Junos 2023: The Weeknd wins big, Avril Lavigne confronts topless protestor onstage
CBC
Toronto singer The Weeknd now has the second-most Juno awards of all time, after winning album of the year during Monday night's ceremony hosted by Shang Chi actor Simu Liu.
The Canadian music awards show handed out five prizes throughout the evening: the TikTok Juno fan choice award, album of the year, breakthrough artist of the year, rap album/EP of the year and contemporary R&B recording of the year.
The show also featured Nickelback's induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and a 50th anniversary tribute to hip-hop in Canada. But an early incident nearly overshadowed the rest of the event.
Pop-punk star Avril Lavigne won the final award of the evening, the TikTok Juno fan choice award, alluding in her speech to a bizarre moment earlier in the ceremony when a topless protester appeared on stage behind her.
"Now nobody try anything this time. I'll f--k a b-tch up," Lavigne joked.
At the top of the show, Lavigne was introducing Canadian-Punjabi singer AP Dhillon's performance, when the woman appeared on the stage behind her.
A message written on her back appeared to read "SAVE THE GREEN BELT" — an apparent reference to a controversial development plan by the Ontario government.
Lavigne turned around and told the woman to "get the f--k off," swatting at her breast. A security guard then escorted the protester off the stage. CBC News cannot yet confirm why the woman climbed onto the stage or whether she was escorted from the building.
Liu later gave kudos to Lavigne for "handling that topless lady like a champion."
The Weeknd won album of the year for Dawn FM, though he was a no-show at the ceremony, prompting jeers from the audience. The Toronto singer also won four awards during the Junos opening night ceremony on Saturday evening, when 40 awards were given out.
Toronto artist Jessie Reyez took home the R&B prize for her 2022 album YESSIE, later performing her song Mutual Friend onstage.
"It's an honour to be recognized at home," Reyez said during her acceptance speech, adding that she was grateful to be nominated alongside talents like DVSN and Savannah Ré.
Timmins, Ont., pop artist Preston Pablo won breakthrough artist of the year. During his speech, the 21-year-old singer thanked his family and "the amazing fans for being such a huge part of why I'm here today."
The rock band Nickelback was later inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
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