BILLY TALENT, K-OS, FURTADO LEAD JUNO RACE Reuters Rockers Billy Talent, hip-hop star k-os and songstress Nelly Furtado lead the pack with five nominations each for the 2007 Juno Awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced late on Tuesday.
"This is music at its best," Melanie Berry, president of the academy, said in a statement announcing the Junos, Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
"The diversity and caliber of home-grown talent represented across all 39 categories truly exemplifies the unparalleled artistry of Canada's musicians and the distinction of the Juno Awards," Berry said.
Billy Talent, k-os and Furtado are up for best single, as are songwriters Chantal Kreviazuk and Jim Cuddy, the front man for rootsy group Blue Rodeo.
Furtado and Billy Talent are also up for album of the year along with rock bands Hedley and Three Days Grace. Quebec superstar Gregory Charles is also weighing in.
Best artist nominations went to jazz crooner Diana Krall, Charles, and Loreena McKennitt, best known for her Celtic music. Furtado and Pierre Lapointe were also given a nod.
Breakout artists nominated for new artist of the year include Canadian Idol's Eva Avila and Melissa O'Neil, as well as Neverending White Lights, Patrick Watson and Tomi Swick.
Group of the year nominations include Alexisonfire, Billy Talent, Hedley, the Tragically Hip, and Three Days Grace.
The international album of the year nominations include heavyweights Dixie Chicks, Il Divo, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The Juno ceremonies will take place April 1 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and will be hosted by Furtado. |