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The Juno Awards were once something of an embarrassment to Canadians, a pale imitation of the glamorous Grammys that helped feed the northern nation's inferiority complex. Though its intentions to celebrate Canadian music were good, the records that were rewarded often weren't.
But as the Junos prepare to stage their 40th award show, the 2011 nominees list proves how much times have changed. In fact, when the Juno Awards are doled out in Toronto on March 27 they'll find themselves with a similar line-up as their Grammy cousins: indie icons Arcade Fire, mop-topped pop phenom Justin Bieber and hip-hop golden boy Drake, who earned six nominations ranging from Album, Artist and Songwriter of the Year to best rap recording and best single. The former 'Degrassi' star has also been upgraded to Juno MC, following in the shoes of former nominated hosts Shania Twain and Alanis Morissette.
For the past decade Canada's indie invasion guaranteed an enviably amazing roster on the best alternative categories -- and this year is no different, with frontrunner Arcade Fire facing off against fellow multiple-nominee Broken Social Scene (group, alternative, video and DVD), Polaris winners Karkwa and Owen Pallett and previous nominee Tokyo Police Club.
But nowadays Canadians are at the forefront of nearly every genre, and selling enough to land nods in the major categories which have sales requirements. So, unlike their last round of craft category nominations for 'Neon Bible,' this time Arcade Fire also earned nods for Album of the Year (as well as best group, songwriter, producer and packaging).
