MTV EMAs 2024: who were the big winners? Taylor Swift and tribute to Liam Payne

Taylor Swift once again stole the show at the MTV Europe Music Awards, taking home four awards and solidifying her status as the night’s top winner.

What MTV awards did Taylor Swift win?

In a ceremony filled with star-studded performances and heartfelt moments, Swift bagged best artist, best video for “Fortnight” with Post Malone, best live, and best US act. While she couldn’t be in Manchester due to her Eras tour in North America, Swift sent a video message, thanking her fans for supporting her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, and its accompanying visuals. “It’s just unbelievable,” she said, clearly touched by the night’s recognition.

It wasn’t just Swift dominating headlines, though. South African singer Tyla walked away with three awards—best Afrobeats, best R&B, and best African act—proving herself a powerful force in the music world. And although the awards focused on honoring artists’ latest successes, the evening also paused for a somber tribute to the late Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, who passed away last month after a tragic fall in Buenos Aires.

Rita Ora pays tribute to Liam Payne

The show’s host, Rita Ora, took a moment to remember Payne, someone she’d shared both personal and professional memories with.

“He was a big part of the MTV world and my world,” Ora said, visibly emotional as she spoke. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into.” Ora, who performed “For You” with Payne in 2018, captured the audience’s grief and respect in a powerful tribute to the young artist, who was just 31.

Other big winners: Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande...

Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy hit “Espresso” took home best song, a win that had fans buzzing. Ariana Grande was awarded best pop, adding to her collection of EMAs, while Eminem took best hip-hop. Fans of Jimin weren’t disappointed either; the K-pop star was named best K-pop, an ever-growing category at the EMAs.

Liam Gallagher brought a local flavour to the awards by winning best rock – a fitting win in his hometown of Manchester. Meanwhile, rising star Benson Boone snagged the best new category, marking what might be the beginning of a promising career.

Special honours for Busta Rhymes and Pet Shop Boys

Two legendary acts received special honours this year. US rapper Busta Rhymes performed a high-energy medley of his hits and was awarded the global icon award.

British duo Pet Shop Boys, pioneers in the electronic music scene, were recognised with the pop pioneer award and closed the show with their classic sound.

How did the 2024 MTV EMAs voting work?

There were 18 main categories and 23 best local act categories which were open to the public for voting. The only category that was not open to fans is the award for the Best Video which is chosen by the MTV Music Editorial Team.

Fans from 23 regions around the world were able to vote for their favourite artists in the Best Regional Act categories (“Best US Act”, “Best Spanish Act”... etc). Below are all those nominated.

Voting started on Tuesday 8 October 2024 and ran to Wednesday 6 November 2024. Voting for the Biggest Fans category was voted for at a later date on MTV’s social media platforms through @MTVEMA.

Which artists performed at the 2024 MTV EMA Awards?

Although Swift wasn’t in attendance, Busta Rhymes, RAYE, Benson Boone, Shawn Mendes, Teddy Swims, The Warning, LE SSERAFIM, Peso Pluma and Tyla took to the stage to make it a night to remember.