avril lavigne
#JUNOS: THE WEEKND, TATE MCRAE AND AVRIL LAVIGNE LEAD 2023 JUNO AWARD NOMINATIONS
The nominees for The 52nd Annual JUNO Awards were announced today by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) at a press conference attended by media and industry notables inside the CBC’s Canadian Broadcasting Centre, in downtown Toronto. This year’s winners will be unveiled in Edmonton, Alberta at The JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada on Saturday, March 11 and The JUNO Awards Broadcast on Monday, March 13, 2023 broadcasting live on CBC and produced by Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company.
CARAS also revealed today that three more of this year’s nominees will join the lineup of performers taking the stage at The JUNO Awards Broadcast – award-winning rock band Alexisonfire (Rock Album of the Year*), multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter Aysanabee (Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year*) and multi-platinum R&B powerhouse Jessie Reyez (Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year and Music Video of the Year*).
“The JUNO Awards will provide an unparalleled platform for our friends in Edmonton to highlight some of our most talented artists and celebrate the richness and diversity of the Canadian music scene,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “As a proud supporter and partner of Ontario’s music sector, our government congratulates all nominees for the 2023 awards.”
For a complete list and biographies of all nominees and more information on The 2023 JUNO Awards, please visit junoawards.ca. Rewatch the full 2023 JUNO Nominee Announcement Presented by Ontario Creates at CBCMusic.ca/junos.
Canada’s biggest night in music, hosted for the second year by global superstar Simu Liu, will broadcast and stream live across the country from Rogers Place in Edmonton at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.
2023 JUNO Award Nominations
Canada’s Starboy The Weeknd sweeps this year’s nominations with a total of six including: TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Album of the Year,* Artist of the Year,* Songwriter of the Year* and Pop Album of The Year. Pop punk legend Avril Lavigne and Albertan singer-songwriter Tate McRae followed with five nominations each, showcasing the enormous talent that reinforces Canada’s global reach. Avril is nominated for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Album of the Year,* Artist of the Year* and Pop Album of The Year; while Tate is up for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Album of the Year,* Songwriter of the Year* and Pop Album of The Year.
First-time nominees honoured with three nominations include acclaimed singer/songwriter Preston Pablo for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year and Breakthrough Artist Of The Year*; and dance-pop icon Rêve for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Breakthrough Artist Of The Year* and Dance Recording Of The Year. Canadian rapper NAV also takes home three nominations for Album of the Year,* Rap Album/EP of The Year and Rap Single of the Year; alongside internationally celebrated singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year and Artist of the Year*; and country music duo The Reklaws for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Group of the Year* and Country Album of the Year*.
The host province of Alberta is also well represented with first time nominations going to Altameda for Adult Alternative Album of the Year*; Anthony Tan for Classical Composition of the Year; The Bearhead Sisters and Cikwes for Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year; Devon Cole for Breakthrough Artist of the Year;* The Ostara Project for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, Tehillah Worship for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year; Rare Americans for Breakthrough Group of the Year* and WAKE for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year.
MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and The JUNO Awards, will recognize one Canadian music educator’s impact not only on students, but also their community and the music education field, through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by CST Foundation. The 2023 nominees are Jewel Casselman (Winnipeg, MB, Lakewood School), Susan Evoy (St. John’s, NL, St. Teresa’s Elementary & Waterford Valley High School), Stephen Richardson (Yellowknife, NWT, École St. Joseph School), Kelly Stronach (Guelph, ON, Mitchell Woods Public School) and Heidi Wood (Calgary, AB, Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School).
New JUNO Award Performers Announced
Lighting up the stage is Alexisonfire, who will stun crowds with their amped up show for the second time since their inaugural JUNO performance in 2007. The band recently released their long-anticipated and first full-length album in over 13 years, Otherness, described as their most cohesive and self-actualized record to date. Otherness debuted at #2 on the Top 20 Music Canada album chart and the band’s single “Sans Soleil” hit #2 on Rock Radio in Canada. The post-hardcore luminaries have sold over one million records and released five hugely successful studio albums, with four achieving Platinum-certification.
Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class alumni, Aysanabee, will make his JUNO Awards debut with a performance showcasing his striking sound and powerful voice. Since releasing his deeply moving debut album Watin in 2022, Aysanabee has been named a CBC Music Breakthrough Artist of the Year. His acclaimed single “Nomads” hit #1 on CBC Music’s Top 20 and continues to climb, entering the Top 10 on Mediabase Canada’s Alternative radio chart. His soulful track “We Were Here,” charted on the Indigenous Music Countdown and was featured on the hit ABC series Station 19.
The four-time JUNO Award winning superstar, Jessie Reyez will help celebrate this year’s nominees as she returns to share a soulful live performance with audiences in Edmonton. This past September, Reyez released her sophomore album, YESSIE, which chronicles the journey and range of emotions from love and loss to healing, closure and happiness. The GRAMMY Award-nominated artist’s recent success includes her debut album reaching Top 5 on Billboard’s R&B Album Chart and amassing over 1.2 billion global streams. Reyez also earned the title of Top Female Debut Album and Top R&B Album of 2020 for Before Love Came To Kill Us, and made a cameo in Beyonce’s Black is King visual album.
These artists join previously announced acts AP Dhillon, Banx & Ranx, Preston Pablo and Rêve together in a collaborative performance, Nickelback, Tate McRae and Tenille Townes.
*Award Sponsors for The 2023 JUNO Awards include: Adult Alternative Album of the Year Presented by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada, Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada, Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, Breakthrough Group of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, Comedy Album of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada, Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Presented by Destination Indigenous, Country Album of the Year Presented by Edmonton’s Best Hotels, Group of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada, Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Presented by Audio-Technica, Music Video of the Year Presented by YouTube, Rock Album of the Year Presented by Amii – Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, Songwriter of the Year Presented by SOCAN and TikTok JUNO Fan Choice.
#SPOTTED: MACHINE GUN KELLY, AVRIL LAVIGNE X IANN DIOR IN TORONTO FOR “MAINSTREAM SELLOUT TOUR”
It was a huge night at Scotiabank Area as Machine Gun Kelly brought his Mainstream Sellout Tour to Toronto! The Actor/Singer has been making headlines of late, punctuated also by his relationship with Actress Megan Fox and recently smashing glass on his face! And fans came out in droves to hear his hits “my ex’s best friend”, “I Think I’m OKAY”, “forget me too” and more. Following the Show, hoards of fans crowded around his Tour Bus outside the venue for a chance to get close to him and some lucky fans got their signs and body parts signed even! He partied with the likes of Drake and The Weeknd, both in-town at a private event north of the City following the Show.
A quick Clip of him going onto his Tour Bus: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fANareumhbw
Supporting him were iconic Avril Lavigne, who just concluded her own Canadian Bite Me Tour in May, highlighted by an appearance at the JUNO Awards in Toronto! Lavigne was back again, drawing many of her own fans out to the Show, joining Machine Gun Kelly on-stage for “Bois Lie“, plus performing an hour-long set of her hits. We were extremely lucky to get a Snap with Lavigne. She was joined by her family on her Tour Bus as they head to the Tour’s next stop in Kansas City.
Opening the Show was up-and-comer Iann Dior, whom like Machine Gun Kelly, also hails from Texas. Dior among others, performed his hits “Emotions”, “Live Fast Die Numb” and more. Dior drew a big crowd following the Show, graciously stopping to pose for Selfies by his Tour Bus!
Machine Gun Kelly recently recruited popular British Guitarist Sophie Lloyd to his Tour and she put-on a scene-stealing display, placing all eyes on her during her skilful guitar solos. She was amazing also to stop for fans after the Show, many as excited to see her as the Supporting Acts!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#JUNOS: CHARLOTTE CARDIN, SHAWN MENDES, AVRIL LAVIGNE AND DEBORAH COX AMONG BIG WINNERS AT 2022 JUNOS BROADCAST GALA
The 51st edition of the JUNO AWARDS took place tonight at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, a return to an in-person format after the Pandemic halted celebrations last year. Held outdoors to pivot around Covid-19, the event was a welcomed return to outdoor music and this also is the first time the event was held in Toronto since 2011’s edition at Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arena). Tonight’s Broadcast Gala, aired live on CBC, concluded a weekend of celebrations honouring the best in the Canadian Recording Industry, including a Comedy Showcase, the Cadillac Fairview JUNO Fan Fare allowing fans to meet some of their favourite emerging Artists, plus the Opening Night Awards, held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
It was a star-studded affair on the outdoor Red Carpet as stars, including those performing, being honorued and nominated, made their way through, including the like of Shawn Mendes, Avril Lavigne and fiancé Mod Sun, Deborah Cox, Chris Bosh, Mustafa, Charlotte Cardin and several more. Host Simu Liu, star of Marvel’s SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS also graced us with his presence in a hot pink suit.
