Rita Ora continues to feel the presence of her late friend and collaborator, Liam Payne. The 34-year-old singer, who famously duetted with the former One Direction star on the track “For You” from the 2018 movie Fifty Shades Freed, shared that she frequently sings the song to honor his memory. Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina in October 2022.
In an interview with Elvis Duran on The Morning Show, Ora expressed her intention to watch Payne’s final project, the Netflix series Building the Band. “I 100 percent will watch it,” she stated. “That’s a really great friend of mine. I still sort of feel him anyway, so it’s fine.”
Reflecting on their collaboration, Ora noted, “I have the last song that I think we did together as a duo and I sing it all the time. And it just feels like he’s just right there.” She emphasized the significance of music in keeping memories alive, saying, “That’s why music is so powerful. It really does bring back a person, a memory, a feeling.”
Rita Ora’s bond with Liam Payne was evident when she hosted the MTV EMA Awards just a month after his death. During the ceremony held in Manchester, she delivered a heartfelt tribute, saying, “I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us.”
Payne’s impact on those who knew him was profound. Ora described him as “one of the kindest people that I knew,” highlighting his generous spirit. She recalled, “He had the biggest heart, he was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could. He put so much joy into every room he walked in.”
In her emotional tribute, Ora emphasized the importance of remembering Payne, saying, “He left such a mark on this world. So let’s just take a moment to remember our friend.” The bond they shared through music continues to resonate with Ora, serving as a powerful reminder of their friendship and the legacy left behind by the talented artist.
