The 2011 Juno Awards is notably the next “up-and-coming” award show internationally.  Like the Toronto International Film Festival, slow and steady has always conquered. 

Personally, I could not believe the improvements to the show from 2010 to this year. 

From Drizzy’s “Old Money” skit to Neil Young’s Humanitarian Award speech, the Juno’s was a class act speeding through the desert road, leaving the 2011 Grammy’s and Oscar’s in the dust. 

I have to be honest, I didn’t expect much from Drake as host, after his cancelled rehearsal and his failed performance at Much Music Awards.  I felt that he was a little too cocky to pull it off.  However, he did it and hit a home run with as much class as Lloyd Robertson.  A true Canadian!

What did everyone think with Down With Webster’s Opening Act?  All I could say was WOW!  Another fabulous Canadian Group destined for celebrity!  Congrats Guys on setting the scene and pumping up the crowd for the remainder of the night.

Neil Young -Courtesy National Post



The triumphant four awards for Arcade Fire has inspired me to head out to HMV and buy their CD today.  I have no idea who they are, but they are a force to be reckoned with.  A Grammy and 4 Junos?  How did this mysterious band from Montreal pull it off?  I’m guess that I’m listening to the wrong genre or radio station.
It is my considered opinion that the most inspiring quote from last night’s Juno Awards came from Neil Young.



“Look inside your self. Look in the eyes of your friends and you’ll find the secret of being a humanitarian”



Today’s music is perpendicular to this statement as we are all trying to find lyrics to inspire our lives and make us better people.  Look into the eyes of the lyrics, and you will see who the humanitarians are.  Neil Young has been an inspiration musically and as a humanitarian, who has done so much to help communities near and far. 
Shania Twain, well what can I say about her besides fabulous!  She’s Canada’s Sweetheart still today.   Her rags to riches life story truly assists our youth to believe in what they can do.  She’s a creative genius and her return to performing can only go UP! UP! UP! from here. 
Congratulation on the Hall of Fame Award and welcome back!

To Hedley, win or lose, I really respect you after yesterday’s act of random kindness.  My daughter stood in line at the Much Music Fan Fare 2011 to meet and greet the groups Stereos and Midway State, and when she mouthed “I love you” to Jacob, he pulled her over (defying security) to give her an autograph and picture.  A sure fire class act and I thank you!


Drake – Courtesy National Post
As you see with my blog posts, I try my best to get involved in “all things celebrity” as a cilivian.  However, not having a media background, there isn’t much more that I can do except write about it.

You may see it as cheesy and childish but I do it because I love the spirit of the industry.  I come from Renovation – how much more boring can my day job get?  In all seriousness,the main reason why I write is that I hold a high respect their art and talent.  I believe those who serve, deserve recognition.

 There is no doubt that this year’s 40th Annual Juno Awards made its mark in Canadian Music History; from the quality of performers to the writing of the show, word about this year’s Juno Award’s success will spread like Arcade Fire. 

Here are some of this year’s Juno Awards winners:

Album Of The Year: Arcade Fire — The Suburbs
Artist Of The Year: Neil Young

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Neil Young
Pop Album Of The Year: Justin Bieber — My World 2.0
Canadian Music Hall Of Fame Inductee: Shania Twain

Single Of The Year: Young Artists For Haiti — “Wavin’ Flag”
New Artist Of The Year: Meaghan Smith
Juno Fan Choice Award: Justin Bieber
Group Of The Year: Arcade Fire
Alternative Album Of The Year: Arcade Fire — The Suburbs
Songwriter Of The Year: Arcade Fire
International Album Of The Year: Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
New Group of The Year: Said The Whale
Adult Alternative Album Of The Year: Neil Young — Le Noise
Rock Album Of The Year: Matthew Good — Vancouver
Instrumental Album Of The Year: Fond Of Tigers — Continent & Western
Francophone Album Of The Year: Karkwa — Les Chemins De Verre
Rap Recording Of The Year: Shad — TSOL
Dance Recording Of The Year: Deadmau5 — “Sofi Needs A Ladder”
Roots & Traditional Album Of The Year: Old Man Luedecke — My Hands Are On Fire And Other Love Songs
Jack Richardson Producer Of The Year: Daniel Lanois
Recording Engineer Of The Year: Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne’s Scream)
Recording Package Of The Year: Broken Social Scene — Forgiveness Rock Record
Video Of The Year: Hedley — “Perfect”
Music DVD Of The Year: Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage
Electronic Album Of The Year: Caribou — Swim
Kardy – Sporting his custom clothing line

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