See Liu‘s Opening tonight, getting a little help from Michael Buble, Kim’s Convenience Co-star Andrew Phung.
Winning top honours tonight was Montreal’s Charlotte Cardin, who has had a career year and now is touring in support of her Album PHOENIX, which garnered her Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year and Single of the Year for “Meaningless” which she performed live on the Broadcast.
Pickering’s Shawn Mendes also fared very well not only being honoured with the International Achievement Award, but also received the TikTok JUNO FAN CHOICE AWARD, based on fan votes.
Scarborough’s Deborah Cox was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The R&B Vocalist known best for her smash hit “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here“, was supposed her ber friend and NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh who surprised. Several stars like Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Angela Bassett and John Legend recorded video greetings congratulating her.
Global Superstar Avril Lavigne might not have received any awards tonight, but added tons of starpower to the Awards this year, performing a Medley of her hits including “Complicated”/”Bite Me”/”Girlfriend”/”Sk8r Boi” and “I’m With You”. At her Ricoh Colisseum show last night, her label honoured her with a plaque for single “Bite Me” which has reached gold status in Canada.
The 2022 Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada was given to Susan Aglukark, recognizing her commitment to improving the lives of children and youth in Northern Indigenous communities.
Some magical Red Carpet moments we snapped tonight:
Mustafa and Shawn Mendes sharing an intimate moment backstage at #TheJunos. pic.twitter.com/WRsQNmMKUr
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) May 15, 2022
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun backstage at #TheJunos. pic.twitter.com/R5tSicUZh2
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) May 15, 2022
Guests tonight got to experience this amazing Photo Op Booth courtesy of SONOS!
We’re at #TheJunos!! pic.twitter.com/WYI9LbMzuB
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) May 15, 2022
What a weekend!
The JUNO Awards return to Edmonton in 2023. Complete list of winners here.
(Photo/video credit: CBC/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: AVRIL LAVIGNE AT OLIVIA RODRIGO’S “SOUR TOUR” TORONTO
It was the hottest ticket in the City and Toronto got treated to two nights of triple Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo at Massey Hall, on her first self-headlining Sour Tour. With tickets selling-out instantly, the Tour gave fans a chance to see Rodrigo perform in an intimate setting versus going the arena/stadium route. This was surprising seeing how popular she is. That being said, the tickets were highly-coveted and many got shut-out. And yes, we’re a little sour about that!
Rodrigo performed a 13-track set, with English Singer-Songwriter Holly Humberstone supporting her. The set featured tracks off her debut album SOUR, but included one special cover of Avril Lavigne‘s smash hit “Complicated“. And ever better, Lavigne, who happened to be in Toronto getting ready to kick-off her BITE ME Tour tomorrow night, was able to join her on-stage! Fans were ecstatic!
🎥 | More of Liv with @AvrilLavigne at #SOURtourtoronto! pic.twitter.com/ZOWh8iaaSC
— Olivia Rodrigo Daily (@DailyRodrigo) April 30, 2022
Lavigne, who herself would understand the instant meteoric success that Rodrigo is experiencing, having dominated Pop Charts in the early ’00s, just recently got engaged to Singer MOD SUN, who also was in-attendance at the show. She will appear in May at the JUNOs again in Toronto!
We spotted Lavigne and Mod Sun leaving the show tonight together, both stopping for autographs and selfies with fans. The commotion reached a high-peak with a huge crowd lining the stage door at the theatre for a chance to see Rodrigo up-close, only for her to be snuck-out quietly out the venue.
See our Snaps:
Rodrigo is expected to head next to New York for Monday’s Met Gala, her second time attending. Many are guessing she will wear Vivienne Westwood after she sported a creation by her at the Grammys recently.
We cannot wait to see Rodrigo live one day! So jealous of everyone who got a chance to see her live!
We were lucky enough to spot Rodrigo around town. More on that here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Olivia Rodrigo Daily)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM FEATURING ROBIN THICKE & AVRIL LAVIGNE!
