2018 MMVAs Highlight Canadian Talent; Shawn Mendes Grabs Four Awards

2018 MMVAs Highlight Canadian Talent; Shawn Mendes Grabs Four Awards
Celebrities on the red carpet at the annual iHeartRadio MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
8/27/2018
Updated:
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.”

More pictures:
Shawn Mendes talks to reporters on the red carpet at the MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Shawn Mendes talks to reporters on the red carpet at the MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian singer and songwriter Alessia Cara stands between brother-sister country duo The Reklaws on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian singer and songwriter Alessia Cara stands between brother-sister country duo The Reklaws on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Professional ballroom dancer Derek Hough speaks to reporters on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Professional ballroom dancer Derek Hough speaks to reporters on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian girl-band The Beaches on the red carpet at the MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian girl-band The Beaches on the red carpet at the MMVAs. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
American singer/songwriter Madison Beer in the MMVA media room. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
American singer/songwriter Madison Beer in the MMVA media room. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Chinese Canadian musician Kris Wu on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Chinese Canadian musician Kris Wu on the red carpet. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian director Karena Evans is all smiles in the media room. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Canadian director Karena Evans is all smiles in the media room. (May Ning/The Epoch Times)
Full list of award winners:

iHeartRadio MMVA Artist for Change: Halsey

Best Rock/Alternative Artist or Group: Imagine Dragons

Best Pop Artist or Group: Shawn Mendes

Best EDM/Dance Artist or Group: Marshmello

Best Hip Hop Artist or Group: Drake

Best Director: Drake – God’s Plan Director: Karena Evans

Video of the Year: Logic ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid – 1-800-273-8255

Single of the Year: Ed Sheeran – Perfect

Artist of the Year: Shawn Mendes

Song of the Summer: Loud Luxury feat. Brando — Body

Best Collaboration: Bebe Rexha + Florida Georgia Line – Meant To Be

Best New Canadian Artist or Group: Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine

Fan Fave Artist: Shawn Mendes

Fan Fave Duo or Group: BTS

Fan Fave Video: Shawn Mendes – In My Blood

Fan Fave Single: Selena Gomez featuring Marshmello – Wolves

Fan Fave New Artist: Kris Wu

Fan Fave Much Creator: TheDanocracy – Dan Rodo