Former X Factor contestants Jedward were among the guests at the MTV EMAs 2024 on Sunday, where they spoke on the red carpet about the late One Direction member Liam Payne

Former X Factor contestants Jedward spoke about the late Liam Payne whilst at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

The duo, 33, were at the awards ceremony – known as the MTV EMAs – at Co-op Live in Manchester together on Sunday. The pair shared that they anticipated it to be an emotional evening due to rumours of a tribute to Liam, as reported by the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.)

It was announced last month that Liam – known for having been in One Direction – passed away, aged 31, after falling from a balcony of hotel in Argentina. Rita Ora, 33 – who is hosting the MTV EMAs for the third consecutive year – had previously dueted with him on the song For You, released in 2018. Following the news of his passing, she was visibly emotional during a performance last month and remembered him as ‘the kindest soul’.

Whilst speaking to the M.E.N on the red carpet of the awards ceremony, John Grimes and Edward Grimes – known collectively as Jedward – said: “Tonight will be upsetting for Rita Ora because she did a song with Liam. There is going to be a tribute, so I think there will be a lot of tears.” They added: “The fact that we all came from the same show… it’s like we all went to school together. You can’t describe the experience.”

Jedward are among the guests at the MTV EMAs 2024 in Manchester ( 
Image:
Ian West/PA Wire)

Recalling their reaction to the news of his death, they said: “When we heard the news, everything dropped. We couldn’t sleep that night. We met him in 2017. That was the last EMA’s we were at and honestly, who would’ve thought?”

Liam had auditioned for the X Factor initially in 2008 but he didn’t make it to the live shows that year. He however later returned in 2010 and was put into One Direction, who ended up placing third in the final that year. Jedward had competed on the ITV singing contest in 2009 and placed fifth.

Manchester has welcomed a host of acts to the city for the MTV EMAs this weekend. The event has been described as one of the biggest TV broadcasts across Europe outside of the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s set to feature performances from the likes of Raye, Pet Shop Boys, Le Sserafim, Shawn Mendes and Benson Boone. Meanwhile, a host of celebrities are expected to make appearances to present awards.

Paying tribute to Liam last month, Rita wrote on Instagram: “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul. I will never forget. I loved working with him mso much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P”