Mr. Will Wong and Sony Music Canada are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend one of this Summer’s hottest Events, the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM! We all know how much I love KISS 92.5, Avril Lavigne and Robin Thicke! Lavigne and Thicke will be co-headlining this year’s Show which features also Shawn Desman, Classified, Nikki Williams and also Set It Off Live with Mocha & DJ Clymaxxx.
Proceeds from Ticket Sales go to Red Cross in aid of Calgary Flood Relief efforts.
The Show starts 5:00 PM at Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre. It’s not too late to get tickets here still!
This Contest runs only for a few hours, so hurry! To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share this Post right away with your Friends to increase your chances, or Re-Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/kiss925whambam @MRWILLW wants us to #win Tickets to tomorrow’s #KISSWHAMBAM featuring #AvrilLavigne and #RobinThicke!
Have you checked out Lavigne‘s awesome new Video for Rock N Roll? Watch here.
Good luck.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#NEWMUSIC: AVRIL LAVIGNE – “ROCK N ROLL” VIDEO PREMIERE
I really don’t care what anyone says, I still love Avril Lavigne and this new Video for latest Single Rock N Roll has her going all out! See Avril and The Wonder Years’ Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper) take on the evil forces against Rock N Roll in this amazing Comic-inspired Clip directed by Chris Marrs Piliero.
Spoiler Alert: there is an epic kiss, a fancy guitar solo and a shark-headed bear!
See the Video below (Warning: NSFW language):
Rock N Roll is available on iTunes August 27, 2013. Pre-order here.
We met Avril earlier this year finally. Read about that here!
(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)
#EDITORSNOTE: FORMER LADY GAGA BODYGUARD “ED” AT 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS WITH AVRIL LAVIGNE
Just when I thought he’d disappeared completely from my memory, this weekend while out and about for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards, I encountered a familiar face once again. Unfortunately it wasn’t one I have fond memories of.
As I noticed Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger being ushered in and out of their Hotel on their way to the Awards, I was quite shocked to see “Ed“, former Lady Gaga Bodyguard, among their Entourage. My most loyal Readers will remember him as being the Guy who roughed me up a couple years back, prompting me to write a letter to Gaga‘s Management, which was reviewed right away.
Surely, I can’t be the only Fan who had a bad experience with him and although we cannot confirm if his departure from Camp Gaga was voluntary or involuntary, it sure looks as though he hasn’t changed one bit. Although I’m a bit red-in-the-face to read that Piece again recalling my Run-in with him back in March 2011, here it is. The memories and emotions were real at the time and I’ll be the first to admit that it hurt.
Those who watched the MuchMusic Video Awards last night will notice Ed‘s graceless blunder as Lavigne’s SUV arrived on the Red Carpet, where they were greeted by Host T-RexXx. As is the case with all other Guests last night, the Host extended a warm welcome to all by opening their Car Doors for them. Of course, Ed gracelessly tried thwarting the perfectly harmless greeting before realizing his own overreaction, which was captured by Cameras. What was he thinking? The Guy had a MuchMusic Mic in his hand! I mean, I’m all for protecting the Talent and doing your job, but this is just beyond.
I could watch this on loop all day:
#MMVAs: MARIANA’S TRENCH WIN “VIDEO OF THE YEAR” AT THE 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
Canadian Music was front and center at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards, the annual Spectacle held at the Station’s Queen Street Headquarters and among tonight’s top Winners were Canadian Rappers Drake and Classified, in addition to Pop-Rock Outfit, Mariana’s Trench. Hosted by Korean Pop Sensation PSY, Fans did not walk away disappointed as he danced and sang his way to the hearts of Canadians, with two high-energy performances of his Singles Gangnam Style and Gentleman respectively.
After being spotted arriving in Toronto at his Condo by Fans just after 8:00 PM tonight, Drake scooted over to MuchMusic right away to pick-up his Awards for both Director of the Year and Hip-Hop Video of the Year with his recent Single, Started from the Bottom.
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia-born Classified took home Video of the Year and MuchFact Video of the Year with Inner Ninja, his Collaboration with David Myles. In total, he has earned five MMVAs in his Career.
