Rita Ora says 'I can't' as she breaks down during emotional Liam Payne tribute

The singer attempted to perform their song 'For You' - just hours after news broke of his tragic death

Rita Ora apologised to fans after she became emotional while paying tribute to Liam Payne. The singer attempted to perform their song 'For You' - just hours after news broke of his tragic death.

The pop stars collaborated on the track in 2018, as part of the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. But while performing the song in Osaka, Japan, Rita had to turn her back to the audience as she struggled to hold back her tears.

A black and white photograph of Rita, 33, and Liam could be seen on the big screen behind her in a clip from the show, which has been shared online. Footage showed Rita sit down on the stage steps before confessing: "I can't even sing this right now."

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As fans and backing singers held down the fort, she stepped up to the front of the stage, looked down into the crowd and said: "I'm so sorry" as the clip ends.

The Mirror reports that Liam, 31, fell from a third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday evening with medics confirming his tragic death. Rita also paid tribute to Liam online, sharing multiple images of them together. 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."