Rita Ora stuns in a classy black gown while Sam Ryder keeps things casual as they fly the British flag at the MTV Video Music Awards – but fellow Brits Sam Smith and Dua Lipa are no shows
Rita Ora and Sam Ryder flew the British flag as they attended the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday.
Anywhere hitmaker Rita, 32, cut an elegant figure in a black off-the-shoulder gown and huge silver platforms as she graced the pink carpet at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
While Eurovision hero Sam, 34, kept things casual in a fringed denim jacket as he mingled with the great and good of music during the night of star-studded performances and emotional wins.
However, it seemed that Rita and Sam were the only big names stars representing Britain on the night, with fellow Brits including Sam Smith and Dua Lipa failing to make an appearance.
Rita appeared undeterred however as she happily showed off her fashion credentials on the carpet in her long black gown which featured long dramatic sleeves.
She completed the look with huge platform glittery silver heels which boosted her height and added a quirky touch to the look.
Rita looked in great spirits as she put on an animated display while posing for the cameras.
She wore her long blonde tresses in a sleek straight style and opted for a typically glamorous makeup look.
The singer was also joined on the red carpet by film director husband Taika Waititi, 48, who opted for a quirky pale blue and coral co-ord on the night.
Though not nominated, Rita later look to the stage where she presented the award for Best Collaboration, with that accolade going to Shakira and Karol G.
Meanwhile, Sam was all smiles on the pink carpet, as he rocked his striking jacket with a white T-shirt, tan cargo trousers and white trainers.
The SPACE MAN hitmaker, who was nominated in the Push Performance of the Year category, added a quirky pair of tinted orange sunglasses to his look.
A selection of UK names received recognition in the battle for the highly coveted Moonperson prize ahead of the ceremony, but just a handful showed up on the night.
Despite getting four nods, thanks to his collaboration with Kim Petras on racy track Unholy, Sam Smith was a no show.
Dua Lipa, who landed a nomination for Best Pop, also didn’t attend, while fellow Brits including Adele, Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles failed to make an appearance.
Elsewhere, the night belonged to Taylor Swift, who won in nine of the 11 categories she was nominated – including Artist of the Year.
The huge evening resulted in Swift moving up in second all-time on MTV VMA winners with 25 overall – only second to Beyoncé’s 28, two of which she earned as a member of Destiny´s Child.
Pop royalty Madonna (20 VMA awards) and Lady Gaga (19 VMA awards) round out the quartet of musical queens.
Elsewhere, Shakira was honored with the Video Vanguard Award and performed as well.
