TORONTO –
It’s not complicated to show appreciation for Avril Lavigne at this year’s Juno Awards.
After Canada’s biggest night of music revolved around a virtual ceremony in the past two years, the celebration welcomed the live audience back with open arms and lots of love for the Canadian pop princess from Napanee, Ont.
Lavigne performed a medley of her biggest hits, including “Complicated,” “Girlfriend,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “I’m With You,” before handing Shawn Mendes the fan-comment award. select on TikTok.
Even Junos host Simu Liu paid tribute to Lavigne by singing a catchy acoustic rendition of “Complicated” to a warm reception from the audience.
“I should have started with the lower key,” Liu lamented as the performance veered off course.
It was one of many moments that showcased the skill of the “Shang-Chi” star, who opened Junos with a nod to his Marvel character before he included his famous version of the pledge. I’m Canadian” by Molson.
“I grew up on ketchup fries, roti and Jamaican beef patties,” he told the crowd at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto.
“It’s pronounced bubble tea, by the way, not boba,” he protested.
Liu also used a bit as an opportunity to get a little more political, recounting: “Canada is a place where the government is also our drug dealer; and we skateboard, not skateboard. waterboard; and where women always have the right to choose.”
Moments later, he was joined by TikTok star Tesher performing the viral dance of “Jalebi Baby”.
Other Canadian stars had their moments too, including Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin, who became the biggest winner of the year with a total of four trophies.
She accepted Album of the Year for “Phoenix” on the broadcast after the project won Pop Album of the Year at an industry event on Saturday. She was also named artist of the year and won single of the year for “Nonsense” at the pre-airshow event.
“A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed you for a second if you had told me I’d won four Junos,” Cardin said after the show.
Mendes also pocketed a special international achievement award for his global impact on music, an award he received that reflected his rise to stratospheric success.
“When I was young, I used to think…if I could write a big hit song, people would like me and that’s enough for me,” he said.
“We were taught to believe that what we got was just what we were worth. But what I know now is the truth that I was enough before anyone knew my name.”
Other winners include rock actor Hamilton Arkells for group of the year and Haviah Mighty, who became the first woman to receive a rap album or EP of the year for “Stock Exchange.”
“This is for hip hop women,” she said.
Vancouver pop singer Jessia won the breakout artist award in part due to the breakout success of her single “I’m Not Pretty” on TikTok.
“Thank you very much,” she said as she waved the Juno through the teary air. “This is a dream come true.”
Deborah Cox was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by Chris Bosh, a former Toronto Raptors player who told the crowd her hit “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” left a lasting impression. like for you.
He then featured a congratulatory video from Cox’s contemporaries, including John Legend, Melanie Fiona, and recording executive Clive Davis, the first to sign her.
Cox took to the stage in a sleek, gold dress with a thigh-deep slit to reflect on three decades in the music industry.
“Growing up as a black girl in Toronto, Canada, this vision seemed invisible,” she said as she accepted the honor.
“It’s not easy to leave my house but it is necessary. If not, I’m not sure I would be standing here tonight. Those rejections became my diversion and only added more. fuel for the fire for me.”
Even before Junos got underway, many of this year’s nominees talked about Avril Lavigne among them.
The Toronto Beaches rock actor, who has repeatedly confessed his obsession with Lavigne, finally got the chance to meet the idol as they crossed the street on the red carpet.
“We were all six and eight years old (when) her first album came out. It was important to us to see an amazing woman playing incredible rock,” said lead singer and songwriter. bassist Jordan Miller, whose band won rock album of the year on Saturday.
“For her to be a local Canadian girl, it (meaning) we can do what she does, and she’s one of the reasons why we’re here tonight.”
– with files from Sadaf Ahsan
This Canadian Press report was first published on May 15, 2022.
