The 2017 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards brings down the rain
This years 2017 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards took place right here in Toronto, and it brought all the energy and stars out alike in spite of the weather being on the moody side.
The rain however didn’t stop the show from producing a banger and a heap of talent from performers and celebrities including YouTube sensation and Canada’s very own iisuperwomanii Lily Singh, who unapologetically marched through the red carpet accompanied by a band of younger girls, wearing a “Love Thy Sister” t-shirt. Others who joined the show was Post Malone donning a swaggy all black ensemble, Iggy Azalea, and former Fifth Harmony member Camilla Cabello. With Alessia Cara and Joe Jonas as hosts for this year’s awards, it was clear the night would be promising.
The show kicked off with a performance from Camilla Cabello who sang “Crying in the Club” and performer Lorde got to take home the first award of the night for iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year. The show was off to an amazing start.
During the break, I got to check out the cool perks of being backstage including a live Q & A with some of the artists and who could omit the “Paw-Pup” Room where a puppy paradise stole the show and a few hearts, including my own.
On the main stage, some of the night’s winners were;
–VIDEO OF THE YEAR – A Tribe called Red ft. Yasmin Bey, Narcy, Black Bear – “R.E.D”
-BEST POP VIDEO – Shawn Mendes – “Mercy”
–iHEART RADIO INTERNATIONAL DUO GROUP OF THE YEAR – Imagine Dragons
-BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Camilla Cabello
-FAN FAVE VIDEO- ARKELLS – “Knocking At The Door”
–BEST HIP HOP VIDEO – Tasha the Amazon – “Picasso Leaning”
Meanwhile, in the press room, guests including JusReign, Imagine Dragons, and Dove Cameron came to answer a few burning questions from fellow bloggers and media. I was especially excited for Imagine Dragons who were humble about the amount of success they had garnered over the last couple of years and Victoria’s Secret supermodel Martha Hunt talked about her current favourite fashion trends as well as her desire to be a part of more music videos.
When asked about which music video of all time she would have liked to been a part of she gushed about George Michaels “ Freedom” which was “iconic” for its time in terms of collaboration with an otherwise foreign world of supermodels.
Hunt also revealed some of her go to fashion staples including, fishnet stockings, anything with mesh, cropped denim jackets and who could forget the biggest trend of year, body suits. The beauty concurs, that 2017 is a great time because there are “no rules in fashion” which is good news for those of us who dread the idea of getting dressed – let alone being stylish.
Kat Graham best known for her work on the popular series, The Vampire Diaries, discussed the importance of maintaining an integrity to oneself as an artist and poignantly stated her desire to remain true to herself regardless of popular opinion. This was especially refreshing to hear from a person who is well integrated with the culture of celebrity.
Graham discussed her personal inspirations for fashion and didn’t shy away from naming a few recognizable names including Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Naomi Campbell. She went on to talk about the power of women as well as sharing her advice on how to stay motivated towards achieving personal goals. She mentioned to look at the people that came before us and draw inspiration from them.
Graham wasn’t the only one discussing the common theme of keeping authentic as an artist and a person. Singer-songwriter Scott Helman spoke on the values of being an artist and not just be “an idea of someone”.
I also got to personally ask one of my favourite YouTubers, Tyler Oakley, given his ten year experience as an online presence, the differences he noticed in the YT community between then and now. He said that while Youtube is currently completely saturated with content, he was pleased to see the imminent influence of the LBGTQ community in contrast to when he first began his YT career.
JusReign, another popular fellow YouTuber, reflected on his role as one of the first East Indian persons online and how he managed to breakthrough many unpopular stereotypes attached to his culture.
Overall, it was not only a night filled with entertainment, it was also filled with thoughtful discussion relating to diversity in the media as well as sustaining a strong sense of self. I was particularly impressed by the way the artists spoke about these issues and weren’t primarily focused on their work alone. Other artists who joined the press room included the Arkells, and actor/singer Darren Criss.
Rain or shine, the 2017 iHeart MuchMusic Video Awards was surely one of the most memorable nights to say the least. It just come to show that Canadians really do know how to throw an unforgettable awards show and we certainly can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Congratulations to all the winners!
