The top nominated band was also the most victorious at last night’s MuchMusic Video Awards, with Nickelback taking home three out of the five awards it was up for.
The Vancouver-based band triumphed in the categories Video of the Year, MuchLOUD Rock Video of the Year and Post Production of the Year for the music video version of single Gotta Be Somebody from the band’s 2008 release, Dark Horse.
The MMVAs, which annually shuts down the streets surrounding MuchMusic’s Toronto headquarters at Queen and John streets, didn’t stray from tradition, as fans thronged the area around the outdoor red carpet, hoping to see the host of musicians and celebrities in attendance.
Their enthusiasm for the event was evident when co-hosts the Jonas Brothers took the stage to perform at the top of the show. A gaggle of audience members met the New Jersey pop act with screams, setting an energetic tone for the show.
Gossip blogger Perez Hilton also drew cheers when, on the red carpet, he bypassed the security fence to meet his fans and sign autographs. Professing his appreciation of the city and country, Hilton said, “I love that Toronto feels like a real city … Canada, like Lady Gaga, embraced us before anyone else.”
New York electronic dance artist Lady Gaga was an early winner of the night, taking home the International Video of the Year — Artist award for her single Poker Face, thanking her fans,
“God, and the gays,” before performing later in the night.
Other victorious artists included Toronto-based R&B newcomer Danny Fernandes, who picked up the Pop Video of the Year honour, Toronto alternative rock band Billy Talent who, with their fathers accompanying them, received the International Video of the Year by a Canadian award.
Nova Scotia rapper Classified, a.k.a. Luke Boyd, took home the MuchVibe Hip Hop Video of the Year award, a victory for the artist who said he considers the music he makes a lot different than the mainstream.
“The hip hop that I grew up on was real music, talking about where you’re coming from, what you’re going through and trying to come up with something original. I feel like I should have been in the 90s making hip hop,” he said with a laugh, ”but we’re trying to bring it back now.”
