By Ayanda Ntuli
Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
The MTV EMA Awards lit up Manchester on Sunday, celebrating the year’s top music talent. Celebrities went above and beyond, dressing to impress and making it a night to remember. The night was filled with bold performances, emotional wins, tributes and unforgettable red-carpet moments. Stars embraced high fashion, from sleek, modern designs to daring, statement-making outfits, while top awards went to fan favourites, creating an evening that celebrated both music and style.
Taylor Swift stole the show, taking home four awards: Best US Act, Best Video, Best Artist, and Best Live. Close behind her was Tyla, who won three awards, including Best Afrobeats, Best R&B, and Best African Act. Among other notable winners, rapper Busta Rhymes received this year’s Global Icon Award, recognised for his longevity and influence in music worldwide. Other winners included Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Calvin Harris, Imagine Dragons, Eminem and Liam Gallagher.
The night kicked off in high-flying style with Benson Boone, who captivated the crowd while suspended mid-air on a shimmering gold grand piano. He delivered a rendition of his viral hit “Beautiful Things” and his latest single “Slow it Down,” setting a dramatic tone for the evening. Boone also celebrated a career milestone, taking home his first EMA as Best New Act. Tyla performed her breakout hit, Water and was joined by a group of dancers on stage. She also treated fans to her latest track, “Push 2 Start".
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British singer Rita Ora, hosting the awards for the third time, paid tribute to the late Liam Payne, former member of the famous boy band One Direction, who passed away last month in Buenos Aires. Ora collaborated with Payne on the 2018 single “For You”. The show also included performances from iconic rapper Busta Rhymes who performed some of his greatest hits “Break ya Neck", “Touch it” and “Put Your Hands Where the Eyes can See”. He took to the stage with dancers wearing dragon heads. Other artists who graced the stage included Shawn Mendes, Raye, Peso Pluma, and more.
The evening sparkled with celebrities in elegant gowns and bold, statement-making outfits. The red carpet was alive with glamour, each look more striking than the last, making it a night where fashion truly took centre stage. One of the evening's style standouts was Tyla, who looked gorgeous in a Roberto Cavalli SS25 blue and black zebra-print dress. The asymmetrical hem, trimmed with fur added a fierce touch to her look which was inspired by Aaliyah’s Cavalli dress from the 2000 MTV VMAs.
(left) Rita Ora wears , (right) Jodie Turner-Smith in Robert Wun. Credit: Stephane Cardinale-Corbis/ Getty Images
Jodie Turner-Smith was another showstopper, dazzling in a royal blue, one-shouldered draped maxi dress. She completed the look with a striking matching hat and elegant, fitted gloves, giving her ensemble a uniquely glamorous edge. Maya Jama paid homage to Elizabeth Hurley by wearing the iconic black, form-fitting maxi dress she wore 29 years ago. The dress featured a daring thigh-high slit and gold-toned safety pins along the cutout waist and shoulder straps, adding a bold edge to the classic look.
Rita Ora stunned in an antique pink, strapless feathered gown from Ashi Studio. The extravagant yet elegant dress evoked nostalgia for old Hollywood glamour while capturing a modern edge, making it one of the night’s most memorable looks. The gown’s hue perfectly complemented her skin tone, adding a radiant touch to her red-carpet appearance. Last but not least, Vick Hope made a statement in an all-white ensemble featuring an intricately sculpted bodice and daring thigh-high slits, perfectly balancing elegance and bold style.
The MTV EMAs set the stage for both musical talent and bold style, proving once again that this awards show shapes cultural and fashion trends. From throwback-inspired gowns to modern, eye-catching silhouettes, this year’s red carpet was a style spectacle. As awards season unfolds, we can expect more memorable looks, perhaps embracing sustainable and nostalgic trends.
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