JUNOS Hype Palatable on The Carpet at Nomination Day

The 53rd annual JUNO awards are returning to Halifax for the first time in 16 years on March 24th. Addicted Magazine got to be up close and personal with the nominees on the carpet as they celebrated being recognized by the JUNOs and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

(all images by Lindsay Anne Delaney)

We spoke to Allan Reid who shared, that there are 90 first time JUNO nominees this year. He adds “we’re here to help elevate and share the work of Canadian artists.” Speaking to the importance of diversity, Reid noted that there were 33 Indigenous nominees this year. 9 years ago CARAS made a commitment to having Indigenous artists at the show every year and the increase in diversity speaks to this mandate to show the true tapestry of Canadian music.

Charlotte Cardin leads the nominations with six nods to her talent. Aysanabee also has three nominations with one of his producers also getting a nomination. The Mighty siblings also cleaned up, with Haviah getting two nominations and her sister Omega getting one as well.

Nomination Jah’Mila, native of Nova Scotia who has performed in the road to the JUNOS tells us, she’s so grateful to be nominated. She made sure to thank her entire team and family and gave a “big up” to Halifax. “Being a Nova Scotian now and being able to represent the best of what our city has to offer for the entirety of Canada to see – to be a part of that is a blessing.”

Country singer Josh Ross, singer-songwriter and rapper Karan Aujla and singer Talk will be performing on the March 24 Juno Awards broadcast. Nelly Furtado, who’s hosting the awards this year, will also perform, as will previously announced Cardin, the Beaches and this year’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee, Maestro Fresh Wes.