Entertainment

Rita Ora ‘struggling to sleep’ as she prepares to host MTV EMAs

She said she was glad to be “trusted” with the opportunity.
She said she was glad to be “trusted” with the opportunity. She said she was glad to be “trusted” with the opportunity.

Singer Rita Ora revealed she is glad MTV has “trusted” her to host its Europe Music Awards (EMAs) this year.

The British star, 26, will take the helm of the prestigious ceremony when it takes places at the SSE Wembley Arena on Sunday night, featuring a performance from famed rapper Eminem.

Speaking at an introductory MTV Showcase event on Saturday, she said: “I’m in hosting mode now. I’m so happy MTV trusted me on national television. I’ve slept really badly this week – it’s all about not messing up the autocue.

Oxford Street Christmas lights
Oxford Street Christmas lights
Rita Ora (Ian West/PA)

“I’m definitely going to be drinking (afterwards).”

She also joked that her mother was “more excited” to watch Eminem from the crowd than to see her own daughter on stage.

Ora said she had “never seen Wembley like this before” after making a visit to the north London venue ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.

Known for her colourful and experimental fashion choices as well as her music, she said she was planning on making “a lot” of outfit changes.

“Good luck to us,” she joked. “There will be clothes under the stage…everything is going to be flying around and it’s going to be so much fun.”

Ora recently delighted her fans with her single Anywhere.

“I just wanted to write a song that I could play in the car and run anywhere.”

On her upcoming collaboration-packed album, following her self-titled debut five years ago, she said: “I had four or five years where I couldn’t actually put anything out. This album was forced out of my frustration and my desperation to get out.

“It’s about optimism, it’s about fresh starts, it’s about ‘eff’ all the exes and bring on the new ones.”