After submitting a request to dine at an Edmonton restaurant, actor Simu Liu, who is in town to host the Juno Awards on Monday, stopped in Hanjan for a bite to eat. Reports Lisa MacGregor. Share this item on Facebook Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Twitter Email this page to someone
Share this item on Facebook facebook Share this item on Twitter twitter Send this page to someone via email email Share this item via WhatsApp whatsapp Share this item on Flipboard flipboard Share this item on Reddit reddit
A wildly unpredictable Juno Awards unfolded on Monday as a topless protester took the stage, prompting some strong words from Avril Lavigne, while the absentee The Weeknd emerged as this year’s top winner.
With a few twists and turns, Canada’s biggest celebration of music dropped its typically tame proceedings shortly after the broadcast began.
Lavigne was interrupted by a topless woman who leaped onto the stage wearing pasties on her breasts and “landing backwards” painted on her arm.
The pop-punk princess appeared startled by the intruder and proceeded to curse her, demanding that she get off the stage. The person was quickly escorted away by security.
Undeterred, Lavigne went on to introduce a performance by Punjabi-Canadian singer and rapper AP Dhillon.
View full screen image Avril Lavigne confronts a topless protester while presenting during Junos on Monday, March 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey
She later returned to accept this year’s Fan Choice award with a few choice words and another slur: “Nobody try anything this time or the Canadian is going to get out of me and I’m going to (mess).” ) a bitch up.”
The unexpected moment set the tone for an energetic Junos who saw the Weeknd break out Dawn FM win him album of the year, adding to his four wins at an industry event on Saturday, including artist and single of the year for Sacrifice.
After pop singer Tyler Shaw announced that Toronto native, born Abel Tesfaye, was missing Junos, the crowd expressed disappointment and began booing.
Tesfaye sent a written statement provided to The Canadian Press by Junos organizers:
“I feel very honored to be recognized like this from my home country that I love so much. I am so humbled by all of this and could never thank the fans enough,” he wrote.
Other winners included Jessie Reyez, who picked up Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year for Yessie while her tearful father looked on and Tobi, who won rap album/EP of the year for Shall I Continue?
Newcomer Preston Pablo, who sings Flowers Need Rainwon the award for the revelation artist of the year.
View full screen image Simu Liu, left, and Nickelback’s Ryan Peake perform during the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday, March 13, 2023. Timothy Matwey, The Canadian Press
Special Nickelback honorees were on hand throughout the night, even before they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in a pre-recorded message from actor Ryan Reynolds.
Guitarist Ryan Peake offered a hand and a guitar. in an opening snippet in which Liu showed off his vocal skills with a version of Photograph de Nickelback.
The entire band took the stage as Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid accompanied them. to the Hall of Fame, saying that Nickelback is among those who “have changed the game forever”
View full screen image Connor McDavid presents during the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday, March 13, 2023. Timothy Matwey, Canadian Press
In his speech, a lovesick Chad Kroeger reflected on his band’s humble beginnings in Hanna, Alta. He said they “had no idea what we were doing and most of the time they still don’t.” #8221;
“But everything we did led to this moment right here,” he added.
A bit later, the band closed out the broadcast again with a medley of their biggest hits that included more than their share of fiery pyrotechnics.
View full screen image Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger performs during the Juno Awards in Edmonton on Monday, March 13, 2023. Timothy Matwey, The Canadian Press
After Junos, organizers issued a statement saying they take “every step to avoid disruption” to the show, but live broadcasts always carry risks.
“We hope tonight’s brief interruption does not detract from the accomplishments of this year’s artists, winners and nominees,” they added.
However, the artists continued to talk about the topless fan backstage, with Lavigne telling the press room that she was sure it would “become one of the highlights.”
Liu, who closed the show by saying “sorry about the boobs,” also joked about it backstage: “If you had told me before I hosted, there would be someone who would take their shirt off on the Junos, and it wouldn’t be me, I I would be surprised.” ;
More about entertainment
- Calgary ballerina takes center stage at Oscars during ‘Naatu Naatu’
- Sarah Polley wins her first Oscar for ‘Talking Women’
- Drake’s tour with 21 Savage includes stops in Vancouver, Montreal; Toronto dates to be announced at a later date.
- Montreal-born makeup artist wins big at 95th Academy Awards
