Manchester, England – It was a big night for music fans on Sunday night, as Manchester hosted one of the top music award ceremonies – the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).
Held in the city’s Co-op Live Arena, the award show was hosted by singer Rita Ora and featured live performances from artists Shawn Mendes, Raye, Tyla and K-pop group Le Sserafim.
The show was a pretty special one last night, as it celebrated 30 years since the MTV EMAs began.
One of the biggest winners of the night was singer Taylor Swift, who was nominated for seven awards and took home four, including best artist, video (for Fortnight), live act and US artist. She’s now the first musician to win best artist three times.
Taylor was not in Manchester to accept her awards, as she is preparing for the last part of her Eras tour in Canada, and instead sent a video acceptance speech.
“I am coming to you from the Eras tour, and I’m so sad that I can’t be with you tonight. But thank you so much for these amazing awards,” she said.
“The fact that you have honoured the tour [and] everything that’s happened with the album this year, the video, it’s just unbelievable.”
“I had the best time touring in Europe this summer, so it just is wonderful for you to do this,” she added.
She also thanked singer Post Malone, who featured on the song Fortnight with her, and her fans for voting for her.
Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter won best song for her hit Espresso but was also unable to make it to the show due to being on her Short n’ Sweet tour.
Raye picked up the award for best UK and Ireland act and performed two songs at the ceremony.
US singer-songwriter Benson Boone opened the show by playing the piano while floating in the air above the crowd before picking up the prize for best new artist.
South African star Tyla won best R&B, best Afrobeats and best African artist, saying she was “honoured and humbled.”
Wicked Star Ariana Grande picked up the award for best pop, and K-pop group Le Sserafim won best push.
Shawn Mendes and US artist Teddy Swims also performed live at the award show.
The Pet Shop Boys won the pop pioneers award for their 40 years in the music industry, and rapper Busta Rhymes won the global icon award, saying, “Tonight is a dream come true. I’m honoured. I feel tremendously blessed.”
Rita Ora also gave a special tribute to singer Liam Payne, who passed away last month, saying, “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people that I knew. He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.
“He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on the world.”
