“He was a big part of the MTV world and my world and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight,” a visibly emotional Ora, who collaborated with Payne for 2018 song For You, said.
“He brought so much joy to every room he walked into and he left such a mark on this world.”
Other winners on Sunday night included Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit Espresso won best song, Ariana Grande who took the best pop award and Eminem who triumphed in the best hip-hop category.
Best K-pop went to Jimin, Mexican singer Peso Pluma won best Latin while Manchester native Liam Gallagher took best rock. US singer Benson Boone won best new category.
Other honourees included US rapper Busta Rhymes, who performed a medley of his hits and received the global icon award and pop pioneer award recipients British electro-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, who closed the show.
