Nickelback Wins Big At Junos

Last night belonged to Nickelback as the band swept the Juno Awards – Canada’s version of the Grammy Awards – winning Group of the Year, Album of the Year and Juno Fan Choice.

Photo: AP Photo
Present the award for the Album of the Year during the Juno awards.

Audiences tuning into the CBC telecast of the awards from GM Place got a lot of Nickelback; The ceremony began with the band performing their hit “Something In Your Mouth.”

Quebec’s Sam Roberts, the evening’s second performer, won Artist of the Year last night and Rock Album of the Year, the previous night.

That’s right – the previous night. A slew of awards were handed out Saturday during an exclusive, invite-only dinner, leaving Sunday for the really big awards, matched only by equally big performances.

Hosted by comedian Russell Peters, other performances included Sarah McLachlan singing a new song – “U Want Me 2.” Other performances included Bryan Adams dueting with Kathleen Edwards, and Alexisonfire’s Dallas Green singing with Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip.

Photo: AP Photo
The singer performs "U Want Me 2" during Juno awards.

The Vancouver Sun reports that an “extremely touching” moment occurred when Loverboy was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

The newspaper said the band walked on stage “with a deep humility” following a video presentation depicting the group’s finer moments. Singer Mike Reno made it a point to mention the band’s deceased bassist – Scott Smith – as well as the band’s current bass player, “Spider” Sinnaeve.

Bandmembers also said the first people they wished to thank were each other.

New Artist of the Year was Lights, Rap Recording of the year went to Kardinal Offishall for “Not 4 Sale,” and New Group of the Year went to The Stills.

Photo: AP Photo
Performing at the Juno Awards.

Last night’s Juno Awards marked the first time Vancouver hosted the event since 1998. St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, will host next year’s Junos.

For a complete list of Juno winners, please click here.

To read the Vancouver Sun’s coverage, please click here.