British artist Rita Ora became emotional on stage during a performance of a song she had recorded with the late Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction.
This touching moment occurred just hours after it was announced that Payne had tragically passed away at the age of 31. He fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
While performing in Osaka, Japan, Ora was visibly moved as she sang their duet, “For You.” The song was recorded with Payne for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack.
As a tribute, a poignant image of Ora with Payne was projected on the screen behind her. During the performance, the emotional weight was too much, causing her to momentarily stop and turn away, saying, “I can’t even sing this right now.”
Payne and Ora’s collaboration was not only musical. Both had connections to The X Factor UK; Payne rose to fame on the show, while Ora served as a judge in 2015.
Following her performance, Ora took to Instagram to share fond memories of working with Payne. She posted the same image of them together that appeared during her show.
In her Instagram post, Ora expressed her grief, writing, “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul, I will never forget.”
She continued, “I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart.”
Her heartfelt message concluded with sympathy for Payne’s family and a reflection on their song: “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.”
According to Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, Payne’s injuries from the balcony fall were described as “incompatible with life.”
An autopsy revealed internal and external hemorrhaging caused by the fall. These findings were conducted by two forensic pathologists in Buenos Aires, who have communicated their results to local authorities.