things" and new release "Slow it Down." Boone's mesmerizing performance also marked his triumphant receipt of the Best New Act EMA.
Tyla, a rising star from South Africa, gave Swift a fierce competition by clinching three prestigious awards: Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. At the Co-op Live in Manchester, Tyla commanded the EMA audience with her chart-topping anthem "Water," supported by a dynamic array of dancers, and premiered her vibrant new single "Push 2 Start."
British singer Rita Ora, hosting the show for an unprecedented third time, took a poignant moment to pay tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last month after a balcony fall in Buenos Aires. Ora, who shared a close bond with Liam and collaborated with him on the 2018 track "For You (Fifty Shades Freed)," addressed the crowd with a voice quivering with emotion. "I want to take a moment to remember someone incredibly special. Liam Payne was one of the kindest souls I've ever known," she said, her voice breaking as she asked the audience to join her in honoring his memory. "He possessed the biggest heart and left an indelible mark on this world."
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes was bestowed with the EMAs Global Icon Award by British rapper Little Simz, who announced to the enthusiastic audience that in his 34-year-long professional recording career, this was Rhymes' maiden accolade from MTV, a moment he described as nothing short of incredible. The 12-time Grammy Award nominee, who boasts an impressive tally of over 10 million album sales, then treated the crowd to a mesmerizing medley of his greatest hits, including "Break ya Neck," "Touch it," and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See," while being accompanied by a mesmerizing array of dancers adorned with giant dragon heads on their tracksuits.
Shawn Mendes delivered an intimate and soulful performance that left the audience moved, and he was also recognized with the award for Best Canadian Act. Sabrina Carpenter was honored with the Best Song award for her chart-topping single "Espresso," while Ariana Grande reigned supreme as the Best Pop Act, and Eminem cemented his legacy by clinching the Best Hip Hop Act award.
The U.K. duo Pet Shop Boys were feted with the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award for their invaluable contribution to pop music. They brought the curtains down on the event with a breathtaking performance, joined by the local orchestra Manchester Camerata. They covered David Bowie's "All the Young Dudes" and followed it up with their iconic hit "West End Girls," celebrating its 40th anniversary in grand style.
Other standout performers of the night included the K-Pop quintet Le Sserafim, Mexican singer-rapper Peso Pluma, English singer-songwriter Raye, multi-platinum artist Mendes, American vocal powerhouse Teddy Swims, and Mexican rock sisters the Warning. Presenting awards were LL Cool J, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, mother-daughter duo Neneh Cherry and Mabel, and TV and film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lucien Laviscount.
