Torontos’ youth win big at the Junos in Vancouver

Mar 26, 2018 | News

Elvin George

Young Toronto talent dominated the Juno stage this past weekend by winning a combined five Juno awards.

The 48 year-old award show handed out 42 different awards throughout the night to celebrate Canadian artists.

Pickering’s Shawn Mendes continued to shine at the Junos as he won Fan Choice Award for the second straight year. His single last year, There’s Nothing Holding me Back, soared to the top 5 of the Billboard 100 and won the Juno for Single of the Year.

Mendes has released two albums in the last three years, and is weeks away from headlining his arena tour.  He began as a supporting act for Taylor Swift, and his sudden rise to fame has given him a huge fan base to sell-out arenas across the nation.

The pop star began his career by posting six-second cover videos on Vine and after gaining enough traction people starting appreciating his original content.

 

Lanez wins his first

Brampton born rapper Tory Lanez won the first career Junos for Best Rap Recording of the Year for his bass booming track, Shooters.

Lanez, who can rap and sing, stepped into the spotlight in recent years, after working as a writer for other rappers.

Lanez had an album and a song nominated at the Grammys this past year. A month ago, Lanez released his second studio album, Memories Don’t Die, which sold 54 K copies its first week. He has been associated with other notable Toronto names such as; Drake, and The Weekend.

 

In his most recent tour, Lanez sold-out five Toronto shows.

Toronto rookie voices

Daniel Caesar and Jessie Reyez shared a similar path  to stardom. The two released their debut projects last year, and are featured on each others’ projects.

Both Reyez and Caesar have avoided record labels and are releasing their music independently.

Caesar’s album was considered a contender for Album of the Year last year by Exclaim!.

Similar to Lanez, Caesar sold out five straight shows at the Danforth Hall in Toronto last Winter to end off his solo tour.

Reyez won Best New Breakout Artist, while Caesar took home Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for his debut Album, Freudian.

“Wow, this is a lot and I didn’t expect this,” said Caesar after winning the award. ” I just want to say thank you, I’m frazzled right now, but huge thank you to the Junos and Canada.”

After winning their awards, Reyez and Caesar sang Figures from Reyezs’ debut project, Kiddo.

“I’d like to thank my mom and dad, and all of the people who loved the music,supported it and spread .” Reyez said after winning the award. “It means a lot to get this love back home.”

“Thank you Junos, and most importantly thank you Canada.”

Reyez is slated to release her debut album later on in 2018.

RIP Gord Downie

The Junos also paid respect to one of the greatest Canadian musicians, Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip, who died last October.

Downie won Junos for  Songwriter of the Year, Artist of the Year, Adult Alternative Artist of the Year, and Songwriter of the year.

 

Buble is Back with some big news!!!

After taking a two-year break from music after his three year old son was diagnosed with cancer, Michael Buble returned to host the awards show.

Buble announced that he and his wife Luisana Lopilato are expecting their third child.

The Barenaked Ladies reunited with Steven Page who left the group nine years ago and reunited for a one-time memorable performance at the Junos last night. The crowd began singing along to their timeless music.