Riff Rant: A Surprisingly Tolerable JUNO Awards
I’ve been saying for years that CTV, the official broadcaster of the JUNO Awards, had ruined the Canadian 
equivalent of the Grammys through its inability to find a way to equally showcase the ratings-friendly pop stars and the critically acclaimed artists that deserve face time as well.
Apart from the atrocities that were Justin Bieber undeservedly winning the Fan Choice award for the fourth consecutive years (thankfully he was booed); the uncomfortableness of co-hosts Classified and Johnny Reid (Serena Ryder could’ve handled this gig by herself, thank you very much); and some awful writing that presenters had to try and spin positively (too many examples to list); last night’s show surpassed Riffyou.com’s expectations. We will enjoy this moment until next year, when chances are that CTV makes us realize that it was all a mirage.
In-house, Matt Mays, Walk Off the Earth, Tegan and Sara, and Ryder executed strong performances, as did Arcade Fire, who provided the show with a pre-taped performance of “Afterlife.” The group, who recently hit Canada on their Reflektor tour, was in Chile for an international edition of Lollapalooza.
Also of interest, Robin Thicke was a last minute scratch from the list of performers, after it was claimed that he’d been put onto “mandatory” vocal rest by doctors. Those on the not-naïve side of the fence know that what likely led to this decision was an online petition that was being circulated to get Thicke off of the show. The petitioner, who I will not mention by name because I believe this was merely a selfish PR stunt, had a problem with the “Blurred Line” lyrics, and suggested that Thicke was advocating rape and objectifying women. This argument is stale, and has been for some time. Read the lyrics, and draw your own conclusions.
As for the major highlights, Tegan and Sara took home Group of the Year and Single of the Year (for “Closer”) trophies, after winning pop album honours on Saturday night. After almost 20 years on the Canadian scene, it was great to see the sisters finally get this type of main stage recognition. Meanwhile, Arcade Fire took home their second consecutive Album of the Year award, this time for Reflektor. With the band out of the country, they sent in a mariachi band-scored ‘thank you’ video, and two friends in giant Papier-mâché masks (armed with air-horns) to grab the trophy.
To close out the night, The Sheepdogs, Matt Mays, and Dallas Good (The Sadies), joined the evening’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Bachman-Turner Overdrive for a startlingly fun rendition of “Takin’ Care of Business.”
Although these moments really made the night feel like a win for the Canadian music community, work still needs to be done. I understand the need to appease the mainstream viewers, but there’s no reason why Artist of the Year, and the major trophies for the rock, pop, metal, alternative, and hip-hop categories can’t be given out on the main telecast. Yes, that would require the show expanding itself to three hours, but what’s the harm?
God forbid more great Canadian talent gets recognized on a Canadian award show for Canadian music fans.
Like, really, The Amazing Race can’t be pre-empted for a night?
-Adam Grant
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