Rita Ora was overcome with emotion as she paid a touching tribute to her friend and collaborator, Liam Payne, following his tragic passing in Argentina. The singer, visibly moved, shared a heartfelt moment on stage where she displayed a monochrome photo of herself and the late One Direction star while performing. A social media fan page captured the poignant scene, describing how Rita honoured Liam by showcasing their song ‘For You’. Reports from The Mirror also mention that Rita, who shared a close friendship with Liam, broke down in tears during her performance. The duo had released the track ‘For You’ in 2018 for the movie Fifty Shades Freed, which was one of Liam’s solo hits in the UK top 10 charts.
The heartbreaking news of Liam’s untimely death came after he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Just hours after the tragic incident, Rita took to the stage in Osaka, Japan, where she paid tribute to her late friend. As she sang ‘For You’, a projection of Rita and Liam adorned the screen behind her, showcasing their special bond. In a deeply emotional moment, Rita struggled through the lyrics, at one point burying her face in her hands as she turned away from the audience. She later expressed her grief on social media, recalling Liam’s kind soul and the joy he brought on and off stage. She described the news as heartbreaking and sent her love and prayers to Liam’s family and loved ones.
Rita and Liam were known to be close, with Liam even residing in Rita’s London penthouse with his partner, Maya Henry. Details emerged that Liam was on holiday in South America with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who had returned to Florida prior to the tragic incident. Following reports of a man displaying aggressive behaviour at the hotel, emergency services responded to the scene where Liam had fallen from his room on the third floor. A post-mortem examination revealed findings consistent with a 10-metre fall, with further investigations underway to determine any substances in his system.
The loss of Liam Payne has deeply affected not only his loved ones but also the music industry and fans worldwide. Rita Ora’s moving tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on those around him and the enduring legacy of his music. The heartfelt moment on stage between Rita and Liam encapsulates the profound sense of loss felt by many, as they remember a talented artist gone too soon.