RITA Ora fought back tears in a heartbreaking live tribute to Liam Payne during a Japan gig last night.
Singer Rita, 33, struggled to contain her emotions while performing her 2018 duet with Liam, For You, at Zepp Namba in Osaka – their track for Fifty Shades Freed.
Just hours after his sudden passing, The Masked Singer judge attempted to sing the tune to the crowd, asking them to raise their hands in his memory.
She sat down on the stage with a photo of herself and Liam displayed behind her – but stopped halfway through the song and walked off altogether.
“I can’t even sing this right now,” she told the audience, visibly emotional.
In several videos posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, by fans, Rita can be seen holding back tears, putting her hands to her face.
She also approached the front of the stage, shook her head, and appeared to apologize to fans, saying, “I’m sorry.”
Rita and Liam had a close friendship and were often seen at public events, including Paris Fashion Week in 2019.
In 2021, he and his former fiancée Maya Henry even moved into her £3.25 million penthouse in west London.
Following the concert, Rita addressed Liam’s death on social media, sharing memories of their time together and expressing her heartbreak.
She wrote: “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.”
The ex-One Direction star died after tragically falling from a hotel balcony on Wednesday afternoon in Buenos Aires, aged 31.
Liam’s autopsy revealed he suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
His family issued a statement today, which read: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Meanwhile, this afternoon harrowing pictures emerged that show inside Liam’s hotel room shortly after his fatal fall.
Argentine media have published troubling images showing white powder, burnt aluminium foil and a smashed TV screen.
Several images show what is reported to be the inside of the former One Direction singer’s luxury suite at the upmarket Hotel CasaSur Palermo, according to Argentina‘s biggest newspaper Clarin.
Buenos Aires police confirmed the room was in a state of “total disorder”.
They released a statement saying: “Upon entering, total disorder was observed, with various elements broken.
“The balcony area was inspected in order to establish access to it.”
Clarin, Argentina’s biggest newspaper, published the images alongside a report saying: “Damage and drugs in the hotel room Liam Payne was staying in in Buenos Aires.”
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.
But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.
It comes as:
A final 911 call from hotel staff on Wednesday revealed they needed “urgent assistance” from cops to help with a guest “behaving erratically”.
Argentinian police said staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam had to be carried back to his room, according to TMZ.
Recordings from the 911 calls made by the head of reception show them reporting “a guest who is destroying everything in his room”.
In a second appeal for help the receptionist said: “We need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam was found dead in the hotel’s inner courtyard at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time).
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
His death was confirmed as soon as ambulance crews arrived.
A red tent was put up over Liam’s body as cops began to investigate the death.
Forensic police worked with ambulance staff at the scene before they moved his body to a morgue.
A post-mortem is expected to be completed soon.
The singer was in Buenos Aires for a holiday after going to see pal Niall Horan’s tour.
He had arrived on September 30 with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Weeping fans crowded outside the hotel holding a candlelit vigil overnight in honour of the beloved singer.
Liam leaves behind his seven-year-old son Bear whom he shared with Cheryl after the pair met when Liam was on The X Factor.
