Furtado Wins Big At Junos

It was the night of Nelly at this year’s Juno Awards, as the Canadian singer not only hosted the event but took home five of the top prizes April 1st in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Nelly Furtado displayed her multitude of talents while hosting, performing live and as part of a variety of slapstick bits during the event, which honors Canadian music. She won each category she was nominated in.

Toronto rock group Billy Talent was the only other act to win multiple awards – group of the year and rock album of the year.

Furtado picked up artist of the year, best pop album for Loose, best single for "Promiscuous," the fan’s choice award and album of the year.

There was some controversy involving critic favorite k-os, who was tied with Furtado and Billy Talent for the most nominations, according to the Canadian Press.

He lost four of the awards at a private industry ceremony March 31st, and while performing his single "Sunday Morning" during the awards ceremony April 1st, changed the lyrics to, "This show is not me, this show is propaganda."

Furtado said she was shocked at her wins, especially the album of the year award.

"I’ve sat in the audience at the Junos and lost for best album twice and I always wondered, ‘Oh, maybe one day I’ll get that,’ you know?" she told CP, adding that she is indebted to producer Timbaland. "I didn’t think it would come so soon and with this album."

Onstage, Furtado extended kudos to fellow nominees, including k-os.

"I just hand it to all the Canadian artists. This is for everybody," she said.

New artist of the year went to Hamilton’s Tomo Swick and R&B/soul recording of the year went to Jacksoul’s mySOUL.

With only seven awards given April 1st, the show was largely about performances: The Tragically Hip, Patrick Watson, City and Colour, Billy Talent, and Three Days Grace all took the stage in front of about 13,000 in attendance.

Winnipeg-born producer Bob Rock was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame for his work with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, among others.

Other Juno winners included Diana Krall for best vocal jazz album, Jim Cuddy for best adult alternative and City and Colour for best alternative album. The country album award went to George Canyon.