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 United States.
The Vancouver crooner jumped into his function as hometown Junos host by telling the group he was proud to be Canadian.
“We are the greatest nation on Earth,” he mentioned throughout his opening monologue. “And we are not for sale.”
Other 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 just couldn’t do it,” she mentioned.
“I knew instinctively I needed a place to go, to escape when my work was done. Canada is my safe haven. My safety blanket. My light at the end of the tunnel — it still is.”
Backstage, Murray shed some gentle on her determination to sport the jersey, which she mentioned was an thought recommended by a pal. She accented the look along with her Order of Canada pin.
“All I have to do is wear this,” she mentioned of her look. “I don’t even have to say anything. It says it all.”
Other winners of the night time had been much more overt with their message.
Fan selection winner bbno$, the social media star and rapper, expressed his shock at beating out main pop names like Tate McRae and Shawn Mendes for the prize, however closed his remarks with a political jab.
“Elon Musk is a piece of garbage,” bbno$ shouted, referencing the Tesla CEO and senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Just a few 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 Complicated.
“I think it’s time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies,” he mentioned from the stage.
Not every part 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 Fresh Wes, Elisapie, and Roxane Bruneau, who sang a number of Bublé’s songs, generally in numerous languages, coming collectively for the finale of “Home.”
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 “Greedy” 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 Beaches 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 wearing a hijab for 20-plus years,” she mentioned on the telecast.
“All I ever wanted was to turn on Family Channel or YTV and just see somebody who looks like me. I didn’t think it would take this long.”
Sum 41 raced via “Fat Lip,” “In Too Deep” and a medley of their different hits, because the swan tune that punctuated their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
The Ajax, Ont. pop-punk band marked the Junos as their ultimate efficiency collectively after a yearlong farewell tour, and the induction as a profession excessive.
“This moment is surreal for us because we’re not really an award show band,” lead singer Deryck Whibley mentioned.
“We’ve always just focused on being our best, not paying attention to anyone else. Well, except for Iron Maiden, of course.”
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 greatest 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 just showing love because he’s done a lot for me.”
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