Last night, I attended my first televised awards show: the 2015 Juno Awards! It was a lot of fun to watch live and an easy way to see multiple performers in one night. It has always been on my bucket list to see the Junos, so now I can cross that off my list.
There was a whole week of events in Hamilton leading up to it, including the gala dinner on Saturday, which Jessi Cruickshank hosted. You know I’m a big Jessi Cruickshank fan and I wish she hosted the main event, even though she isn’t a musician. Instead, Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard hosted the Junos and tried to make us laugh with video sequences that included a cameo by none other than Stephen Harper. eTalk’s Ben Mulroney said hello to Jacob from his seat, where he joked that he was offered the hosting gig as well, but turned down the offer.
Viewers at home missed appearances by Kardinal Offishall, who tried to keep up the audience’s excitement and noise level. Teenage girls had no problem cheering loudly for pop sensation Shawn Mendes who performed Life of the Party and the girl beside me screamed whenever someone mentioned Hedley, the first band to perform. During the commercial breaks, they played clips of bands like Fan Choice Award winner Michael Buble, Down With Webster and Tegan and Sara, which only made me wish that they had scheduled appearances at FirstOntario Centre.
Kiesza was the biggest winner, as she took home the Juno for breakthrough artist of the year, video of the year and dance recording of the year. Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Alanis Morrissette closed the show with a medley of songs and it was great to see her, as she has had a profound impact on Canadian music and I’m a big fan.