Michael Bublé handed Canadians a heartfelt dose of patriotism on the Juno Awards on Sunday, setting the tone for an evening of not-so-subtle references to Canada’s present tensions with the US.
The Vancouver crooner jumped into his function as hometown Junos host by telling the gang he was proud to be Canadian.
“We’re the best nation on Earth,” he mentioned throughout his opening monologue. “And we’re not on the market.”
Different musicians leaned into Canadiana, most notably East Coast hero Anne Murray.
The retired singer accepted a lifetime achievement award whereas wearing a sequined purple hockey jersey with “Canada” emblazoned throughout the entrance. She famous in her speech that in her early profession, she was pressured to maneuver to New York or Los Angeles.
“I simply couldn’t do it,” she mentioned.
“I knew instinctively I wanted a spot to go, to flee when my work was executed. Canada is my protected haven. My security blanket. My gentle on the finish of the tunnel — it nonetheless is.”
Backstage, Murray shed some gentle on her choice to sport the jersey, which she mentioned was an thought urged by a pal. She accented the look along with her Order of Canada pin.
“All I’ve to do is put on this,” she mentioned of her look. “I don’t even should say something. It says all of it.”
Different winners of the evening had been much more overt with their message.
Fan selection winner bbno$, the social media star and rapper, expressed his shock at beating out main pop names like Tate McRae and Shawn Mendes for the prize, however closed his remarks with a political jab.
“Elon Musk is a bit of rubbish,” bbno$ shouted, referencing the Tesla CEO and senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
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A number of moments later, Arkells frontman Max Kerman mentioned he agreed with the sentiment.
Josh Ross had a extra reserved message for his followers after successful nation album of the 12 months for Sophisticated.
“I believe it’s time to get again to our Canadian roots and do not forget that buddies are higher than enemies,” he mentioned from the stage.
Not every little thing was weighed in politics. Bublé’s patriotic opening got here after he carried out a vibrant medley of his hits.
He was joined on stage by an eclectic slate of artists, together with Maestro Recent Wes, Elisapie, and Roxane Bruneau, who sang a number of Bublé’s songs, typically in several languages, coming collectively for the finale of “Residence.”
The Junos broadcast was the end line on a weekend of Canadian music celebrations, the place McRae emerged as the massive winner.
At a Saturday business gala, the “Grasping” pop singer picked up 4 Junos, together with the coveted album, artist and single of the 12 months.
On the Sunday broadcast, Toronto band the Seashores was chosen as group of the 12 months.
And Palestinian-Canadian Nemahsis was named breakthrough artist, including to the choice album win she earned for her debut Verbathim an evening earlier.
“I’ve been carrying a hijab for 20-plus years,” she mentioned on the telecast.
“All I ever needed was to activate Household Channel or YTV and simply see any person who seems to be like me. I didn’t suppose it will take this lengthy.”
Sum 41 raced by way of “Fats Lip,” “In Too Deep” and a medley of their different hits, because the swan track that punctuated their induction into the Canadian Music Corridor of Fame.
The Ajax, Ont. pop-punk band marked the Junos as their last efficiency collectively after a yearlong farewell tour, and the induction as a profession excessive.
“This second is surreal for us as a result of we’re not likely an award present band,” lead singer Deryck Whibley mentioned.
“We’ve all the time simply targeted on being our greatest, not taking note of anybody else. Nicely, apart from Iron Maiden, in fact.”
Producer Boi-1da, born Matthew Samuels, accepted his worldwide achievement Juno award with a considerate reflection on his begin in music, and a trajectory that led him to work with Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
He shouted out rapper Drake, a longtime pal and collaborator, whom he referred to as “the best artist of all time.”
“Drake’s my brother,” he added backstage, dismissing the rap beef with Lamar as little greater than web chatter.
“I’m simply exhibiting love as a result of he’s executed quite a bit for me.”
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