Juno Awards hit Ottawa this weekend

Last year when we liveblogged the Junos, we peeped some of our favourite artists on stage and on the red carpet. People like Classified, Maestro Fresh Wes, Hedley, and the one and only Shania Twain all made incredible appearances and up-staged every person that came before them. Yes, the talent in our great country is that good, and we’re at it again this year in Ottawa.

Sunday, April 1st, 2012 marks the evening of the Juno Awards broadcast this year, to take place in beautiful Rideau Hall in Ottawa. And while we can’t be there in person, we’ll certainly have a great recap of the evening’s stories including the big winners.

William Shatner is set to host this year, and while no one is quite sure how he’ll follow Drake and Russell Peters, we’re sure the Canadian comedic and dramatic legend will find his stride somewhere in the two-hour program.

In terms of who you can expect to take home awards, the following artists have nominations. This isn’t a complete list, but rather a set of who we think should absolutely win in their respective categories. Our picks are:

  • Juno Fan Choice Award – Hedley
  • Single of the Year – Invincible, Hedley
  • International Album of the Year – (who cares, this is the Junos. Canada represent!)
  • Album of the Year – Take Care, Drake
  • Artist of the Year – Drake
  • Group of the Year – Hedley
  • New Artist of the Year – Alyssa Reid
  • New Group of the Year – Hey Rosetta!
  • Songwriter of the Year – Dallas Green
  • Pop Album of the Year – Siberia, Lights
  • Rap Recording of the Year – Handshakes and Middle Fingers, Classified
  • Dance Recording of the Year – Brand New Chick, Anjulie
  • R&B/Soul Recording of the Year – Ghetto Love ft. Kardinall Offishall, Karl Wolf

You can take a look at the full list of nominees at http://junoawards.ca/nominees-winners/.