Taylor Swift led the way at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester on Sunday, picking up four awards on a night dominated by female artists, including Tyla and Sabrina Carpenter. The ceremony’s 30th edition, which brought the biggest names in world music to northwest England, saw Swift take home trophies for best artist, best live, best US act and best video for her collaboration with Post Malone in “Fortnight”.

In a pre-recorded message, Swift expressed sadness for not being able to attend in person but said the honor was “just unbelievable”. Tyla won three awards, including for best R&B, while Carpenter won for best song. British singer Rita Ora hosted the awards, which were held in Britain for the seventh time. Swift, whose ongoing “Eras” tour is the most lucrative in history, was nominated in seven categories following the release this year of her 11th album “The Tortured Poets Department”.

British singer-songwriter Rita Ora speaks in memory of late former One Direction singer Liam Payne.

US singer Benson Boone presents a speech after receiving the award for best new artist.

US singer Benson Boone performs on stage.

South African singer Tyla accepts the award for best afro-beats artist.

Mexican Singer Peso Pluma (right) presents a speech after accepting the award for best latin artist.

Mexican Singer Peso Pluma performs on stage.

British singer-songwriter RAYE performs on stage.

British band the Pet Shop Boys perform on stage.

Member of the British band the Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant performs on stage.

Videos screens display images of late former One Direction singer Liam Payne during the MTV Europe Music Awards.

South Korean band Le Sserafim perform on stage.

US rapper Busta Rymes (center) performs on stage.

US rapper Busta Rymes performs on stage.

US singer-songwriter Teddy Swims performs on stage.

US rapper Busta Rymes delivers a speech after accepting the award for global icon.

British-Nigerian rapper Little Simz presents the award for global icon.

Swedish singer Neneh Cherry (right) and her daughter and Spanish born British singer Mabel present the award for best Hip Hop artist.

Mexican band The Warning perform on stage.

In the best artist category she went up against compatriots Beyonce, Billie Eilish and Post Malone, and British star Raye, who won a record six gongs at this year’s Brit Awards. Carpenter, one of the stars of the summer with her hit “Please Please Please”, completed the list of nominees. While Swift won that category, Carpenter’s “Espresso” took best song, outshining Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”, Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”,”Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” and “We Can’t Be Friends” by Ariana Grande.

As with the US music industry’s Grammy awards, Latino artists, including stars such as Puerto Rican Bad Bunny and Colombian Karol G were left out of the top categories this year despite their global hits. Both were contenders in the best Latin field, alongside Shakira, who has revived her career with the hit “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”, about her separation from ex-footballer Gerard Pique. Other artists who picked up awards in Manchester included Lisa of the ultra-popular K-pop group Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Eminem and Liam Gallagher. Busta Rhymes received a global icon award. – AFP