Lowell, Tate McRae win big for global hits at Juno Awards industry gala
Tate McRae, the global popstar, made a big splash at the Juno Awards industry ceremony by taking home four awards, including artist and album of the year. Despite her absence at the event due to a prior commitment at a music festival in Brazil, McRae expressed her gratitude in a text message that was read out loud on stage. She thanked the Junos and her fans in Canada for their support throughout her career.
One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of the first songwriter of the year award for non-performers, which was won by Elizabeth Lowell Boland for her work on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album and the Beaches’ Takes One To Know One. Boland had been advocating for this award for some time, as she believed that non-performing songwriters deserved recognition for their contributions.
Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie and Haisla hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids were also early winners at the industry ceremony, with Elisapie’s pop covers collection Inuktitut winning adult alternative album and Rez Kids’ Red Future landing rap album of the year. Both artists expressed their emotions and gratitude for their wins, highlighting the hard work and dedication it took to achieve their success.
Other winners at the Juno Awards industry ceremony included Interplanetary Criminal and SadBoi for dance recording of the year, Sarah Harmer for the humanitarian award, and Mustafa for music video of the year and songwriter of the year. Punjabi music star AP Dhillon won the first-ever South Asian music recording Juno award for his album The Brownprint.
The ceremony also saw breakthrough artist of the year Nemahsis, contemporary R&B recording of the year winner Aqyila, electronic album winner Priori, and traditional roots album winner Jake Vaadeland. Each artist brought their own unique style and talent to the stage, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the Canadian music industry.
The Juno Awards industry ceremony serves as a precursor to the televised CBC broadcast hosted by Michael Bublé, where more awards will be handed out and performances will be showcased. Bublé, a proud Canadian, expressed his excitement and pride in hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Canadian music and culture in the midst of global tensions.
Overall, the Juno Awards industry ceremony was a night filled with talent, emotion, and celebration of Canadian music. From established artists to up-and-coming stars, the event highlighted the diversity and innovation present in the Canadian music scene.
