The 30th year of the MTV EMAs coincided with the event's debut in Manchester, blending local culture with international festivities as stars like Taylor Swift, Raye, and Busta Rhymes took center stage.
MTV EMAs: Highlights and Surprising Moments from Manchester’s Historic Night
MTV EMAs: Highlights and Surprising Moments from Manchester’s Historic Night
A vibrant evening in Manchester saw the MTV EMAs showcase global talent while paying homage to the city's unique musical heritage.
The MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) made a memorable debut in Manchester, England, marking a landmark moment in the event's 30-year history. The Co-Op Live Arena buzzed with excitement as global acts stole the spotlight. Though the event aimed to reflect Manchester's rich musical roots, points of local influence felt sparse, with no appearances from British icons like Take That or Liam Gallagher, despite the latter winning Best Rock Star.
Musical performances spanned continents, from the K-Pop sensation Le Sserafim making their UK debut, to American singer Taylor Swift securing significant wins for Best Artist and Video of the Year, though she opted to appear via video, choosing to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, at an NFL game instead.
Notable highlights of the night unraveled on the red carpet and stage, beginning with Raye sharing the unfortunate news of her stolen songbooks, delaying her album’s release. Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes reminisced about comedy legend Benny Hill as he received a global icon award and reflected on his unexpected journey through hip-hop.
Eurovision's Olly Alexander provided sage advice to the next potential UK contestant while new artist Benson Boone wowed the audience with a daring performance that included a grand piano stunt.
Le Sserafim captured hearts as they ventured away from the event to explore Manchester's Christmas market, relishing local treats, and Jedward entertained journalists with their quirky charm offensive.
Significantly, tributes were paid to Liam Payne, with Rita Ora leading emotional remembrances of the late star who had a lasting impact on the music industry. South African artist Tyla took home trophies for Best R&B and Best Afrobeats, honoring her idols Aaliyah and Eve by donning a vintage dress reminiscent of their past glories.
As the ceremony concluded, the blend of heartfelt tributes, riveting performances, and a global gathering underscored the essence of the MTV EMAs, making it a night to remember.
