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Rita Ora on hosting the MTV EMAs, northern music and why Manchester is so special

We sat down with Rita Ora ahead of the MTV EMAs to chat all things music, Manchester and more.

Clementine Hall - 9th November 2024

The MTV EMAs will touch down in Manchester tomorrow, bringing a mass of famous faces and celebrities to our city for a night celebrating the music industry.

The star-studded event will be taking place at the Co-op Live on Sunday 10 November, and also streamed and broadcast live.

Ahead of the event we had a chat with the host of the evening, Rita Ora, who filled us in on what we could expect for the big night.

Tomorrow is the big day, the MTV EMAs live right here in Manchester, how are you feeling about it?

I’m very excited, a bit nervous but that’s normal you know. It’s really nice as this is my third time now, with the same crew so you know, I trust everyone now. It’s always just a bit mental, because you don’t really know what’s going to happen, but it’s just the best part of it for me.

This is your third time hosting the EMAs so you’re clearly a favourite among the MTV crowd – what is it about this event that makes it so special?

I think for me, what I love is that it’s so global, you know, internationally, the artists are coming from Korea, Mexico. It’s just kind of one of the only award shows that really do make a point of the international global musician aspect of things.

I love seeing everybody flying in, and, you know, it’s in Manchester so it’s kind of like coming back home so it feels just like a reunion as I love seeing all the artists and especially the ones I know.

There are some big names nominated tomorrow and a fair few I’m sure you know very well, is there anyone you’re particularly rooting for tonight?

There’s so many, I think it’s it’s great to see Shawn Mendes again I love what he’s doing. Teddy Swims is also one of my favourite vocalists in the world.

I think for me, though, it’ll be great to have a reunion with Raye, all the females have been killing it this year.

We know you love a night out in Manchester – where are some of your favourite spots?

When I was last here I performed at Pride so I would just walk up and down Canal Street and it was great. It was just me and the queens and that’s all I need.

Canal Street is always a class night out – what is it about the Manchester party scene that sets it apart do you think?

Well, first, the history is just incredible, musically and everything like that. You know, you’ve got the amazing attitude of Manchester which is very rock and roll, you know, the Gallaghers and everything. I think it really sets the tone of the, I would say how to be a rock star.

And I feel like that kind of trickled into the culture of Manchester into the bars. And, you know, you walk in and you just get a feeling of like, you’re welcome.

And could you give us one artist that’s really excited you this year and that everyone needs to look out for?

You know I never want to singular them out because I do feel like everyone deserves to be here but I did see the rehearsals of the new Korean girl group, Le Sserafim, and they’re really, really cool.

Let’s finish off with a few quick fire questions. Who is your favourite Manc in the world?

You know, I think I’ve got to say the lads from The Happy Mondays. I love them, they’re icons.

Who’s your favourite artist from the north?

It’s got to be The Beatles.

And finally, can you sum up Manchester in three words?

Oh, gosh, that’s a big one. Vibrant, brave and talented.

You can see the full list of nominees for the MTV EMAs – and thus the potential celebrities you could spot – HERE.

Featured image – Supplied