MTV EMAs 2024: Live from Manchester Co-op Live

MTV EMAs 2024 hosted at Co Op Live - Image By Natasha Judge

Manchester’s new Co-op Live venue was the host of this year's MTV European Music Awards (EMAs).

From red carpets, to backflips to fire and confetti and crowd singalongs, the North of England certainly provided a seamless show for MTV.

Opened by Best New award winner - Benson Boone, the 22 year old singer put on an energetic performance with flips, jumps, and a levitating piano.

The evening also saw Little Simz award the Global Icon EMA to Busta Rhymes - who expressed his appreciation for the recognition, having never been awarded an MTV award before.

He said: “I never got an award from MTV EMAs before. 24 years of professionally recording, and this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV, and it feels f***ing incredible yo.”

The Eras Tour frontwoman - Taylor Swift won 4 of her 7 nominated awards for Best Artist, Best US Act, Best Video - for ‘Fortnight’ featuring Post Malone, and Best Live.

Due to touring conflicts, as she prepares to embark on her final leg of the sold out world tour in Canada, she provided a video in the Lover era bodysuit to express her thanks.

She said: “I had the best time touring Europe this summer, so it's just wonderful for you to do this.”

A standout highlight of the evening was rising star - Raye, whose powerful vocals could be heard throughout the arena, and were accompanied by an orchestra.

The Brit award winner also went home with the Best UK and Ireland Act EMA, beating the likes of Dua Lipa, Charli XCX and Hosier.

Shawn Mendes and band perform new track - Image By Natasha Judge

There were a multitude of performances from acts around the world including Canada’s Shawn Mendes performing new track ‘Heart Of Gold’ off his upcoming album - Shawn. Breakthrough act Tyla also took to the stage performing tracks - Water and Push 2 Start which was well received with the audience.

The evening also saw live performances from the impressive Mexican rock band - The Warning, South Korean girl group Le Sserafim, and American singer songwriter, Teddy Swims.

The Warning performing 'Automatic Sun' - Image by Natasha Judge

Towards the end of the evening, host Rita Ora made an emotional tribute to her friend, and music artist - Liam Payne, who recently passed. The One Direction band member, and solo artist was remembered with a video compilation to the bands song - Night Changes.

The evening was also attended by Manchester greats - Shaun Ryder and Bez, from Happy Mondays, and Stockport based band - Blossoms .

There were other nods to Manchester's rich music history, with soundbites from New Order’s track ‘Blue Monday’ being used for the MTV signage before and after ad breaks - as the show was broadcasted live around the world that evening.

Rita Ora hosting her third EMAs - Image by Natasha Judge

Audience members were provided light up wristbands which lit up according to the performances throughout the evening, and phone torches were encouraged when Rita Ora led the attendees and audiences to have a sing along to Oasis tune - Wonderwall.

This coincided well with the upcoming Oasis reunion next summer, and Liam Gallagher’s Best Rock award win.

The show was closed with actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson awarding Pet Shop Boys with a Pop Pioneers award, before they took to the stage to play songs - All The Young Dudes (David Bowie cover) and West End Girls.

For further information on the MTV EMAs, visit their website here.