June 6, 2021, the 2021 Juno Awards took place hosted by CBC’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe. The event took place in part-virtual, part in-person performances. It was well-done.
The Junos started with an opening act by Justin Bieber performing, his first appearance since 2010 (according to Juno Awards facts).
Congratulations to all the winners of last night’s Junos!
Here’s my take on performances, awards, and the Juno Moments.
Performances
-JP Saxe ft Julia Michaels
*Like That
*If the World Was Ending (ft Julia Michaels)
The performance was fantastic!
-Kardinal Offishall introduced Canadian rappers, who performed an epic medley as an homage to Canadian Rap.
1. Maestro Fresh Wes – Let Your Backbone Slide
2. Kardinal Offishall & Jully Black Ol’ Time Killers
3. Nav Turks
Then it ends with a heartfelt speech by rapper Haviah Mighty.
-Jann Arden performs her classic hit Good Mother with heart and soul.
-Ali Gatie & Tate McRae
*What If I Told You I Loved You
* Lie to Me (duet with Tate McRae)
-William Prince & Serena Ryder –The Spark
It was a touching and heartfelt performance.
– Jesse Reyez
* Do You Love Her
* Before Love Came to Kill Us
She nailed this performance 100%!
– Tragically Hip featuring Feist performing It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken
The performance was incredible.
Nice way to end the Junos!
Awards
– R&B/Soul Recording Artist of The Year: Savannah Rae – Solid
-Artist of the Year: The Weekend
-Music Teacher of the Year Awards: Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis
She brought Inuit music into the curriculum to help keep the identity and culture.
-Breakthrough Artist of the Year: JP Saxe
-Jann Arden inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame
There was a lovely montage of her life and career that was heartwarming to watch. Then, she performs her single Good Mother.
-Album of the Year: The Weekend- After Hours
-Fan Choice Award: Shawn Mendes
Presented by Will Arnett & Tik Toc group Basement Gang
-Humanitarian Award: The Tragically Hip
It was the most touching moment of the evening where the band’s career got honoured and paid tribute to the late Gord Downie. The band is generous in giving to causes and charities such as War Child and Music Without Borders.
The speeches by each member and Gord Downie’s brother Patrick were all heartwarming and sweet.
Juno Moments-
Shania Twain remembers her Juno Moment when she hosted the 2003 Junos, including the times when she wore different Canadian Hockey Teams jerseys, which was a nice touch. It was a lovely way to honour Canadians.
-Alan Doyle remembers the introduction by the Canadian Rock Band Barenaked Ladies before he and his band Great Big Sea performed on stage.
-Robbie Robertson wishing Junos Happy 50th Birthday and remembers a flashback of a 1989 performance at the Junos
-Celine Dion remembers her performance at the 1988 Junos that marked her career in music.
-Buffy Sainte-Marie remembers the 2017 Junos where she paid tribute to First Nations and reminded Canadians about their history and heritage, along with performances later.
Youtube Clips
-Alanis Morrisette talks about hosting the 2004 Junos when she wore a “skin costume” to look like she’s nude for an act of activism for a song of hers.
-Jully Black remembers her performances with various rap artists, including Maestro Fresh Wes and Choclair.
-Maestro Fresh Wes remembering when he received an award for Rap Recording of the Year in 1991.
-Corey Hart and Julie Masse (separately) remembering a time when they introduced the nominees for an award at the 1993 Junos – each had their perspective of that moment.
– Brent Butt’s 2005 comedic moment dressed as a member of the group Kiss. It was hilarious to watch. His humour is priceless.
– K.D. Lang remembers wearing a wedding dress to accept her award for best female vocalist.
Congratulations again to all the winners. Thank you, Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, for hosting last night’s Junos. It was a lovely evening.
Flora Youssef