Likewise, Mariana’s Trench who performed tonight in Dress Shirts and Underwear, also notched their fifth MMVA, winning Pop Video of the Year with Desperate Measures and Your Fave Video with Stutter.
After making their way to Toronto for the Awards Show, Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift all were rewarded tonight. Swift was awarded Your Fave International Artist or Group by Fans, saying in her Speech “Thank you to MuchMusic for playing Videos”, a statement which many might dispute about the Station. This is Swift‘s first MMVA.
Lavigne won International Video of the Year by a Canadian with Here’s To Never Growing Up. Several are reporting that the Singer may be pregnant, fueled further by lots of purple smoke being blown during her Performance tonight and a heavy focus on Close-Up Shots. Lovato who performed tonight with fine vocals, won International Video of the Year – Artist with Heart Attack. She is expected to fly out for a taping of The X Factor tomorrow.
For a complete list of Winners, click here.
Missed the MMVAs? Watch them here.
See my Snaps of some of the Stars around town this weekend here!
(Photo credit: Steve Haining and Sandra Elford)
#SPOTTED: STARS IN TOWN FOR THE 2013 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS
The Stars have descended upon Toronto for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards and while preparations are well under-way over at the Station’s Queen Street Headquarters with Soundchecks taking place throughout the day, several Guests and Performers are just now arriving. Several Fans today not only got a Sneak Peek of tomorrow night’s performances, but some were even lucky enough to meet the Performers including Co-Host PSY, who was gracious to stop for Snaps earlier today with Fans! Others like Armin Van Buuren, Avril Lavigne, Phillip Phillips and more graced the stage today.
Meanwhile on the other end of the City, we were lucky enough to witness several of tomorrow’s Presenters arrive including the likes of Josh Bowman (Revenge), Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory), Naya Rivera (Glee), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Popstar Cody Simpson and this year’s MMVAs “It Couple” Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect, Hairspray) and Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf). Red-hot Arrow Star Stephen Amell, who hails from Toronto, already has been in town for a bit in advance of the Show.
Meanwhile, Australian Internet Sensations The Janoskians have been causing quite a rage at their Hotel, requiring their Security to step-it-up a bit as their hoards of female Fans shower them with attention.
And although simultaneously in town for her Red Tour at Rogers Centre, Taylor Swift and Tourmate Ed Sheeran are expected to grace the Queen Street Stage tomorrow and some are saying they just might perform their latest Single Everything Has Changed as a surprise.
The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards air tomorrow night at 9:00 PM EST on both MuchMusic and Fuse.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: AVRIL LAVIGNE IN TORONTO FOR “HERE’S TO NEVER GROWING UP”
Canadian Megastar Avril Lavigne is back in town to promote her brand new Single, Here’s To Never Growing Up. Lavigne beat her Fans to the punch, getting to her first appearance of the day before 7:00 AM. After a quick touch-up by her Make-up Artist upon existing her Suburban, she donned her famous Aviators looking Military-chic, to pose for some Photos. Although quiet, she actually is really, really nice and after trying for the past 10 years, finally I got my Snap with her and even Billy was a part of the fun!
On the itinerary this morning were to back-to-back Interviews at KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show and 98.1 CHFI. Catching wind of her appearance just in time, Fans arrived catching the Singer/Songwriter/Fashion Designer and Actress who not only has sold over 30 million Albums, but also 50 million Singles in her eleven-year Career.
Lavigne arrived this weekend from Los Angeles with soon-to-be Husband Chad Kroeger, Frontman of Nickelback and today she was sporting proudly her 14-carat Diamong Ring while doing Press. Later today she will make a highly-publicized visit to MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live, inviting Fans on Twitter to come down to see her at 6:00 PM, when she is expected to greet Fans by the window.
Here’s to Never Growing Up (co-written with Kroeger) continues to climb the charts and already is at number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100, while in the U.S. the Track is at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Singer’s still-untitled fifth Studio Disc is due this September via Sony Music Canada and a second Single already has been slated, titled Rock and Roll. It is said that Lavigne was courting a famous Female Vocalist to collaborate on the Track.
Just last month, Lavigne was voted one of Canada’s 50 Most Beautiful People as per Hello! Canada. More on that here.
Lavigne also was just announced to perform at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2013 here in Toronto!
See Lavigne with Fans earlier outside KISS 92.5 Studios:
See our Snap below:
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com