JUSTIN BIEBER, ADELE, DRAGONETTE, DRAKE & THE SHEEPDOGS AMONG WINNERS AT 2012 JUNO AWARDS

Justin Bieber in Toronto - December 2011

Congratulations to Justin Bieber for being voted 2012 JUNO Fan Choice Award Winner!  Taking place in Ottawa this year at Scotiabank Theatre and hosted by William Shatner, there was an eclectic mix of Winners this year especially.  The Sheepdogs lead the tally with three wins including Single of the Year (I Don't Know), New Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year (Leave & Burn). 

Other big Winners tonight included Martin Solveig & Dragonette (Dance Recording of the Year - Hello), Drake (Rap Recording of the Year - Take Care), Hedley (Pop Album of the Year - Storms), Arkells (Group of the Year), Adele (International Album of the Year - 21), Michael Bublé (Album of the Year - Christmas) and more.  

Click here for a complete list of Winners.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HEDLEY, DRAKE, FEIST, CITY AND COLOUR, NICKELBACK AND DAN MANGAN EACH GARNER FOUR JUNO NOMINATIONS

The Boys of Hedley joke around with Police Officer backstage at 2008 Bell Celebrity Gala

It's an even match with this year's JUNO Award Nominees being announced earlier today.  Collecting four nominations apiece are Hedley, Nickelback, City and Colour, Dan Mangan, Drake and Feist.  Blue Rodeo will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame also this year at the show which takes place April 1, 2012 in Ottawa at Scotiabank Place.  William Shatner will be hosting the Broadcast.

Canadian Fans can vote for the Juno Fan Choice Award with Finalists including: Arcade Fire, Avril Lavigne, City and Colour, Deadmau5, Drake, Ginette Reno, Hedley, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé and Nickelback.  Hmm. Wonder who's gonna win this...

Tickets go on sale February 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM here.

CTV will be airing the JUNO Awards. Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

K'NAAN SPOTTED IN TORONTO

K'Naan & Mr. Will-W.

Although there is no set release state still for his next Disc, Juno Award-winning Rapper/Singer/Poet K'naan appears to be in his Hometown of Toronto right now to visit his Family.  Known best for his internationally-known Hit, Wavin' Flag, the Musician has gone from the humility of Rexdale to the poshness of Yorkville, where he was spotted earlier this evening, hanging out for a while in front of Summer's Ice Cream, after posing for Photos with Fans in front of his Hotel.

Follow K'naan on Twitter here.

MY GODMOTHER & DRAKE BACKSTAGE AT THE JUNOS FOR "OLD MONEY"

Drake & Cast of Old Money Skit

My Godmother Angela is the best!  This Morning she e-mailed me this and a few Candid Photos to show all my Friends.  This Photo was taken Backstage with Host Drake and her fellow Skit Cast Mates from this past Sunday's Juno Awards.  As you can see, Drake not only is representing the Young Money but also the Old Money.

In case you missed the much-talked about Old Money Skit the first time, you can watch it in full on CTV's website here.  So awesome!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via Godmother Angela)

SHANIA TWAIN RECEIVES CANADIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME AWARD FROM BRYAN ADAMS AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Shania Twain at 2011 Juno Awards

Shania Twain received a Heroine's Welcome Home earlier this evening at Air Canada Centre during the live televised broadcast of the 40th annual Juno Awards. Receiving the Canadian Music Hall of Fame Award from Friend and former Recipient Bryan Adams, a radiant Twain received a warm round of applause from the audience.

In a congratulatory Video Message from Grammy Winner Taylor Swift, she credits Twain as being "the reason I'm doing this.".  Twain was then on-stage and in her Speech told the audience, "I'm just so proud of Canada's talent", before promising new Music soon.

Accompanied by her Swiss Husband Frederic Thiebaud, the recently-wed Couple could be seen rocking out to Canadian Band Hedley's ballad Perfect, cheering along loudly as captured in this Video I got of them below. They were so close but so far away!

