MTV EMAs: Eight bits of gossip we uncovered on the night

The MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) made their debut in Manchester this past Sunday, marking the first time the iconic awards show was held in the city during its 30-year history. However, despite Manchester being the birthplace of legendary acts like Oasis, Take That, and Aitch, the event seemed to take a more global approach rather than focusing heavily on the local scene.

While the stage featured subtle nods to the city’s music history, such as Factory Records’ black and yellow stripes and New Order’s Blue Monday playing during nominee announcements, the show showcased a diverse range of acts from all over the world, including Taylor Swift, who took home the evening’s biggest awards. Swift, who won Best Artist and Best Video of the Year, appeared only via video message as she opted to spend the evening watching her boyfriend, American footballer Travis Kelce, play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here are some of the standout moments and gossip from the night:

1) Raye Discusses the Loss of Her Song Notebooks                                                                               

Raye shared an emotional update about the theft of her notebooks, which contained lyrics and ideas for her upcoming album. Two weeks ago, the singer revealed that thieves had stolen her car along with her personal songwriting materials, delaying her second album. On the red carpet, she confirmed that the police had not been able to recover the notebooks. Despite the setback, she remained optimistic: “Everything happens for a reason. I’ll have to start again, and maybe it’s a blessing in disguise,” she said.

2) Busta Rhymes Pays Tribute to Benny Hill                                                                                             

 Rap legend Busta Rhymes was honored with the Global Icon Award, and during his acceptance speech, he reflected on his childhood in Morecambe, where he lived with his aunt for two summers. Rhymes recalled watching British comedy shows, particularly Benny Hill, which made a lasting impression on him. “Benny Hill is still our favourite to this day,” Rhymes said, acknowledging the comedian’s influence on him. “Tonight is a dream come true,” he added, sharing his gratitude for the award after 34 years in the music industry.

3) Olly Alexander Offers Eurovision Advice                                                                                             

Olly Alexander, who performed at a pre-show party, jokingly shared his advice for next year’s UK Eurovision contestant: “Call me, and we’ll have a serious conversation about it!” Alexander, who represented the UK in 2022 with his band Years & Years, said his Eurovision experience had been unforgettable and expressed his admiration for this year’s competitors, especially the UK’s entry. He also humorously noted that his Eurovision entry, Dizzy, received a much warmer reception in Manchester than it had in the competition.

4) Bez Is a Benson Boone Fan                                                                                                                    

Happy Mondays legend Bez was full of praise for up-and-coming US singer Benson Boone, who opened the ceremony with a dramatic performance. Suspended mid-air on a grand piano, Boone impressed Bez, who told him, “When you came down on that shiny piano, I thought, ‘Elton John is going to be so gutted.'” Bez’s enthusiastic endorsement of the young performer was one of the many fun moments of the night.

5) Le Sserafim Explores Manchester’s Christmas Market

K-pop sensation Le Sserafim made their UK debut at the EMAs, performing a mash-up of Chasing Lightning and Crazy. But before their big stage moment, the girl group took a quieter route, visiting Manchester’s Christmas market. They shared their excitement over trying local treats like baklava and fish and chips, with singer Sakura expressing delight at her first taste of the iconic British dish. The group’s performance was one of the night’s highlights, earning them some of the loudest cheers.

6) Jedward Took Over the Red Carpet

In typical fashion, Jedward stole the spotlight on the red carpet, entertaining journalists from around the world with their antics. The duo, who rose to fame on The X Factor, declared, “Oasis are back, and Jedward are back!” as they pranced around the carpet singing Stop Crying Your Heart Out. Their infectious energy and self-awareness made them a highlight of the evening, as they proclaimed themselves the unofficial “support animals” for artists.

7) Rita Ora Pays Tribute to Liam Payne                                                                                                           Liam Payne’s passing was honored with a heartfelt tribute by Rita Ora, who remembered her close friend as “one of the kindest people” she knew. Ora, who worked with Payne during their time in One Direction, fought back tears as she shared her personal memories of the late singer. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into,” Ora said, paying tribute to Payne’s lasting impact on the music world.

8) Tyla Honors Aaliyah                                                                                                                                     

 South African artist Tyla, who took home awards for Best R&B and Best Afrobeats, paid tribute to her musical idols, particularly Aaliyah. Tyla wore a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress similar to one worn by Aaliyah at the 2000 MTV Awards. The 22-year-old singer reflected on the tragic loss of Aaliyah, who passed away at the same age, making the tribute particularly poignant.

The 2024 MTV EMAs in Manchester celebrated both the past and the future of music, with powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and a surprising amount of fun. From global stars to local legends, it was a night to remember.