Junos 2018: Barenaked Ladies reunite, Michael Bubl returns and Rascalz rhyme

The emotional reunion of Barenaked Ladies with Steven Page, Michael Bubl's return to the stage and a surprise rap collaboration wereamong the top moments at an upliftingJuno Awards ceremony held Sunday in Vancouver.

Teary-eyed Ladies

The BarenakedLadies and former lead vocalist Steven Page were visibly emotional after being recognized onstage for their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

"To our fans, your passion for our music and our shows continues to astound us," said singer-songwriter and guitarist Ed Robertson. "Thanks to Steve for starting this journey with me and to the guys for continuing it."

Barenaked Ladies sing together at the Junos

7 years ago

Duration 0:55

The Bakenaked Ladies reunited and sang together to accept their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 2018 Juno Awards.

The group, which found major success in the 1990sand early 2000s with songs such as Pinch Me and Old Apartment, reunited with Page for a highly anticipated, one-time performance together after he left the band nine years ago.

They sang two of their hits,One Week andIf I Had $1,000,000,with the same energy and harmonies that made them famous.

• WATCH | The Barenaked Ladies and Steven Page reunion performance at the Junos

The winners

Gord Downie, the late frontman of The Tragically Hip, won artist of the year in addition to other Juno Awards handed out Saturday night. Downiedied in 2017after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

His brothers, Patrick and Mike Downie, accepted the award and used the opportunity to promote Gord Downie's commitment to Indigenous communities.

"He wanteda country that was equitable and inclusive," said Mike Downie. "And right now we have an incredible opportunity to do just that, for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together like never before, change who we think we are, create a new country and a new Canada."

Arcade Fire, who took home album of the year for Everything Now,also shared inspirational words.

"I just hope that we can all rise above negativity in our lives and just do what we believe in,"singer-songwriter Win Butler told the audience. "Speak your truth. Don't be afraid."

Other winners included: Shawn Mendes for fan choice, Tory Lanez for rap recording of the year, Daniel Caesar for R&B/soul recording of the year and JessieReyezfor breakthrough artist of the year.

Reyez, whose powerful performance of Figures was one of the most memorableof the night,told media backstage afterwards that she'll be releasing a new version of the songwith Caesar, who had joined her onstage.

Northern Touch

The rap recording of the year award was presented byRed1, Misfit, Kardinal Offishall, Checkmate, Thrust and Choclair, who appeared on theseminal 1998 track Northern Touch.

Michael Bubl gets personal on the Junos red carpet

7 years ago

Duration 1:50

Michael Bubl, host of the 2018 Juno Awards, talks about his break from the music industry and the importance of family.

The trackfrom the Rascalz' album Cash Crop became one of the most successful hip-hop songs in Canadian history.

READ MORE | Northern Touch at 20: An oral history of the most important rap collaboration in Canadian history

The musicians broke out into arendition of the iconic song while onstage together.

Speaking up for women

Revered singer and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie was one of the few artists who spoke candidly during the broadcast about representation in music.

"It's time for women to be recognized for our accomplishments and our value to this industry," said Sainte-Marie.

She added: "Because it's not here yet."

Bubl breaks silence

Singer Michael Bubl, whohosted the evening,performed alongside jazz artist Diana Krall after a two-year hiatus from the stage. In2016, he asked for privacy afterhis eldest son, Noah, wasdiagnosed with cancerat age three.

The musician's wife, actress LuisanaLopilato,is now expecting theirthird child. Bubl told CBC News before the awards show that performing in his home city with his family and friends in the audience would be"emotional."

"Going through what I've gone through has given me a lot of perspective," he said on the Juno Awards red carpet.

"I know what's important for me and that's my family and having integrity in my life."

Despite the personal struggles, Bublwas upbeat and lighthearted on stage. Hejoked aboutthe trajectory many nominees could take.

"I guarantee within four years, thosesame young acts will bethe international megastarsthatwon't come home and do the Junos."

For a full list of 2018 Juno Awardwinners, click hereand check out the photo gallery from the red carpet below.