Watch the happy Couple below:

DRAKE AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Drake at the 2011 Juno Awards

Toronto's v. own Drake made his City proud tonight, playing Host to the 2011 Juno Awards (the 40th edition of the ceremonies).  Working every muscle of his talent from Comedic Chops to Singing to Rapping, the 24 year-old easily won the audience over.  

A pre-recorded Video Clip showed him Skyping his Buddy Justin Bieber, who is currently busy touring in Eurpoe, and doing a Duet to Sarah McLachlan's I Will Remember You together.  He also jokingly serenaded Shania Twain, telling her how he'd like to "make her feel like a Woman".  Nervy, considering her new Husband Frederic Thiebaud was right beside her!

The evening's biggest highlight was his parody called Old Money, poking fun at Lil Wayne's Record Label (which he is signed to), Young Money.  And get this, my Godmother Angela starred in the Skit too as a Champagne-drinkin' Granny!  Way to Godmother!  Yay! Watch the Clip in full here at CTV.

Earlier in the evening, Drake zipped right through the Red Carpet after signing a few Autographs, much to the disappointment of shivering Fans hoping to get a Photo with him. 

See some more snaps I got of him below:

SARAH MCLACHLAN AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Sarah McLachlan & Mr. Will-W.

One of Canada's greatest treasures, Sarah McLachlan despite a busy touring schedule took time-out to make an appearance at the 2011 Juno Awards tonight at Air Canada Centre.  Notoriously Fan-gracious, she made an appearance on the Red Carpet tonight and also performed Loving You is Easy, a track off her latest disc Laws of Illusion.

And having seen her in-Concert before multiple times, she always has been one of the Artists I've always wanted to meet most and finally I got my wish come true on the Red Carpet.  After heeding to the requests of screaming Fans, she gestured with her hands to calm down, then coming over to greet them one by one.  She's just absolutely wonderful.  *gush*

See some more Photos I got of McLachlan below:

CANADA'S BIGGEST STARS GRACE THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Although it was a rather chilly, windy day in Toronto, Fans were not deterred by the Star Power of the 2011 Juno Awards.  Some even lined-up as early as 8:30 AM to secure a spot at the Fans-only Red Carpet, winners who were awarded  spots by CTV's eTalk.

For a complete list of winners from this evening, click here.

See below some of Canada's biggest Stars gracing the Red Carpet and Awards Show below as snapped through my lens, an Olympus E-PL2.  A warm Thank You goes to   the amazingly thoughtful and always knowledgable Team at Media Profile, one of the City's best Public Relations Agencies for their generosity.



Danny Fernandes & Shawn Desman

Johnny Reid

Jacob Hoggard of Hedley

SHAD WINS 2011 JUNO AWARD FOR BEST RAP ALBUM

Shad & Mr. Will-W.

In what could be deemed an upset victory, Toronto's v. own Shad defeated another homegrown talent Drake at the 2011 Juno Awards in the category of Best Rap Album for his 2010 Disc, TSOL.  Drake was considered the heavy favourite to win based on his popularity.  After having been handed the Award Saturday night at the Juno Awards Gala, Shad made a low-key appearance on the Red Carpet in the true spirit of a Torontonian.

I was fortunate enough to get my Photo taken with him as surely this will be much tougher to obtain in the future seeing his heightening of profile.  One to keep a tab on.

Follow Shad on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LAST MINUTE PREPS FOR 2011 JUNO AWARDS

2011 Juno Awards Red Carpet

The CTV Crew and Volunteers are hard at work setting-up for tomorrow's Red Carpet festivities.  Speaking to one Producer who arrived at 11:00 AM today she told me her day was all action, still standing on her toes in the Cold at 8:30 PM outside of Air Canada Centre.  And that doesn't even include the long day ahead she and the Crew have tomorrow for Canada's biggest day in Music!

