Rita Ora has said Avicii “changed her life” during an emotional tribute to the late DJ.
The EDM star, whose real name was Tim Bergling, died last week (April 20), aged 28 years old. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but his family released a statement this week (April 26) that said: “He could not go on any longer.”
Performing at celebrations for King’s Day in the Netherlands on Friday (April 27), the singer took a moment in her set to remember the DJ and producer. “It’s gonna be hard for me to sing this next song and I’ll tell you why,” she told the crowd.
Kippenvel! Tijdens #538Koningsdag kreeg een huilende @RitaOra 40.000 mensen stil voor haar goede vriend Avicii. ? pic.twitter.com/k1WTEjcAEE
— 538 (@538) April 28, 2018
“I had the honour of collaborating with someone who changed my life and he was a really good friend of mine,” she continued. “I heard some DJs playing some of his music earlier, and I haven’t sang his song that we did together ever since he passed away, until today. It’s going to be very hard for me to sing this next song.
“I’m obviously talking about the incredible Avicii,” she said. “We collaborated on the last song that he released together, and so it’s going to be very tough for me to sing this next one.” Ora then requested the audience join her in a minute of silence, saying he was “one of my dearest friends and I would really appreciate that”.
I have no words. I remember how amazing it was to make Lonely Together and it felt like just yesterday we were talking. Condolences to Avicii's family, friends, and the fans who supported him. May he rest in peace. Gone too soon. I’m devastated. Heartbroken.
— Rita Ora ? (@RitaOra) April 20, 2018
Ora was one of many stars who paid tribute to Avicii on Twitter when the news of his death broke. “I remember how amazing it was to make Lonely Together and it felt like just yesterday we were talking,” she wrote. “Condolences to Avicii’s family, friends, and the fans who supported him. May he rest in peace. Gone too soon. I’m devastated. Heartbroken.”