Junos 2023: Avril Lavigne wins fan prize after confronting topless woman onstage
Junos #Junos
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.
Pop-punk star Avril Lavigne won the final award of the evening, the TikTok Juno fan choice award, alluding in her speech to a bizarre moment earlier in the ceremony when a topless protester appeared on stage behind her.
“Now nobody try anything this time. I’ll f–k a b-tch up,” Lavigne joked.
At the top of the show, Lavigne was introducing Canadian-Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s performance, when the woman appeared on the stage behind her.
A message written on her back appeared to read “SAVE THE GREEN BELT” — an apparent reference to a controversial development plan by the Ontario government.
Lavigne turned around and told her to “get the f–k off,” and the protester climbed off the stage. CBC News cannot yet confirm why the woman climbed onto the stage or whether she was escorted from the building.
Liu later gave Kudos to Lavigne for “handling that topless lady like a champion.”
Wins for The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez
The Weeknd won album of the year for Dawn FM, though he was a no-show at the ceremony, prompting jeers from the audience. Tyler Shaw, who co-presented the award, said that The Weeknd is now in the second place for the most Juno wins ever.
Earlier, Toronto singer Jessie Reyez won the first award of the night, 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.
Pop artist Preston Pablo won breakthrough artist of the year. During his speech he thanked his family and “the amazing fans for being such a huge part of why I’m here today.”
Nickelback inducted into Hall of Fame
The rock band Nickelback was later inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Actor Ryan Reynolds called the band “the pride of Alberta” during a pre-taped segment, which was followed by an onstage introduction from Edmonton Oilers hockey player Connor McDavid.
Lead singer Chad Kroeger, appearing with guitarist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger and drummer Daniel Adair, said they only had about two minutes to speak.
“Twenty seven years, blood sweat and tears, started off 300 kilometres southeast of here in a little town called Hanna,” Kroeger said, referring to the band’s hometown.
“We had no idea what we were doing and most of the time still don’t. But everything we did wound up leading us to this moment right here. But we didn’t make it here without a lot of help,” he added, before each band member thanked their various collaborators and loved ones.
Monday also featured the 50th anniversary hip-hop tribute, hosted by Kardinal Offishall and Haviah Mighty, which included a group performance by Choclair, DJ Mel Boogie, Dream Warriors, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and TOBi.
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.
Adria Kain, When Flowers Bloom; DVSN, If I Get Caught; Dylan Sinclair, No Longer in the Suburbs; Savannah Ré, WTF
; Dax; Devon Cole; RealestK; Rêve
;Ali Gatie, Who Hurt You?; Avril Lavigne, Love Sux; Nav, Demons Protected By Angels; Tate McRae, I Used To Think I Could Fly.
; Boslen, Gonzo; Classified, Retrospected (Acoustic); Jazz Cartier, The Fleur Print Vol. 2.; Nav, Demons Protected By Angels.
; Lauren Spencer Smith; MacKenzie Porter; Preston Pablo; Rêve; Shawn Mendes; Tate McRae; The Weeknd; Tyler Shaw.