I'll definitely be in the Red Carpet area tomorrow, bringing you some awesome shots.  Don't forget to check back for the excitement, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SHANIA TWAIN'S HUSBAND FREDERIC THIEBAUD SPOTTED IN TORONTO FOR JUNO AWARDS

Frederic Thiebaud in Toronto - March 2011

Man!  He makes her feel like a Woman!  Shania Twain's Husband Frederic Thiebaud was spotted arriving in Toronto with full Entourage in tow (including a Sister Carrie-Ann, seen left) earlier today. The Swiss Nestle Executive was all smiles for my Camera, before heading into their Hotel.

Twain, who is scheduled to receive her Canadian Music Hall of Fame Award at tomorrow evening's Juno Awards, was a little more discreet with her entrance.  She won't be able to avoid those Cameras tomorrow night at the Red Carpet.  And I'll be there!  Don't forget to check back for the Glamazon herself!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LADY ANTEBELLUM FRONTMAN CHARLES KELLEY IN TORONTO FOR JUNO AWARDS | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

Charles Kelley & Mr. Will-W.

Lady Antebellum Frontman Charles Kelley flew in from Nashville today along with his Wife, Publicist Cassie McConnell. Arriving cool and casual in a Ball Cap and Jeans, the incredibly tall and attractive Singer/Songwriter was all smiles in delivering love to Fans, including myself asking me, "Are you going to the show tomorrow?".  Of course I'll be there at the Red Carpet to soak in the fun!

Despite Fans asking McConnell to take a Photo, she was much shier in declining to be photographed.

Kelley will be representing his five-time Grammy-winning trio this weekend at the Juno Awards. He was spotted at EMI's Pre-Juno Bash at the Masonic Temple this evening and tomorrow evening will be presenting an Award at the Air Canada Centre festivities.

Enjoy some more Photos of Kelley out and about in Toronto below:

BLUE RODEO'S JIM CUDDY READY FOR JUNO AWARDS

Jim Cuddy & Mr. Will-W.

Blue Rodeo's Canadian legacy is well-documented and since forming in 1984, the Toronto-based Group has gone on to release twelve Albums under Warner Music Canada.  Hits Try and Bulletproof will forever have a place on Canadian Radio as national treasures.

Frontman Jim Cuddy arrived at the TIFF Bell Lightbox earlier this evening to present the Documentary, Blue Rodeo: In Stereovision, directed by Ron Mann.  Before arriving at the Screening, Cuddy stopped to pose for a few Photos with Fans and signed some Autographs -gracious and all- before being swept away to introduce the Film.

Cuddy will be performing tomorrow night at the Juno Awards alongside Sarah Slean in a  ten-minute Medley Tribute called A Love Letter to Toronto.  The Medley will have various Toronto-based Musicians performing renditions of Canadian Classics.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JOHNNY REID IN TORONTO FOR JUNO AWARDS

Johnny Reid & Mr. Will-W.

Scottish-born, Quebec-educated and now Nashville-based, Country sensation Johnny Reid has seen his star rise over the past couple years and only at the age of 35 did he release his first major label release.  A Placed Called Love was released last August through EMI and has gone on reach two-time Platinum sales here in Canada.

Earlier this evening Reid was honoured with his first Juno Award in the category of Country Album of the Year, his second year in-a-row winning in the category.  His Album Dance with Me won a Juno at the 2010 Juno Awards.

Reid was kind enough to pose for a Photo with Fans, including me on his way out the EMI Pre-Junos Bash held at Masonic Temple earlier this evening.  A true class act.  Congratulations, Johnny!

See more Photos of Reid below:

JUNO AWARDS RED CARPET COVERAGE

Shania Twain

With just four days to the Juno Awards left, are you Guys excited yet or what?  I know I am and I will be lined-up at the Red Carpet and ready to deliver some awesome coverage for you!

CTV has confirmed today that among the superstars to walk the Red Carpet this Sunday at Air Canada Centre are Host Drake, Neil Young, Metric, Hedley and Shania Twain. This will mark the tenth year the Network will be airing the Awards.

