JUNOS TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Montreal singer Cardin cleans up as Canada's music awards hit open air stage in Toronto
The Junos had meaning — and then some — for Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin.
The 27-year-art model-turnelectro-pop-jazz artist won four Canadian music trophies including single of the year for Meaningless, album and pop album of the year for Phoenix and artist of the year.
“Oh my God, I'm completely shocked,” said Cardin, picking up album of the year.
“Thank you to my fans, this is so special. It's because of you I can be on this journey. I'm so proud of this.”
Cardin also performed Meaningless on the Junos broadcast and went into the crowd where she expertly walked the catwalk and got closer to fans.
Two other multiple Junos winners were Shawn Mendes and Toronto's R&B singer The Weeknd.
Pickering, Ont., hometown hero Mendes won the Tiktok Juno Fan Choice Award and the International Achievement Award.
“I feel super overwhelmed and honoured and thank you so much for this,” said Mendes.
“When I was younger, I used to think, if I could just write just one big hit song people would like me and that would be enough. And then it was to be nominated for a Juno or Grammy and I would be enough. I was enough before anybody knew my name. I'm not here to tell you not to chase your dreams. Just remember while you're chasing them, don't forget to enjoy the process.”
The Weeknd's Take My Breath won Junos for contemporary R&B
recording of the year and songwriter of the year.
Sunday's night's show and live broadcast on CBC was held outside at Budweiser Stage — for the first time in the show's 51-year-old history — and was hosted by TV and film actor Simu Liu, who was given tips by previous host Michael Buble via video chat.
“Don't mess it up and become a meme forever,” joked Buble, holding a host handbook.
The broadcast then kicked off with a two-song performance by Hamilton pop-rock band — and group of the year Juno winners — Arkells, who sang Rendering/you Can Get It. Given that they were the first band to play Budweiser Stage last August when the latest COVID-19 lockdown was lifted,
that seemed appropriate.
Frontman Max Kerman admitted backstage their dress rehearsal earlier Sunday had sound issues so they were relieved to get the performance done without incident.
As for Liu, he proved to be a solid host as he rattled off practically everything Toronto as a city is known for before joining performer Tesher in a dance during the song Jalebi Baby.
“I'm not a curler, but I know what it means to hurry hard, I lost a race against a Canada goose,” said Liu in his opening monologue, in which he name-dropped Drake, the CN Tower and the Toronto Maple Leafs — who were defeated in the playoffs by Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Better luck next year boys!” Liu said.
Mustafa, who wore a bulletproof vest that said POET in large letters, performed Still Alive on the Junos broadcast. Backstage he explained the significance of the vest.
“I grew up actively defending my faith,” said Mustafa of being a Muslim. “My community, my words, my vulnerability and it's the defence of all of those things that make me what I am and who I am today. I also wore it because I love vests.”
Another powerful performer was Haviah Mighty, who won best rap album for Stock Exchange — becoming the first female rapper to do so.
“This one's for women in hip hop!” she said onstage.
Backstage, Mighty said she hadn't had time to process her
historic win. “I haven't fathomed it yet, I haven't processed it yet. This is a lot.”
Brett Kissel picked up country album of the year prize for What Is Life? and Deborah Cox was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
“Growing up as a young Black girl in Toronto, this vision seemed intangible,” said Cox.
Also making major strides were Wondagurl — who took home the Jack Richardson producer of the year award for the second year in a row — and Hill Kourkoutis, who became the first woman to win recording engineer of the year.
They were among 40-plus award winners during the non-televised Junos ceremony on Saturday night.