BC pop rockers Hedley were the big award winners at the 25th MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto, Sunday night. The event, at the Bell Media Centre on trendy Queen St. W., which glam rock icon David Bowie quipped was "run by children," seemed more mature than most of its predecessors. Critics felt it was better run technically and its guests, presenters, and hosts better behaved.
No glaring gaffes or particularly lewd and crude behavior was exhibited. Nothing approached the mooning of 2008's mooning, unintentional, of the audience by Avril Lavigne. The Canadian singer nether garments were weighed down by wireless sound gear, and subsequently sagged. Perhaps there was no dress, or undress, rehearsal that year. Neither was there any impromptu profanity, caught by microphones which were supposed to be off, by guests or hosts who were supposed to be professional.
Enough of its fatuous floss was retained, however, to appeal to its core viewers. Continuing was the MMVA's red carpet arrivals have developed a tradition of off-the-wall behaviour and unusual modes of transport. English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who performed during the show, arrived in a blue food truck. He then proceeded to hand out paper cones of french fries, or chips as the English call them, to attendant fans. (The most eye catching and perhaps ear-splitting red carpet arrival at the MMVA remains that of Billy Talent. In 2005, the Mississauga quartet arrived in a 1942 Sherman tank.)
The Sunday evening show was hosted by Kendall and Kylie Jenner, sisters and stars of the reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Reviews type them as competent, but unexciting.
Hedley took home three awards. The Video of the Year was presented for their tune Anything. They also won Pop Video of the Year; and Favourite Video of the Year. In 2008, this quartet glommed four awards, and two years later performed at the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Toronto-based rapper, songwriter, and producer Drake copped two awards. Drake, who did not attend the event, was awarded the International Video of the Year by a Canadian, for Hold On, We're Going Home, as well as Hip-Hop Video of the Year, for Worst Behavior.
New Zealand's pop singer-songwriter Lorde snagged the International Video of the Year, for Royals. She also performed at the event, singing her songs Tennis Court and Team.
Justin Bieber's year of behaving badly apparently did not affect his popularity with MMVA. He scored the Favourite Artist or Group of the Year award.
In addition to Sheeran and Lorde, other artists performing at the event were Ariana Grande, Magic!, the Sam Roberts Band, and Virginia to Vegas.
The MMVA show was simulcast for the first time on the CTV network. CTV is another part of parent company Bell Globemedia's empire.