You can catch the Red Carpet festivities in Ontario and Quebec at 6:30 PM ET, in Alberta at 6:30 PM MT and in the Atlantic at 7:30 PM AT.

eTalk at The Junos, an hour-long Special, will air in BC at 6:00 PM PT, Winnipeg at 6:00 PM CT and on CP24 at 6:30 PM ET.

If you have questions for your favourite Celebrities on the Red Carpet, you can Tweet Gossip Maven Lainey Lui at @etalkCTV during the broacast.

(Photo credit: ShaniaTwain.Com)

DRAKE LEADS JUNO NOMINEES

Sir Richard Branson & Drake - June 2010

In addition to hosting this year's Juno Awards, Toronto's Pride and Joy Drake, gets an impressive six nominations, as announced earlier this morning at the Royal York Hotel.

Drake scored nods in major categories such as Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Artist of the Year. Teen sensation Justin Bieber who is in town today promoting his 3-D Documentary Never Say Never, scored two important nods for Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. Arcade Fire is also up for multiple categories including Album of the Year and Group of the Year.

In a category we'll be watching closely, friends of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, Dragonette, are up for Dance Recording of the Year with Fixin' to Thrill. The Toronto-based Trio are up against Mia Martina & Edward Maya's heavily-played Stereo Love; other Artists in the race include Chromeo, Keshia Chante and Deadmau5.

The Junos will air on CTV, March 27, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST.  Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SHANIA TWAIN TO BE INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Shania Twain

Congratulations to Shania Twain in what’s already shaping-up to be a fantastic year for her! It was announced last night that she will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the JUNO Awards, which will take place in Toronto on March 27, 2011.  CTV will be broadcasting the event, hosted by Rapper Drake. The JUNOs though, are nothing new for the just-remarried Twain who in her illustrious career has nabbed a total 12 Awards honouring the best in Canadian Music.

DRAKE HOSTING 2011 JUNO AWARDS IN TORONTO

Drake at Virgin Airlines Toronto Launch

Well-deserved, wouldn't you say?  Toronto's v. own Drake has been announced as host of the 2011 Juno Awards in the City on March 27, 2010.  Although Nominees have yet to be announced, you will be happy to know that you too can be a part of the fun as Tickets go on sale February 5, 2011.  

Click here for more details.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MICHAEL BUBLÉ CLEANS UP AT THE JUNOS

Handsome crooner Michael Bublé cleaned up at the Juno Awards held at the Mile One Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland tonight.   The annual ceremony honours the very best in Canadian music, moving its venue from city to city each year.  In addition to winning the much-hyped Pepsi Junos Fan Choice Award, Bublé also won Single of the Year for Haven't Met You Yet, Pop Album of the Year for Crazy Love and the evening's most coveted award, Album of the Year.  While accepting his Fan Choice Award, he thanked his fans "black, white, gay or straight" for their loyalty.  It's always refreshing seeing him humbly pay proper tribute to his Canadian roots and fans despite having experienced massive international success.  He is a true class act who chooses to live in Canada even though he could afford to be anywhere he wants to be.

Up-and-coming rapper Drake who is already doing extremely well south of the border also, won the important Best New Artist Award, beating out his stiffest competition, teen sensation Justin Bieber who requested specifically to be seated beside him this evening.  Drake commended Bieber for his hard work and dedicated his award to him, before winning Best Rap Recording of the Year for his EP So Far Gone.

Canadian dance sensation Deadmau5 who showed up at the event in mouse headgear, won Best Dance Recording for his album For Lack of A Better Name.  Rapper K'naan who has raised his profile significantly since his single Wavin' Flag was covered as a charity single by some of Canada's biggest acts in aid of Haiti, won Artist of the Year no doubt based on his recent publicity.  Kings of Leon won Best International Album for Only By The Night although they were not in attendance tonight.

For a complete list of winners, visit CTV's Juno website.  (Photo credit: Canadian Press)