A few of Canada’s prime music abilities are heading to the Juno Awards in Edmonton this weekend.
The annual celebration of homegrown music takes place over two nights in Alberta’s capital, with pop singer The Weeknd main the nominees with six, although he’s not anticipated to attend.
READ MORE: 2023 Juno Awards nominations: The Weeknd leads pack with 6
Many of the trophies will probably be handed out at a gala dinner for the music trade on Saturday. The primary occasion will probably be televised on Monday — a shift from the Junos’ ordinary Sunday night time slot to keep away from overlapping with the Oscars.
Kim’s comfort star Simu Liu returns as host of the Junos telecast, the place a handful of marquee awards will probably be handed out, together with performances from Jessie Reyez, Tenille Townes and a 50-year tribute to Canadian hip-hop.
READ MORE: Juno Awards in Edmonton to rejoice hip-hop’s fiftieth anniversary with Kardinal Offishall
Listed here are 5 different issues to look at for on Junos weekend:
THE LEADERS
Amongst his six nominations, Toronto hitmaker the Weeknd is up for album of the 12 months for Daybreak FM, single of the 12 months for “Sacrifice” and artist of the 12 months. However he is only one of many well-known artists who’re within the highest battle. Calgary newcomer Tate McRae and Napanee, Ont., pop princess Avril Lavigne are tied with 5 nods every. They are going to compete in opposition to one another in 4 of these classes – Single, Album, Pop Album and Fan Selection.
THE TRIFECTA
Threes, threes, threes throughout the board! Not often do the connections line up the way in which they’ve for 3 Juno contenders this 12 months. Up-and-coming Montreal producers Banx and Ranx have three nominations, one in all which they share with collaborator Preston Pablo on “Flowers Want Rain,” for sport of the 12 months. Pablo is a three-time nominee herself, as is Montreal pop newcomer Reve, who earned the accolade partially for her work with Banx and Ranx within the studio. All three of them will join once they carry out a medley collectively on the published.
THE PERFORMERS
An eclectic collection of different artists have been booked to play Monday’s large present, together with Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee, laborious rockers Alexisonfire, Punjabi-Canadian viral rapper AP Dhillon and Nashville-based nation singer Tenille Townes. However even with a stacked lineup, one query stays: will host Simu Liu sing once more? Final 12 months, the Marvel star slipped on a guitar for a parody rendition of Lavigne’s hit “Difficult.” Juno organizers wouldn’t say whether or not viewers can anticipate an encore.
READ MORE: Tenille Townes, AP Dhillon added to lineup of performers for Juno Awards at Edmonton’s Rogers Place
THE HALL OF FAME
Nickelback will remind us of their legendary standing when the rockers are inducted into the Canadian Music Corridor of Fame by Ryan Reynolds. The actor will seem on Monday’s broadcast in a pre-recorded video message to the group, whereas Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid personally gives a serving to hand. The Hanna, Alta., natives will then launch into an explosive medley of their biggest hits. On Saturday, Chad Kroeger and his teammates can even stroll away winners as a result of they’ve their thirty eighth profession nomination for Get rolling within the rock album of the 12 months class.
JOEL WOOD VS. NORTHERN CREE
Saturday night time can also be the place one of many friendliest of potential Juno showdowns will happen. Cree musician Joel Wooden competes in opposition to his personal Alberta Indigenous singing group Northern Cree within the Conventional Indigenous Artist or Group of the 12 months class. Wooden was nominated for his album Mikwanak Kamosakinatwhereas Northern Cree within the race for Oskimacitahowin: A New Starting. Joel’s father Steve Wooden, one other Northern Cree member, informed The Canadian Press it was “completely superb” to see each albums competing for a win in the identical class.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
