Taylor Swift dominated the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, clinching four major awards: best artist, best U.S. act, best live act, and best video for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. Currently rounding off her Eras tour across the Atlantic, Swift expressed her gratitude to fans through a heartfelt video message.
The U.K. show commenced with an acrobatic spectacle by Benson Boone. Suspended above a golden grand piano, Boone performed his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and his latest release “Slow it Down.” He also celebrated his first EMA win for best new act.
South African breakout star Tyla proved to be a formidable contender, picking up three trophies for best afrobeats, best R&B, and best African act. Tyla thrilled the EMA audience at Co-op Live, Manchester, with a dynamic performance of her hit “Water” and an energetic rendition of her new track “Push 2 Start,” accompanied by a troupe of dancers.
British singer Rita Ora, hosting the show for a record third time, paid an emotional tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last month after a fall in Buenos Aires. Having recorded “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)” with Payne in 2018, Ora poignantly remembered her friend. “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew,” she said, her voice breaking as she asked the audience to honor his memory. “He had the biggest heart and he left such a mark on this world.”
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes received the EMAs global icon award from British rapper Little Simz, marking his first MTV award after 34 years in the industry. Rhymes, a 12-time Grammy nominee with over 10 million album sales, delivered a powerful medley of his greatest hits, including “Break ya Neck,” “Touch it,” and “Put Your Hands Where the Eyes Can See,” with dancers in tracksuits adorned with giant dragon heads.
Shawn Mendes delivered a heartfelt performance and took home the award for best Canadian act. Sabrina Carpenter was honored for best song with her hit “Espresso,” while Ariana Grande was named best pop act, and Eminem secured the title of best hip hop act.
The U.K. duo Pet Shop Boys were awarded the inaugural Pop Pioneers Award for their significant contributions to pop music. They closed the show with a memorable performance alongside the local orchestra Manchester Camerata, covering David Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” and celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic hit “West End Girls.”
The night featured a diverse lineup of performers, including K-Pop quintet Le Sserafim, Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma, English singer-songwriter Raye, multi-platinum artist Shawn Mendes, American powerhouse Teddy Swims, and Mexican rock sisters The Warning.
Awards were presented by a star-studded roster including 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.
