The 52nd Juno Awards are broadcasting live tonight and hosted by Marvel star Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) for the second year in a row.
The Canadian music awards handed out 40 prizes on Saturday, leaving five honours for Monday: the TikTok Juno fan choice award, album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year, rap album/EP of the year and contemporary R&B recording of the year.
Toronto singer Jessie Reyez won the first, taking the R&B prize for her 2022 album YESSIE.
“It’s an honour to be recognized at home,” Reyez said during her acceptance speech, adding that it was an hour to be nominated alongside talents like DVSN and Savannah Ré.
A bizarre moment occurred shortly after, while Avril Lavigne was introducing Canadian-Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s performance, when a topless woman appeared on the stage behind her.
A message written in ink on the woman’s back appeared to read “SAVE THE GREEN BELT.”
Lavigne turned around and told her to “get the f–k off” the stage, and she climbed down. CBC News cannot yet confirm why the woman climbed onto the stage or whether she was escorted from the building.
Monday will also feature the 50th anniversary hip-hop tribute, hosted by Kardinal Offishall and Haviah Mighty will include a group performance by Choclair, DJ Mel Boogie, Dream Warriors, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and TOBi.
Also on the agenda: Alberta rock group Nickelback’s live induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, which was announced back in November.
Tenille Townes, Alexisonfire, Aysanabee, Jessie Reyez, Tate McRae, AP Dhillon, Banx & Ranx, Preston Pablo and Rêve will each perform during tonight’s ceremony.
The Junos air live from Edmonton on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos.
CBC News will be updating this story with winners throughout the night.
Contemporary R&B recording of the year:
Jessie Reyez, YESSIE; Adria Kain, When Flowers Bloom; DVSN, If I Get Caught; Dylan Sinclair, No Longer in the Suburbs; Savannah Ré, WTF