BRUNO MARS took home top honours at the 60th annual GRAMMY Awards. The Hawaiian-born Singer/Songwriter for his Tracks 24K Magic, That’s What I Like and Album 24K Magic, won Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song and Best R&B Album.

Mars says, pleading not to be cut-off during his speech in which he recalls performing at the age of 15, “Babyface, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Teddy Riley wrote many of the songs I’d be singing. I remember people who’d never met each from two sides of the globe all would be dancing and all I wanted to do with this Album was to see everybody dancing and everybody moving. I’d like to dedicate this award to my heroes, these teachers who laid down the foundation.”.

See his performance with Cardi B on the Remix to Finesse:

Taking place in New York City this year, the GRAMMYs took place at Madison Square Garden after having been in Los Angeles for the past 14 years. Funnyman James Corden filled hosting duties and his parents Malcolm and Margaret even came out again to support him, joking they snuck-out to see Hamilton while the show was going on! New York native and 14-time Grammy Winner Alicia Keys stated upon presenting Record of the Year to Bruno Mars, “I love it better when the GRAMMYS are in New York”, drawing applause from the crowd.

Other big winners from the evening included Bruno Mars‘ labelmate Ed Sheeran who won Best Pop Solo Performance for smash hit Shape of You and also Best Pop Vocal Album for ÷.

GRAMMY Darling Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video for HUMBLE. and his Rihanna Collaboration LOYALTY. won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. His Disc DAMN. won Best Rap Album.

Canada saw The Weeknd win for Best Contemporary R&B Album with his top-selling Starboy Disc, while national icon Leonard Cohen post-humously won for Best Rock Performance with You Want it Darker.  Our Alessia Cara won coveted Best New Artist and while her version of How Far I’ll Go didn’t win for Best Song for Visual Media, the Moana Theme sung by Auli’i Cravalho would go on to win.

Lady Gaga was on early with a fantastic acoustic Medley of A Million Reasons and Joanne:

Kesha would make a return to the GRAMMYs after a few years away delivering her nominated Praying with the help of Cyndi Lauper, Bebe Rexha, Camila Cabello, Andra Day and more:

While it was announced recently that Elton John soon will retire following his upcoming Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, Miley Cyrus would join him on-stage for a rendition of Tiny Dancer:

After feuding for many years after a fallout in the ’90s, Broadway legend Patti Lupone would take the stage to perform Don’t Cry for Me Argentina from EVITA for Composer Andrew Lloyd Weber, who was being honoured this evening for his achievements. Lupone performed the same song at the 1981 GRAMMYs. See the performance:

Click here for a complete list of Winners.

(Photo/video credit: CBS/Getty Images)

Not that it was a surprise, but Taylor Swift takes home the Album of the Year award a second time at the GRAMMYs tonight for her 5.7 million copy-selling Disc, 1989. The Album also won for Pop Vocal Album, while single Bad Blood won Video of the Year.  Swift, sporting a new bob-cut, stole the spotlight, addressing some shade thrown her way recently on Kanye West track Famous on which he takes credit for her rise to fame. She said, “There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame, but if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you are going, you’ll look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there and that will be the greatest feeling in the world”.

West once again proves that he isn’t a favourite with GRAMMY voters, failing to win tonight despite being up for Rap Song, Rap-Sung Collaboration and Rap Performance this year.  Rap categories were dominated by leading nominee Kendrick Lamar, who was victorious for Rap Performance, Rap/Sung Collaboration, Rap Song, Rap Album and also Music Video for his collaboration with Taylor Swift on Bad Blood.

Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson got some much due respect winning Song of the Year for their outstanding collaboration, Uptown Funk. The track also won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and its remixed version by David Audé also won Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical).

Meanwhile Ed Sheeran, won Song of the Year with Thinking Out Loud. The track also got Pop Solo Performance for the English Singer/Songwriter.

Often seen as a bit of a career curse, promising talent Meghan Trainor was named Best New Artist, reaching the summit of the Billboard Hot 200 with platinum-selling debut disc, Title.

Canada’s Justin Bieber notches his first GRAMMY win ever for Dance Recording with Skrillex/Diplo collaboration Where Are You Now. Our The Weeknd also brought-home that Canadian glory with Best R&B Performance on Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack) and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Beauty Behind the Madness.

See some of the evening’s most memorable performances!

