Manchester shines on the world stage with an unforgettable MTV Europe Music Awards night

Last night, Manchester hosted an unforgettable MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) at the Co-op Live Arena, marking the awards’ 30th anniversary with a celebration of the city’s incredible musical history.

And we absolutely smashed it.

Transforming the arena into a visually stunning homage to Manchester’s legendary Hacienda and warehouse party culture, the EMAs brought together top international stars, local icons, and Manchester’s own buzzing energy for a night that will go down in music history.

MTV EMAs Manchester 2024

The excitement began well before the awards kicked off. Manchester’s tram network echoed with an unusual announcement from pop sensation Rita Ora, urging passengers to “plan their journey – it’s gonna be busy!”

Ora returned to host the EMAs for a third time, dazzling onlookers with multiple outfit changes and working the crowd with her signature warmth and flair.

The Co-op Live Arena’s red carpet buzzed as global stars mingled with Manchester’s homegrown talent. Shawn Mendes, Raye, Busta Rhymes, and South Korean girl group Le Sserafim were just a few of the many stars welcomed by thousands of fans and an eager media presence.

Local icons like The Blossooms, Dj Paulette, Shaun Ryder and Bez added a unique Mancunian touch, joking with reporters about being “too old” to recognise some of the night’s acts, while Bury’s social media sensation Elliot James Reay represented the new wave of Manchester’s music scene.

Powerful tributes and career-spanning wins

During the show, Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne, the late One Direction star. Fighting back tears, Ora praised Payne’s kindness and generosity, reflecting on the impact he had on those around him. Payne’s passing was felt deeply by both fans and artists, with Jedward and others sharing memories of the beloved artist.

The UK made their mark on the night, with local legend Liam Gallagher taking home the award for Best Rock, while Raye secured Best UK and Ireland Act.

One of the night’s biggest winners was Taylor Swift, who took home four awards, including Best Artist and Best Video for her duet “Fortnight” with Post Malone. Swift made history as the only artist to win Best Artist three times, cementing her status as a global phenomenon. Alongside Swift, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was honoured as Best Song, capping off a stellar year for the young star.

Electrifying performances

The performances were a spectacle to behold. Benson Boone had the audience in the palm of his hand with a dramatic entrance on a levitating piano, setting the tone for an evening filled with surprises and high-energy moments.

South African artist Tyla brought her pulsating energy to the arena, draped over a convertible as she performed her hit “Water” in a lively, choreographed routine that had the crowd on their feet.

Moments later, fan favourite Raye took to the stage, captivating the audience with a soulful trio of her biggest ballads, including the powerful “Oscar-Winning Tears.” The performances kept the momentum high, each artist leaving their mark on Manchester’s night to remember.

Busta Rhymes, honoured with the Global Icon award, took the stage for a career-spanning performance of his biggest hits, reminiscing about summers spent in Morecambe with his Aunt Velma. Accepting his first MTV award after 34 years in the industry, he thanked LL Cool J as an inspiration and his mother as his “best friend and hero.”

Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes, who shares a surprising link to north-west England, received a lifetime achievement award at the EMAs. Reflecting on summers spent in Morecambe with his Aunt Velma, Rhymes had once told the BBC, “That’s a fact. I’d never seen a white and a black person go [to school] together until I came here.”

Presented with the award by British rapper Little Simz, Rhymes expressed his gratitude for the honour: “This is my first time here. I’ve never got an award from MTV before. Thirty-four years of professional recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. It feels f**king incredible.”

In an emotional moment, the 12-time Grammy nominee paid tribute to his mother, calling her his “best friend and hero.” To the excitement of the crowd of 23,500 at the UK’s largest indoor arena, Rhymes later delivered a thrilling medley of his top hits, bringing his legendary career to life on stage.

The night also featured an electrifying performance from South Korean girl group Le Sserafim, who brought the house down with their high-energy set. Known for their precision and dynamic style, the five-piece group delivered a seamless, powerful rendition of “Crazy,” showcasing tightly choreographed dance moves and even sneaking in a playful bit of line dancing, which thrilled fans.

Le Sserafim’s lively show was one of the evening’s standout moments. It was met with resounding cheers from the crowd, and they went on to win the award for Best Push.

The Pet Shop Boys closed the night with an unforgettable performance, treating fans to a medley of “All the Young Dudes” and “West End Girls.” In true Manchester style, they performed alongside the Manchester Camerata, honouring their Pop Pioneer award with an emotional finale that captured the spirit of the city and its enduring love for music.

A triumph for Manchester

Broadcast live to over 150 countries, the MTV EMAs showcased Manchester not just as a location, but as a character central to the night’s magic. For Mayor Andy Burnham, this event was a culmination of the city’s longstanding claim as the UK’s capital of music. “Manchester’s musical heritage continues to flourish,” he said, “and hosting the EMAs solidifies our place on the global stage.”

Manchester has proven itself as a world-class stage for global events, hosting the prestigious Chanel fashion show, the Michelin Guide ceremony, and now the MTV Europe Music Awards. Each of these events not only celebrated excellence in fashion, fine dining, and music but also showcased Manchester’s cultural scene, organisational prowess, and international appeal.

With these high-profile moments, the city has cemented its status as a powerhouse capable of delivering unforgettable experiences, drawing the world’s spotlight and reaffirming Manchester’s place on the global stage.

Full list of the MTV EMAs Manchester winners

• Best Artist: Taylor Swift
• Best Song: Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter
• Best Video: Fortnight by Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone
• Biggest Fans: LISA
• Best Afrobeats: Tyla
• Best Electronic: Calvin Harris
• Best New: Benson Boone
• Best Rock: Liam Gallagher
• Best R&B: Tyla
• Best Hip-Hop: Eminem
• Best Pop: Ariana Grande
• Best Live: Taylor Swift
• Best Latin: Peso Pluma
• Best UK and Ireland Act: RAYE
• Best K-Pop: Jimin
• Best Alternative: Imagine Dragons
• Global Icon: Busta Rhymes
• Pop Pioneer Award: Pet Shop Boys
• Best Push: Le Sserafim