![111024_rita_ora_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/8f/16by9/2024/11/10/8f80b03e376141da8c5678fd7ae414f3_md.jpg)
MTV EMA’s
Rita Ora could barely contain her grief while tributing Liam Payne at MTV’s European Music Awards Sunday … choking up as she lauded her late pal for his positive personality.
The singer-songwriter — who hosted the show in Manchester, England — took the stage during one break and highlighted Liam, who passed away after falling from a hotel balcony last month.
Rita starts out by saying the team behind the EMAs just wanted to take a minute to remember Liam … a great friend to MTV and her personally.
Ora says Payne was one of the kindest people she’s ever known … and, even though they mulled over numerous ways to honor him, Rita says she feels sometimes just speaking directly to camera can be the most powerful.
![110824_tmz_live_payne_kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/87/16by9/2024/11/08/8761b7d3954043d78d2a19c0ae3c41a8_md.jpg)
TMZ.com
Rita remembers Liam’s big heart …and asks everyone in the building to take a moment and think of the friend they all lost so soon.
Days after his death, Rita broke down mid-show … having the audience carry her through a song she and Liam collaborated on because she just couldn’t force her way through.
![101724_rita_ora-kal](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/04/16by9/2024/10/17/04bc1e54de29418d9a275c55290f1951_md.jpg)
10/17/24
As we told you … Liam Payne passed away after falling from his hotel balcony in mid-October. Authorites have ruled out suicide. Drugs — including “pink cocaine” and “cristal” were detected in his system.
Three people have been charged in connection to Liam Payne’s death … including one hotel employee who allegedly gave him the drugs.