Acceptance and diversity get major stage time at MMVAs
TORONTO - Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara offered a dash of charm to an otherwise predictable night of celebrity sightings at the iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards.
The Brampton, Ont.-raised singer joined co-host Joe Jonas to set the Toronto event in motion, but everything that followed seemed especially scripted.
Even though the MMVAs built their reputation on crazy antics over flashy accolades, this year lacked any sort of stand-out moments that could rival Lady Gaga’s flaming bustier or Lorde serenading a lamp.
Jonas is familiar with working the boisterous crowd at the MMVAs. He hosted eight years ago with his brothers. Cara, however, is a newcomer to the gig. Themes of unity and acceptance ran throughout the show with musicians like Toronto’s Serena Ryder taking a moment to promote equality.
Indigenous group A Tribe Called Red also lent encouragement to visible minorities when they won video of the year for “R.E.D.”
“To all the black, brown, indigenous, immigrant, international kids out there: believe in your dreams, make it happen,” said Yassin Alsalman, who raps a verse on “R.E.D.” as Narcy.
Here’s a partial list of winners: Video of the Year A Tribe Called Red f. Yasiin Bey, Narcy & Black Bear – “R.E.D.”
Best EDM/Dance Video: Grimes f. Janelle Monae – “Venus Fly”
Best Director: A Tribe Called Red f. Black Bear – “Stadium Pow Wow” Director: Kevan Funk
Best Pop Video: Shawn Mendes – “Mercy”
Best Rock/Alternative Video: The Tragically Hip – “In A World Possessed By The Human Mind”
Best Hip Hop Video: Tasha the Amazon – “Picasso Leaning”
Best MuchFACT Video: River Tiber – “Acid Test”
Most Buzzworthy Canadian: Drake
Most Buzzworthy International Artist or Group: Ed Sheeran
Best New Canadian Artist: PARTYNEXTDOOR
Best New International Artist: Camila Cabello
iHeartRADIO International Artist of the Year: Lorde
Fan Fave Video: Arkells – “Knocking At The Door”
Fan Fave International Artist or Group: Niall Horan
Fan Fave Artist/Group: Justin Bieber