Taylor Swift emerged victorious at the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, securing honors for best artist, best U.S. act, best live act, and best video for her hit “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. Swift, who is currently concluding her Eras tour across the Atlantic, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans in a video message.
The U.K. show commenced with an electrifying performance by Benson Boone, who was suspended above a gold grand piano as he delivered his viral sensation “Beautiful Things” and his latest track “Slow It Down.” Boone, experiencing his first taste of EMA glory, took home the award for best new act.
South African rising star Tyla posed a formidable challenge to Swift, capturing three awards for best afrobeats, best R&B, and best African act. Tyla ignited the EMA stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live with her chart-topping hit “Water,” accompanied by a vibrant troupe of dancers, and later performed her dynamic new single “Push 2 Start.”
Hosting the EMAs for an unprecedented third time, British singer Rita Ora paid a poignant tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last month following a fall from a balcony in Buenos Aires. Ora, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 track “For You (Fifty Shades Freed),” honored her late friend, saying, “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew.” Fighting back tears, she invited the audience to remember Payne, remarking, “He had the biggest heart and left such a profound impact on this world.”
Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes was bestowed the EMAs global icon award by British rapper Little Simz. Rhymes, reflecting on his 34-year career, revealed this was his first award from MTV, describing the recognition as incredible. The 12-time Grammy nominee, with over 10 million album sales, thrilled the crowd with a powerful medley of his hits “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” supported by dancers in tracksuits adorned with giant dragon heads.
Shawn Mendes delivered a soulful and intimate performance, also earning the title of best Canadian act. Sabrina Carpenter was honored with best song for her hit “Espresso,” while Ariana Grande took home the award for best pop act, and Eminem was recognized as the best hip hop act.
The U.K. duo Pet Shop Boys received the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award for their enduring contributions to pop music. They closed the show with support from the local Manchester Camerata orchestra, performing David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” followed by their classic “West End Girls,” celebrating the song’s 40th anniversary.
The evening featured performances from an array of artists, including K-pop quintet Le Sserafim, Mexican sensation Peso Pluma, English singer-songwriter Raye, multi-platinum artist Shawn Mendes, American powerhouse Teddy Swims, and Mexican rock duo The Warning.
Awards were presented by a diverse group of celebrities including LL Cool J, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, mother-and-daughter duo Neneh Cherry and Mabel, and TV and film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lucien Laviscount.
