Rita Ora Reflects on Liam Payne's Enduring Presence Nine Months On
RITA ORA SAYS LIAM PAYNE'S SPIRIT IS STILL WITH HER - A YEAR AFTER HIS TRAGIC DEMISE
In a heart-wrenching and emotional interview on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, global superstar Rita Ora revealed that she still feels her dear friend Liam Payne's presence nine months after his untimely passing. The singer, 34, broke down in conversation as she shared intimate details about their friendship and how it continues to live on through music.
Rita, who has been making waves in the Big Apple, having just headlined an exclusive concert for Wimbledon's US takeover, opened up about her feelings towards Liam, who passed away at the age of 31 in Argentina. The pop sensation candidly admitted that she still thinks about him frequently, keeping his memory alive.
During a recent appearance on the radio show, Rita was asked if she would be tuning into Building the Band, a new reality series featuring Liam's final project - which wrapped filming shortly before he tragically lost his life. When Elvis Duran inquired whether she planned to watch the upcoming episodes, Rita responded with conviction: "I 100% will watch it. That's a really great friend of mine. I still sort of feel him anyway, so it's fine."
Her words were laced with emotion as she shared that her connection to Liam is still palpable. "I have the last song that I think we did together as a duo and I sing it all the time," Rita revealed. "And it just feels like he's just right there." She continued, "We always do a cute little moment of a photo of him, and it feels fantastic to just feel like he's still around through music."
Rita also confessed that she often sings their collaborative hit song 'For You' - a track that holds a special place in her heart. The singer attributed the power of music to bringing back memories and emotions, stating: "That's why music is so powerful. It really does bring back a person, a memory, a feeling."
The world was left reeling when news broke about Liam's passing on October 16, 2024, after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The tragic incident was found to be linked to the presence of alcohol and cocaine in his system.
Just one month after Liam's death, Rita paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend at the MTV EMAs, where she fought back tears as she honored his memory. She emotionally addressed the audience: "I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us... We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight."
Meanwhile, Rita's own personal style has been on full display as she navigated New York City. The singer showcased her toned midriff in a skimpy white top while traveling on the subway through Brooklyn earlier this week. In fun snaps shared on Instagram, Rita playfully rummaged through her designer bag for some hand wipes, admitting in the comments that she was hesitant to hold onto the subway's pole.
A FAN'S TAKEAWAY
The public is left wondering how Rita Ora continues to feel Liam Payne's presence so strongly after his passing. Fans are eagerly awaiting the remaining episodes of Building the Band, which will offer a glimpse into Liam's final project and serve as a tribute to his memory. The outpouring of love for Liam has been evident in the music industry since his tragic death, with many artists paying their respects through music and performances.
Rita Ora's emotional interview on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show serves as a poignant reminder that even though Liam is no longer physically present, his spirit lives on through the memories and emotions that he evokes.
