Juno Awards 2012 Memorable Moments
The 41st annual Juno Awards kicked off in Ottawa, Ont., at Scotiabank Place and took a turn to the indie side of the tracks in a Shatner-filled, technologically advanced and surprising awards show.
William Shatner Hosts
Declaring that he wanted to "rock" and become a "rock star" at the top of the show, Shatner attempted to revitalize his music career by propositioning the members of Nickelback and Hedley's Jacob Hoggard for a spot in their bands.
See more: Feist, The Sheepdogs take home many awards
He proposed that Nickelback rename their band "Nickelshat" and showed off his "toos" to Hoggard while he begged to be included during tonight's comedy sketch packages. Even though the show's heart was in the right place, each sketch seemed very contrived on Shatner's part and made him seem like the embarrassing uncle at a wedding that you wish would just sit down and be quiet.
Feist Rules the Night
Feist dominated the Junos this year winning two during last night's pre-broadcast gala and picked up Artist of the Year during tonight's ceremony. This is the Nova Scotian songstress' eleventh Juno win and she showed the crowd why she is such a celebrated artist by delivering an electrifying performance of her song, "The Bad in Each Other."
See more: Drake breaks losing Junos streak
The Sheepdogs Come Out on Top
The Sheepdogs also emerged victorious three times over by grabbing Single of the Year for their track, "I Don't Know." They are currently in Australia touring with John Fogerty, but sent a video message with their gratitude for the win. The band previously won Rock Album of the Year and New Group of the Year making their Juno hat trick complete.
See more: Best and worst Juno Awards fashion
Christmas Album Beats Drake, Nickelback
Christmas came early for Michael Bublé, as he emerged triumphant in the Album of the Year category for his holiday disc, "Christmas." The crooner is currently overseas in Brazil, but sent a video message with his words of thanks. However, when a Christmas album beats Drake's Juno-winning disc, "Take Care," and Nickelback's million seller, "Here And Now," it begins to question the integrity of the 41-year-old awards show.
Overall, the Juno Awards favoured the indie artists with major wins by Dan Mangan for New Artist of the Year, Dallas Green for Songwriter of the Year and Feist and the Sheepdogs for their multiple victories. This may be a sign that the Juno Awards are favouring talented indie talent rather than celebrating popular mainstream music. If this is the case, there may be hope for the awards.
