Only the final touches remain before the Juno Awards ceremony on Sunday. CTV got a sneak peek of how Winnipeg will showcase today's hottest Canadian music this weekend.
On Friday, musicians warmed up for the Junos in a city famous for its chill.
“It's freezing, totally freezing here. A polar bear just stole my scarf,” said Juno host and singer Johnny Reid.
Reid and co-host Serena Ryder said they have big plans for Sunday night.
“A lot of total surprises Sunday evening, I cannot tell them, but it's going to be exciting,” said Reid.
Performer Classified will join the pair. For the first time, three hosts will lead the show, all from different genres of music.
The change marks another evolution for the Junos. As John Brunton celebrates 20 years as the executive director, he reflects on the big changes in the Canadian music scene.
“There wasn't much of a business here in Canada,” he said. “Now, it's like every six weeks, a new act is breaking. Social media has played a big part.”
Another example of how social media contributes to the Junos, Tegan and Sara will perform their song “Closer” alongside a choir picked from fans who submitted audition videos online.
Other performers include Robin Thicke, Sarah McLachlan, and the Juno hosts.
Ryder has the added pressure of five Juno nominations.
“I think I'm not going to think about it too much and just have a good time,” said Ryder.
Thousands of fans will fill the MTS Centre. Millions more will watch on TV and on the Internet.
Tickets to the show were still available Friday evening. The first time Winnipeg hosted the Junos in 2005, tickets sold out right away,
Junos executive director John Brunton suspects having the Jets now, a lot of other big acts performing here, and the cold weather affected ticket sales.
The 2014 Juno Awards take place Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. CTV is also hosting a red carpet show starting at 6:30 p.m.
- With a report by Alesia Fieldberg
