What to watch for at this weekend’s Juno Awards in Edmonton
By David Friend
The Canadian Press
Posted March 9, 2023 5:11 pm
Updated March 9, 2023 10:13 pm
1:43
Junos week kicks off in Edmonton
It's Juno Awards week and the lead-up to Canada's biggest music awards kicked off Thursday. The excitement got underway at Edmonton city hall with some live entertainment and tons of fanfare. Nicole Stillger has more.
Leave a comment
Send this page to someone via email
See more sharing options
Share
Send this page to someone via email
Share this item on LinkedIn
Copy article link
Copy link
Descrease article font size
Increase article font size
Some of Canada’s top music talents are headed 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 leading the nominees with six, though he’s not expected to attend.
READ MORE: 2023 Juno Awards nominations: The Weeknd leads the pack with 6
Most of the trophies will be handed out Saturday at a gala dinner for the music industry. The main show airs Monday on television — a shift from the Junos’ usual Sunday night slot in order to avoid overlapping with the Oscars.
Kim’s Convenience star Simu Liu returns as host of the Junos broadcast, where a handful of marquee awards will be handed out, alongside performances from Jessie Reyez, Tenille Townes and a 50th anniversary tribute to Canadian hip-hop.
Story continues below advertisement
READ MORE: Juno Awards in Edmonton to mark hip hop’s 50th anniversary with Kardinal Offishall
Here are five other things to watch for on Junos weekend:
THE LEADERS
Among his six nominations, Toronto hitmaker the Weeknd is up for album of the year for Dawn FM, single of the year for “Sacrifice” and artist of the year.
But he’s only one of many familiar artists in top contention. Calgary newcomer Tate McRae and Napanee, Ont., pop princess Avril Lavigne are tied with five nods each.
They will compete against each other in four of those categories — single, album, pop album and fan choice.
1:55
Course on Drake and The Weeknd offered at Ryerson University
THE TRIFECTA
Threes, threes, threes across the board! Rarely do the connections align in the way they have for three Juno contenders this year.
Story continues below advertisement
Rising Montreal producers Banx and Ranx hold three nominations, one of which they share with collaborator Preston Pablo on “Flowers Need Rain,” up for single of the year.
Pablo is a three-time nominee himself, as is Montreal pop newcomer Reve who earned the accolades in part for her work with Banx and Ranx in the studio.
All three of them will connect when they perform a medley together on the broadcast.
5:09
Canadian duo Banx and Ranx on their hit ‘Headphones’
THE PERFORMERS
An eclectic selection of other artists is booked to play Monday’s big show, including Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee, hard rockers Alexisonfire, Punjabi-Canadian viral rapper AP Dhillon and Nashville-based country singer Tenille Townes.
But even with a stacked lineup, one question lingers: will host Simu Liu sing again? Last year, the Marvel star slipped on a guitar for a parody rendition of Lavigne’s hit “Complicated.”
Story continues below advertisement
Juno organizers won’t say if viewers can expect an encore.
READ MORE: Tenille Townes, AP Dhillon added to list of performers for Juno Awards at Edmonton’s Rogers Place
4:42
Country music singer Tenille Townes on CP holiday train, upcoming Calgary show
-
Country music singer Tenille Townes on CP holiday train, upcoming Calgary show
-
Tenille Townes makes acting debut in Blake Shelton produced film
-
Counting down to the CCMAs with co-hosts Tenille Townes & Blanco Brown
Previous Video
Next Video
THE HALL OF FAME
Trending Now
-
N.S. woman who fought 4 years for cancer diagnosis urges others to be ‘persistent’
-
Edmonton hockey handshake brawl a ‘travesty to the game’: Officials
Nickelback will remind us of their legendary status when the rockers are inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by Ryan Reynolds.
The actor will appear on Monday’s broadcast in a pre-recorded video message to the band while Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid offers an assist in person.
The Hanna, Alta., natives will then launch into an explosive medley of their greatest hits.
On Saturday, Chad Kroeger and his buddies could walk away winners too as they hold their 38th career nomination for Get Rollin’ in the rock album of the year category.
Story continues below advertisement
5:38
National Music Centre to celebrate Nickelback ahead of JUNOs honour
-
National Music Centre to celebrate Nickelback ahead of JUNOs honour
-
Nickelback returns with new album ‘Get Rollin’
-
The Morning Show: November 15
Previous Video
Next Video
JOEL WOOD VS. NORTHERN CREE
Saturday night is also where one of the friendliest of possible Juno showdowns will take place. Cree musician Joel Wood competes against his own Alberta Indigenous singing group Northern Cree in the traditional Indigenous artist or group of the year category.
Wood is nominated for his album Mikwanak Kamosakinat, while Northern Cree is in the running for Oskimacitahowin: A New Beginning.
Joel’s father Steve Wood, another member in Northern Cree, told The Canadian Press it’s “absolutely wonderful” to see both albums vie for a win in the same category.
5:19
Alberta’s Northern Cree Singers featured on Spotify’s Indigenous playlist
-
Alberta’s Northern Cree Singers featured on Spotify’s Indigenous playlist
-
Northern Cree heading to Grammy awards
Previous Video
Next Video
Advertisement
More on Canada
- Alberta boy, 5, killed in dog attack was in care of children’s services
- What are ‘pretendians’ and how are they causing ‘severe harm’ to Indigenous communities?
- Canada’s Ukraine visa program is set to expire this month. Will Ottawa extend it?
- BC Civil Liberties Association revokes award granted to Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond
MusicRogers PlaceentertainmentJuno AwardsJunosmusiciansThe WeekndCanadian MusiciansNickelbackSimu LiuJuno Awards in Edmonton
Journalistic standards
Comments
Report an error
Comments
