The Big Winners

After a breakout 2017 (he’s fresh off of two Grammy nods), Daniel Caesar had a huge night at the Junos. The Toronto singer-songwriter delivered a standout performance and won the first award of the night for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. 

Jessie Reyez, another Toronto hitmaker, was visibly moved after winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year, crying as she gave her acceptance speech. Montreal indie band Arcade Fire also beat out host Michael Bublé to take home Album of the Year and Shawn Mendes won the Fan Choice award.

 

 

 

Remembering Gord Downie

Cue the tears: Canadian stars—including Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir—came together to honour the late Gord Downie in an emotional video. Singers Sarah Harmer and City and Colour then gave a loving performance in tribute to The Tragically Hip frontman, who also won three Junos this weekend (including Artist of the Year).

 

 

 

 

Canada’s #MeToo Moment 

Buffy Sainte-Marie and Grimes had one of the most powerful moments on stage tonight. Before introducing performer Lights, Sainte-Marie took a minute to call for more equity for women in the music industry. “It’s time for change. It’s time for women to be recognized for our accomplishments and our value to this industry,” Sainte-Marie said. “We need to be at the forefront, and advocate and be the catalysts for change. And now is the time to do it.”