The Juno Awards http://www.juno-awards.ca are just around the corner. Last year the ceremony was held here in Newfoundland at the Mile One Stadium. This year Canadian musicians will be flying to Ottawa, this year's host of the awards on Sunday, April 6th, 2003 at the Corel Centre. This year's host for the award show is Shania Twain who will also be performing. Also performing this year are Avril Lavigne, Our Lady Peace, Sam Roberts and more!

Up for album of the year are Our Lady Peace, Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain and Daniel Bélanger.

From the Rock
Last year the Junos were here on the rock, Newfoundland. The show was held at the Mile One Stadium and it was the first time for the show to be held in Atlantic Canada. Some of the big winners last year were Nickleback and Diana Krall. Nominees attending the Juno Awards this year from Newfoundland are Crush. The quartet won both as New Group and Rock Group of the year at the 2002 ECMAs. At the Junos they are up for New Group of the Year and are the only group from the Rock to have been nominated.

The History of the Show
The Juno Awards began in 1970, when organizers, Stan Klees and Walt Grealis, who published a weekly music trade publication, held the Gold Leaf Awards in St. Lawrence, Toronto. A year later, the event changed its name to the Juno Awards, at a suggestion of a reader, Hal Philips. The Junos remained exclusive for the next few years until 1975 when it was telecast for the first time. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences was established to handle the event, working with all parts of the music industry in Canada.

The Host Region
The host region this year are the vibrant cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The region is surrounded by beautiful countryside; it is multicultural, bilingual, and rich in culture and heritage. There are 8 national museums including Canada's most popular museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The capital city has a great recreational offering including walking trails, in-line skating, ski slopes and golf courses. The activities are endless. For more information about the city, visit www.ottawa.ca.

The Junos are sure to be a hit and will air live on CTV April 6th, 2003 at 8 pm. To hear the music in your home, on March 11th, 2003 get the Juno Awards CD. It includes 15 songs from 15 nominated Canadian musicians. With songs by Diana Krall, Nickleback and Avril Lavigne, the album is sure to be a seller.