At the 16th GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards 2022, in partnership with Samsung, we’re honouring those women who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and reshape the world. From activism to acting, our winners are working across a variety of industries to make the world a better, more equal place.
Taking home GLAMOUR's Entertainer award is none other than Rita Ora. Here multi-talented Rita talks to GLAMOUR about what winning the award means to her, how her background as a daughter of Kosovan refugees has helped shape her entertainment career and how she feels empowered in an industry that is notoriously cutthroat...
What does it mean to you to win GLAMOUR's Women of the Year Entertainer Award?
It's such an honour to win the Entertainer Award! I've always loved the Glamour Women of the Year Awards because they promote women supporting women and celebrate the inspirational achievements of amazing, trailblazing females from all walks of life.
You've seen great success as a singer, actress, designer, and presenter, amongst many other things in the industry. Is working in entertainment something you have always strived for, and why?
My grandfather on my dad's side was an Award-winning Kosovan director, and I was named after his favourite actress (Rita Hayworth), so you could say it's in my blood! It's certainly all I've wanted for as long as I can remember. I have always been passionate about music, the arts, entertainment and fashion. So to have a job that enables me to be involved in all of them is such a privilege.
How would your younger self react to knowing everything you have achieved?
I think she'd be thrilled and very proud! My career really is the stuff that my younger self's dreams were made of.
You have spoken extensively about your background, such as your parents leaving everything behind in Kosovo to start a new life in the UK. What does this award mean to them and your journey as a family?
If it wasn't for my parents, I honestly believe I wouldn't be talking to you now. It was so brave of them to leave everything behind in Kosovo to build a new life for our family here. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices they made for me, my sister and my brother. I am also grateful for the work ethic they instilled in me. They taught me from very early on that I'd have to work twice as hard to achieve my dreams. Over the course of my journey, my entire family have inspired me, believed in me, and supported me through everything. My mum and my sister are with me here tonight to celebrate me winning this award together. I wouldn't want it any other way.
What would you tell all the little children who had a similar childhood to you?
I would tell them to never give up, believe in yourself, learn from the mistakes you make along the way and work hard. Because it will pay off, and don't waste energy comparing yourself to others – focus on slaying in your own lane.
As a notable leader in entertainment, how have you used your voice to take a stand on topics such as sexism, racism, gender pay gaps, and general injustices?
I am very proud to be an Ambassador for UNICEF. Their commitment to supporting and protecting children and helping them realise their rights is not only crucial but also inspiring. I feel very lucky to be in a position where I can shine a light on the incredible work they do.
From a mental health perspective, how have you dealt with criticism on social media?
I try to focus on the positives rather than the negatives in life. I surround myself with people I love and who make me happy and help me grow.
Do you feel empowered by all the hardships you have encountered?
I'm a real believer in the saying 'what doesn't break you makes you stronger'. We can't control what life throws our way, but we can control how we react to it.
Having achieved fame and fortune, what are the key things that keep you grounded?
My family, my friends, my partner, my working team.
Regarding your future plans, what would you consider the definition of a happy and fulfilled life?
For me, a happy life is a healthy one filled with love. And a fulfilled life is one lived with purpose and meaning.
So how has Rita Ora made such a meteoric rise in stardom over the last decade? Read ahead for GLAMOUR's guide on Rita's life and career.
Rita arrived in the UK as a refugee when she was just 12 months old, after fleeing her home country Kosovo due to persecution of Albanians in her home country. She grew up in London, where she began gigging and building her career.
“When we got to London, my dad started working in restaurants,” she said during a 2012 interview. “My mum was a doctor back home but couldn’t speak any English. She had to re-study everything, learn English and raise me, my brother and sister. I really admire her for that. Now she’s a psychiatrist and has her own ward in London.”
Since then, Rita Ora has released smashed albums, performed sell-out shows, carried out meaningful charity work for causes close to her heart and has even moved into the fashion, film and documentary worlds. Wow.
Here's a breakdown of her rise to stardom and success.
Her big breakthrough: Hot Right Now
Rita's star truly began to rise in 2012 when she featured on DJ Fresh's legendary club track Hot Right Now, a true anthem of the Noughties.
Her work with UNICEF supporting projects that help refugees
Since 2013, Rita has worked with UN humanitarian agency UNICEF to connect with refugees who face persecution and displacement. She became an ambassador for the organisation in 2019.
She has spoken at length about how her visit to Kosovo that same year “allowed me to see UNICEF’s wonderful work first hand back in my native country, and I am more determined than ever to utilise my position to support, campaign and advocate.”
Her appearance in the Fifty Shades of Grey series
As well as holding down her role as Mia Grey for all three films, Rita revolutionised the movie soundtrack with For You, her collaboration with Liam Payne.
Being named an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo
In 2015, she was given an incredible political accolade by Kosovo's then-president, Atifete Jahjaga, who was, incidentally, the country's first female president.
Ora was described by Jahjaga as “Kosovo’s most successful artist”.
Breaking music industry records with her second album, Phoenix
Rita's fourth single released from Phoenix, Let You Love Me, reached number four in the UK. This became her 13th top 10 release and broke a 30-year-old record for most top 10 songs by a British female solo artist – a record previously held by Shirley Bassey.
Legendary singles Anywhere and Your Song also make up Phoenix's tracklist.
The launch of her own Thomas Sabo collection
In July 2019, Rita launched her first collection with Thomas Sabo and continues to be one of the brand's official global ambassadors.
Becoming a judge on The Masked Singer
Rita joined the iconic – if slightly bizarre – TV show in 2020 as a judge alongside Ken Jeong, Davina McCall and Jonathan Ross.
She has also been a judge on The Voice UK and hosted America's Next Top Model in 2016. Total TV appearance goals.
Releasing a female empowerment anthem
Finish Line, an ode to “pushing on” with our dreams and goals “til the resistance is gone” is set to be used as part of the soundtrack to a Disney documentary exploring gender equality called 37 Words, which explores the fight for “equal rights in education and athletics”.
Signing an “empowering” record deal
Earlier this year, Rita signed a global contract that gives her ownership of all future music she makes.
In an Instagram post announcing the move, she described feeling “empowered”. “I also feel so motivated to be working with such a dynamic, creative, forward-thinking global company,” she added.
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