Listen to Christine’s report here

Nominations for this year’s Juno Awards were announced virtually from the newly renovated historic Massey Hall. Expect a big change in venue for the event, after two years of lock down and virtual awards.

For the first time ever, the event will be held outdoors at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage May 15th.

“The Juno Awards will honour the best in Canadian music, we’ll be handing out 46 Junos,” said Allan Reid is President and CEO of CARAS.

Toronto’s own star of TV and film Simu Liu will host the awards show.

“Canadian artists are making themselves heard around the world and I can’t wait to celebrate all the talent this amazing country has to offer,” said  Liu.

There are 80 first time nominees up for the 46 Junos. Justin Bieber is the first artist to land both Juno and Grammy nominations for album of the year and record of the year.

On the Classical music side, Montreal’s Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who conducts New York’s Metropolitan Opera is up for two awards.  Against the Grain Theatre with Toronto Symphony Orchestra is nominated for album of the year large ensemble.

And classical album small ensemble nominee Angèle Dubeau recently spoke with host Mark Wigmore from The New Classical FM  about her career and her all female string ensemble la Pieta.

“It’s always music that speaks to me, I always choose with my goosebumps.”

There is a decidedly younger feel to awards this year, with the Tik Tok fan choice award.

And at the tender age of 3, Romeo becomes the youngest nominee in Juno Awards history. Alongside his parents, both members of the band Walk of the Earth,  Romeo is nominated for children’s album of the year.

And The late Black music trailblazer Denis Jones will receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award.

Complete list of nominees click  here

Tickets for the outdoor show Sunday May 15th at Budweiser Stage go on sale on Friday.