At the 2024 MTV EMAs on Sunday, Taylor Swift dominated the night, winning Best Artist, Best U.S. Act, Best Live Act, and Best Video for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone.

Although finishing up her Eras tour in Europe, Swift expressed her gratitude to fans through a video message. Meanwhile, Benson Boone kicked off the show with an aerial performance of his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and new song “Slow it Down,” earning his first EMA for Best New Act. South African artist Tyla also had a strong showing, taking home three awards for Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. Tyla performed her hits “Water” and new track “Push 2 Start” with an energetic dance crew. Rita Ora, who hosted the event for the third consecutive year, honored the late Liam Payne, who tragically passed away after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires last month.

Rita Ora, who had a close bond with Liam Payne, took a moment during the show to honor him. The pair collaborated on the 2018 song “For You (Fifty Shades Freed),” and Ora tearfully addressed the crowd, saying, “Liam Payne was one of the kindest people I knew.” She asked the audience to remember him, describing him as someone with “the biggest heart” who made a lasting impact on the world.

Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes was presented with the EMAs Global Icon Award by British rapper Little Simz. In his speech, Busta Rhymes, who has been recording professionally for 34 years, shared that this was his first MTV award, which was a special moment for him. He then delivered an electrifying medley of hits like “Break ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Put Your Hands Where the Eyes Can See,” with dancers sporting tracksuits and giant dragon head props. Other highlights of the night included Shawn Mendes, who won Best Canadian Act and performed a moving set, Sabrina Carpenter, who took home Best Song for “Espresso,” and Ariana Grande, named Best Pop Act. Eminem was recognized as Best Hip Hop Act, while the Pet Shop Boys received the first-ever Pop Pioneers Award and ended the evening with a live performance of “All the Young Dudes” and their classic hit “West End Girls” in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Other performers at the event included the K-pop group Le Sserafim, Mexican singer and rapper Peso Pluma, English singer-songwriter Raye, multi-platinum artist Shawn Mendes, American vocalist Teddy Swims, and the Mexican rock duo The Warning.

The night also saw award presentations by LL Cool J, Bush’s Gavin Rossdale, mother-daughter duo Neneh Cherry and Mabel, as well as TV and film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Lucien Laviscount.