Rita Ora Tears Up & Walks Off Stage While Singing Liam Payne Duet Hours After His Death

Rita Ora honored Liam Payne hours after his death — and it was very emotional.

On Wednesday night, the singer was performing in Japan shortly after news of the One Direction star’s death. As we’ve been reporting, he was in Buenos Aires when he jumped from his fourth-story hotel room, although it is unclear if it was intentional or not. Regardless, hotel staff members claimed he had taken a ton of drugs and alcohol, causing him to act erratically. And local authorities now believe he may have been unconscious when he fell. It’s all just so devastating. He was only 31.

Related: One Direction Fans Mourn The Tragic Loss Of Liam Payne

The death has truly shocked the world, and Rita was one of the first celebs to pay tribute to her late friend. During her show, she played the duo’s hit duet For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. However, she could barely sing any of it because she was so sad. Totally understandable!

In videos posted to X (Twitter), the singer could be seen sitting down on stage as the song started. She tried to sing a few lines before telling the crowd that she needed them to take over for her because she just couldn’t do it. She said:

“I can’t even sing this right now.”

Rita then covered her eyes with her hands as the emotions took over before trying to belt out a few more lines. Ultimately, she surrendered to her emotions and just looked out into the crowd. A black and white photo of the performers together lit up the screen behind her, and then she slowly and calmly walked off stage. It was just too much. Oof!

Rita Ora displays a photo of her and Liam Payne while performing their collaboration ‘For You’ in Japan:

“I can’t even sing this right now” pic.twitter.com/deyqmYTSdU

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 17, 2024

The picture of Rita Ora and Liam Payne
appeared on the screen at Rita Ora's concert in Japan today. I still can't believe it????@RitaOra @LiamPayne #RitaOra #LiamPayne #RIP pic.twitter.com/GZxvHUFulC

— Haruka (@glee_nyanko) October 17, 2024

It’s unclear if this was her final song of the night or if she returned to finish the show. Either way, it’s clear that she needed to take a moment for herself, and we can’t blame her. Payne’s death has been so difficult for so many people. We cannot imagine getting on stage for a public tribute so soon after hearing the news.

She later shared the same photo of Liam resting his head on her shoulder that appeared during her concert as well as several other pictures while reflecting on Instagram:

“I’m devastated He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. 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. 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”

On Thursday, she also returned to re-post a video of them performing the duet on-stage.

Aw!

Rita and Liam once sparked dating rumors after the release of this song, so they were clearly very close. Sending her and all of Liam’s friends and family a massive hug right now!

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.

[Image via Phil Lewis/WENN & NBC/YouTube]