2018 MMVAs Highlight Canadian Talent; Shawn Mendes Grabs Four Awards

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8/27/2018Updated: 8/28/2018

TORONTO—The 2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs on August 26 showcased an array of Canadian talent such as Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara.

A section of Queen Street West in downtown Toronto was closed off for the annual outdoor awards show, which drew hundreds of fans.

Mendes not only opened and closed the show with performances of his songs “Lost in Japan” and “In My Blood,” but took home four awards including Best Pop Artist.

“This means the absolute world to me,” he said upon receiving one of his awards.

Originally from Pickering, Ontario, Mendes recently bought a condo in downtown Toronto, revealing to fans that he now lives just around the corner.

Country artist Brett Kissel. who performed Florida Georgia Line’s part alongside American singer Bebe Rexha for her song “Meant To Be,” had a moment on the red carpet to talk to The Epoch Times about his family and career. He said he challenges himself by writing down his goals. A father of two young girls, he said his family is a major influence toward reaching these goals.

Canadian country artist Brett Kissel on the red carpet at the MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times) — Canadian country artist Brett Kissel on the red carpet at the MMVAs. May Ning/The Epoch Times

“For me right now it’s a perfect mix between my family, and doing good for my wife and doing good for my daughters and making sure that everything I do is something they’d be proud of,” and then also an addiction I have to performing on the stage,” he said.

Also on the red carpet were Canadian producer Vinay Virmani and lead actor Hayden Christensen, who talked about filming their new movie “Little Italy” in Toronto. When asked about competing against the American film industry, Virmani said Canada is holding its own.

“People can’t sleep on Toronto anymore, I don’t think they can sleep on Canada,” said Virmani. “I think the culture and the movement is so strong out here.”

In the media room after the red carpet, Canadian musical duo Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine spoke to reporters about their humble beginnings at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario.

Canadian music duo Jamie Fine (L) and Elijah Woods answer questions in the MMVA media room. (May Ning/The Epoch Times) — Canadian music duo Jamie Fine (L) and Elijah Woods answer questions in the MMVA media room. May Ning/The Epoch Times

“I was in the culinary program and Elijah was in the music program,” Fine said. “Our guitarist now, Matthew, he recorded me without me knowing, and he showed Elijah.”

“We kind of clicked then, and started recording music,” finished Woods.

Hundreds of fans gathered around the red carpet and the surrounding streets, hoping to see some of their favourite stars.

Isabelle travelled an hour from St. Catharines to see the show.“I think Canadians need to support Canadians,” she said. “We all need to come in as a community.”

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