Cara the real winner at MMVAs
TORONTO Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara offered a dash of charm to an otherwise predictable night of celebrity sightings at the i-Heart-Radio 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 standout moments that could rival Lady Gaga’s flaming bustier or Lorde serenading a lamp. The closest viewers got to any tantalizing content was a pot reference from Jonas as he shared his knowledge of Canadian cannabis culture shortly after the show started.
“This time next year, it will be completely legal for Canadians to be blem for real,” Jonas said, tipping his hat to Drake lyrics that popularized the slang for getting high.
Jonas is familiar with working the boisterous crowd at the MMVAs.
This time next year, it will be completely legal for Canadians to be blem for real.
He hosted eight years ago with his brothers.
Cara, however, is a newcomer to the gig, though her charisma begged for more screen time.
The 20-year-old singer, who counts the body-positive ballad Scars to Your Beautiful among her hits, led the conversation toward outspoken artists.
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.
Other winners included Lorde for international artist of the year. She made a point of sharing her affection for the country.