On the day before the Juno Awards, it was the fans who felt like the winners. Hundreds of screaming fans lined up at Juno Fanfare at St. Vital Centre on Saturday to meet their favourite musicians.
Juno nominees like Tegan and Saraand Walk Off The Earthsigned autographs and The Trews performed for scores of eager fans.
Pop duo Tegan and Sara have four nominations and a lot of supporters. “I'm freaking out,” said one young female fan. “I want to meet Tegan and Sara and I'm a super fan.”
The sisters will take the stage at the Juno Awards to perform their hit “Closer.” Britt Hildebrant has floor tickets to the show, but had to get a little bit closer and meet them in person.
“I've been following them for a long time, like 13 years now,” she said. “I'm just a huge, huge fan.”
A lot of fans for Walk Off The Earth showed up as well. Up for three awards, the group gained fame through online videos.
“I've been following them on YouTube for three years now, so it's cool to actually meet them,” Quincy Houdayer.
“I couldn't be happier to see them, and get an autograph,” said Rob Mark. “I mean it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Fans seized the chance, gathering signatures, selfies and taking in performances. Even the artists can tell Winnipeg is heating up for the big event.
“I was ready for it. It's balmy,” said Mike Taylor of Walk Off The Earth.
For the first time ever, the Junos will be live-streaming backstage interviews with the winners. That happens Saturday night during the Juno dinner and awards as well as tomorrow night during the Juno Awards broadcast.
Log on to the JunoTV website to watch and participate.
- With a report by Alesia Fieldberg