Adele performing All I Ask (penned and introduced by Bruno Mars):

Lady Gaga paying tribute to David Bowie:

Tribute to Lionel Ritchie by John Legend, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Meghan Trainor + Tyrese:

Complete list of winners here.

(Photo/video credit: TNT/Grammys)

Now in its 25th year, the MuchMusic Video Awards have been an annual  “Look-Forward-To” for Toronto Music Fans for as long as I can remember.  Although focus in recent years to adapt to a changing economic climate, has turned towards Young Adult TV Programming versus its traditional format of Music Videos mostly, MuchMusic still manages to pull together a Who’s-Who every year.  Okay, we admit the huge marquee names haven’t been there in recent years like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, but few are complaining about this year’s Host, Ed Sheeran, due to fly-in tomorrow to fulfill his duties, all while balancing his x Tour.

Arriving in the City today were a mix of Presenters, who will grace the open Queen Street stage including Bella Thorne, Gregg Sulkin, Hailee Steinfeld, Debbie Ryan, Tyler Posey and Supermodel Gigi Hadid.  Although many were looking forward to seeing her present, Ashley Benson, Star of Pretty Little Liars and Pixels, had to cancel.  Thorne and Sulkin have been said to be dating in recent months and just may be seen tomorrow on the Carpet debuting as a Couple.  Meanwhile Hadid, who has been tired to Joe Jonas after being spotted together here a couple weeks back, flew solo. Her sister Bella already is in the City with her Scarborough-native Boyfriend, The Weeknd, who will be appearing on tomorrow’s broadcast.

Thorne and Hadid created the greatest fandemonium, with Fans circling them for a shot at  a Selfie and most would succeed, some even scoring multiples.. with tongues sticking out, peace signs, duckyface.  You get the picture…

See our Snaps:

Gigi Hadid:

Supermodel #GigiHadid in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 8:00pm PDT

Debbie Ryan:

#Disney star #DebbieRyan in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:19pm PDT

Hailee Steinfeld:

#HaileeSteinfeld of #PITCHPERFECT2 in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:18pm PDT

Bella Thorne:

#Disney Star #BellaThorne in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:17pm PDT

Gregg Sulkin:

#GreggSulkin of #WitchesofWaverleyPlace in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:15pm PDT

Tyler Posey:

#TylerPosey of #TeenWolf in #Toronto for the #MMVA! #MMVAs #MuchMusic #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jun 20, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT

The 2015 MuchMusic Video Awards air on MuchMusic at 9 PM EST.  More here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Some days we don’t believe our luck!  Billy and I were out at Walmart earlier this morning doing a quick grocery run when we looked-over and our  jaws both dropped when we swore we saw Pop Megastar SHAWN MENDES and his Mom Karen down the aisle from us.  We had to do a double-take!  Immediately, we dropped our purchases and raced right to the front door just in time to catch them leaving for a Selfie.  Although Mendes, in his sunglasses and a Hoodie said he was in a rush, his Mother was kind enough to have him turn back and stop for a quick Snap!  We love her.  “What kind of Dog is he?”, he asked about Billy, to which I pointed-out, he is a Shih-Tzu.   Mendes told me his Friend has the exact same type.  Karen was smitten by Billy, stopping to pet him.

If all of this is coming out as garbled speak and you’re still  like, “Shawn Who?”, I will tell you that our Homeboy SHAWN MENDES is the next big thing in Pop Music.  The 16-year-old Singer/Songwriter got his big break with six-second VINE Videos of him performing Cover Versions.  Soon after, millions around the World would be following, leading to a deal with Island Records (Universal Music).  The likes of John Mayer, Meghan Trainor, Ed Sheeran all are raving about him, if that’s any indication of his star power.

The Shawn Mendes EP would soon be rush-released in July, reaching Top Five in both Canada and the U.S. and  2015 looks to be the year his popularity explodes after some v. careful development and handling.  After selling-out Concert Halls before Christmas with a few intimate Shows including one in Toronto at Danforth Music Hall, Mendes now is ready to hit-up additional American and European cities this Winter.  Tickets released this weekend sold-out in just minutes, with some lucky Fans getting Shawn Access Passes in the mail, confirming he’ll be meeting them rather soon.  This Fall he opens for Taylor Swift on her sold-out 1989 World Tour, making it almost impossible for him not to succeed.

It appears Mendes is about to confirm the release of his debut Disc with a visit to New York City scheduled this week and an appearance on TODAY.

