“‘I Can’t Even Sing This Right Now’: Rita Ora Breaks Down Mid-Show as Liam Payne’s Image Plays — Fans Say She Was ‘Used for Public Grief Performance’”

Rita Ora Breaks Down On Stage In Japan While Honouring Late Friend Liam Payne: “I Can’t Even Sing This Right Now”

Rita Ora was visibly overcome with emotion as she paid tribute to Liam Payne during a recent live performance in Japan, following the news of the singer’s sudden and tragic death.

The British pop star, who collaborated with Payne on the 2018 hit For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, struggled to complete the song during her set. As a black-and-white image of the late One Direction singer lit up the screen behind her, Ora paused and choked back tears.

“I can’t even sing this right now,” she said to the crowd, her voice breaking as the instrumental of For You continued to play in the background.

The heartfelt moment left many audience members emotional, with fans capturing the powerful tribute on video and sharing it across social media. The grief in Ora’s voice mirrored the widespread heartbreak felt across the music industry and fan communities following Payne’s death.

In a separate tribute posted to X (formerly Twitter), Ora expressed the depth of her sorrow and reflected on her experience working with the singer.

“I’m devastated,” she wrote. “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.”

Ora’s performance is one of many public tributes pouring in for Payne, who was found dead after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. While the full circumstances surrounding the fall are still under investigation by Argentine authorities, a preliminary autopsy cited “multiple trauma” as the cause of death.

The investigation remains ongoing under the category of a “doubtful death,” which is standard procedure in such cases, though officials noted Payne appeared to have been alone at the time of the fall.

In the days since his passing, artists, friends, and fans alike have continued to remember Payne not only as a talented performer but also as a kind and generous soul behind the scenes. Fellow musicians including Paris Hilton, Charlie Puth, and the original X Factor team that discovered One Direction have shared their condolences and fond memories of the singer.

Ora’s moving tribute marks one of the most personal and public reactions so far, a stark reminder of the bond Payne formed with his collaborators. As the final note of For You faded out over the Japanese crowd, so too did a moment of shared remembrance — one steeped in love, grief, and the weight of a life lost far too soon.