On Sunday night, music fans gathered in Manchester for the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), held at the Co-op Live Arena.
Hosted by singer Rita Ora, the event celebrated 30 years of the EMAs, featuring live performances by artists such as Shawn Mendes, Raye, Tyla, and K-pop group Le Sserafim.
Taylor Swift was the night’s big winner, taking home four awards out of her seven nominations, including Best Artist, Best Video for her song “Fortnight,” Best Live Act, and Best US Artist. This achievement makes her the first artist to win Best Artist three times. Though Swift couldn’t attend in person due to her ongoing Eras tour in Canada, she sent a video message thanking fans and collaborators.
Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter won Best Song for “Espresso” and Raye earned the award for Best UK and Ireland Act, performing two songs at the ceremony. Tyla also shone, winning three awards: Best R&B, Best Afrobeats, and Best African Artist.
Additional highlights included US singer Benson Boone, who opened the show with a gravity-defying piano performance and won Best New Artist. The Pet Shop Boys received the Pop Pioneers award for their 40-year music career, and rapper Busta Rhymes was honoured as a Global Icon.
The night ended on a heartfelt note with a tribute from Rita Ora to singer Liam Payne, who passed away last month. Ora remembered him as “one of the kindest people” with “the biggest heart.”