We had the pleasure of seeing Mendes perform at the Universal Music Canada Parking Lot this past August and he sounded great.  We even witnessed a crazed Fan rush him on-stage despite there being hoards of Security!  More on that here.

Something Big, Mendes’ latest Single:

Surely you’ve heard Life of the Party on the Radio right?

And without further a do, our Snap:

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jan 25, 2015 at 9:50am PST

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)

Hot off the critical and Box Office success of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, comes the release of its equally stellar Original Motion Picture Soundtrack! Warner Music Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to experience again the magic of this year’s most beloved Love Story!  In addition to the Film being charged with starpower, the Soundtrack features a roster of some of the hottest new emerging acts including Ed Sheeran, Birdy, Charli XCX and Tom Odell!

Official Tracklisting:

1. “All of the Stars” Ed Sheeran
2. “Simple as This” Jake Bugg
3. “Let Me In” Grouplove
4. “Tee Shirt” Birdy
5. “All I Want” Kodaline
6. “Long Way Down” Tom Odell
7. “Boom Clap” Charli XCX
8. “While I’m Alive” STRFKR
9. “Oblivion” Indians
10. “Strange Things Will Happen” The Radio Department
11. “Bomfalleralla” Afasi & Filthy
12. “Without Words” Ray LaMontagne
13. “Not About Angels” Birdy
14. “No One Ever Loved” Lykke Li
15. “Wait” M83

Check-out Charli XCX‘s BOOM CLAP below:

Check-out Ed Sheeran‘s All of the Stars below:

To enter to win a copy, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Re-Tweet the below or share this Post on Facebook with your Friends to increase your chances!

http://www.mrwillwong.com @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #THEFAULTINOURSTARS OST. In stores now! #TFIOS

Good luck, Wongsters!

Contest open to Readers in Canada only.

Warner Music Canada release THE FAULT IN OUR STARS – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK, in stores now!  Order it here.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

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)

Teen Pop Sensation Austin Mahone is back in Toronto once again and while opening for multiple GRAMMY Winner Taylor Swift on her Red Tour along with Ed Sheeran, he managed to take some time out to do a little Promo!

The Singer flew-in to the City last night, getting spotted right away upon landing! Starting earlier today at City‘s Breakfast Television, excited Fans were rewarded with a big Group Photo.  Following his City appearance, the 17-year-old from San Antonio, hopped over to Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) where he was greeted outside by hoards of female Fans, many who got Selfies with the burgeoning Star.  Surrounded by a large entourage of Security Guards to protect the Star, Autograph Seekers unfortunately were denied, despite Mahone trying his best to reach over to accommodate them!  Sorry Wongsters, I tried for you but it wasn’t happening!

Mahone performs tonight at Rogers Centre and Fans can see more of him Sunday on the MuchMusic Video Awards, which air this Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM on MuchMusic and Fuse.

The Singer just released the Video to latest Single What About Love earlier this week. Check it out below:

See Mahone‘s Fans (Mahomies) freaking-out below:

Mahone was last in Toronto in December for The Jingle Bell, when I had the pleasure of meeting him!  Read about it here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for, Directioners. Sony Music Canada & Mr. Will Wong want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win a copy of One Direction‘s eagerly-awaited second Album, Take Me Home!  The Disc is a Follow-up to the three-million-selling Debut Up All Night from the World’s one unifying Pop Obsession, and if the record-breaking success of latest Single Live While We’re Young is any indication of what’s to come, then we can expect anything but “little things” from One Direction. Carl Falk, Dr. Luke, Ed Sheeran and Shellback all lend a hand on this surefire Chart-Topper.

Check-out the Tracklisting for Take Me Home below:

Live While We’re Young
Kiss You
Little Things
C’mon, C’mon
Last First Kiss
Heart Attack
Rock Me
Change My Mind
I Would
Over Again
Back for You
They Don’t Know About Us
Summer Love

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and be following on Twitter, before Friday, November 16, 2012.

Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

.@MRWILLW wants me to win a copy of @ONEDIRECTION‘s “TAKE ME HOME“, in-stores 11/13/12! http://tinyurl.com/9keoqqm

Don’t forget also to watch the Lyric Video for One Direction‘s next Single, Little Things (co-penned by Ed Sheeran) below:

Sony Music Canada releases Take Me Home on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Pre-order the Yearbook Edition of Take Me Home on iTunes right here!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)