Rita Ora to Host MTV EMAs

The Kosovo-born singer will emcee the annual music event in her hometown of London on Nov. 12 and also perform.

Rita Ora will host and perform at the 24th annual MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in London, Viacom and MTV announced Wednesday.

"I'm so excited to be hosting this year's MTV EMAs in my hometown," said Ora. "I still remember how much fun my first EMAs was in Frankfurt in 2012, when I performed 'RIP.' I can't wait to get back on the stage to host and perform. Worlds will collide on this global stage come Nov. 12, so get ready."

"It's huge," she told The Hollywood Reporter about bringing the event back to the British capital for the first time since its inaugural edition and hosting it at the city's Wembley Arena. "To have it at Wembley, such an iconic venue with so much history, it is going to be a great night."

Asked if she expects politics or world affairs to play a role during the show, Ora told THR that after various terror attacks in London this year, she feels it is time to give people some entertainment and relief. "We just really want to focus on what the show is about, which is MTV Europe Music Awards," she said. "We plan to bring a form of spirit and hope into a music awards show, especially being in London. There are a lot of things that have happened this year, and it's really important to just be proud of where you are from."

What can fans expect? "I love to talk," Ora said, adding there may be "a lot of inappropriate jokes." She also highlighted that "there are a lot of people who have done so many legendary things [on the EMAs stage], performing and also hosting."

The awards show will air live across MTV's TV, social and digital platforms.

The 26-year-old Kosovo-born Ora is a former coach on The Voice UK and The X Factor and has been the main judge and host of America's Next Top Model this year. She told THR that this experience will help her with her hosting duties.

Ora also said she hopes that the show is "just going to really put another mark in the history books." She is currently promoting her single "Your Song" and Avicii's "Lonely Together" featuring Ora, plus she is gearing up for her next single release in October.

First held in London in 1996, the MTV EMAs will emanate from the U.K. for the sixth time. Edinburgh (2003), Liverpool (2008), Belfast (2011) and Glasgow (2014) were the other British host cities.

"Rita is a multi-talented star who's been an MTV core artist for over half of a decade," said Bruce Gillmer, head of music and music talent, Global Entertainment Group, Viacom. "She's the perfect hometown hero to lead the 2017 MTV EMAs, which promises to be the year's ultimate global music celebration."

More performers and presenters for the EMAs will be revealed in the coming weeks.