Arcade Fire win best album at Canada's Junos

[March 28, 2011]  TORONTO (AP) -- Canadian indie band Arcade Fire followed their huge victories at the Grammys and Brit awards by capturing four Juno awards including album of the year for "The Suburbs" and group of the year at the Canadian music awards ceremony Sunday night.

After the rockers' surprise Grammy for best album of the year and Brit award win for best international album, it would have been shocking if the critic darlings didn't snag a Juno for the success of their album in the country they call home and where they initially built their fan base.

"We're truly overwhelmed," said the band's gangly multi-instrumentalist, Richard Reed Parry in Toronto's Air Canada Center where the Junos were held. "Thank you everybody. Thank you to Montreal, our home where we all live, and thanks to Toronto."

"Toronto is one of the first places we had, like, really exciting shows and felt like something crazy might be about to happen. And something did. So thanks for being there with us."

The rock outfit also won best alternative album of the year and songwriter of the year, leaving them short of just one win out of their five nominations.

"The Suburbs" beat out pint-sized pop star Justin Bieber's "My World 2.0," Drake's "Thank Me Later," Hedley's "The Show Must Go On," and "A Place Called Love."

But the side-swept coifed Bieber did not go home empty-handed. The 17-year-old teen-pop titan won the first two Juno awards of his career for pop album of the year and the Juno fan choice award.

Unfortunately for millions of his tween devotees watching the televised show, the platinum-selling, pop crooner from Ontario couldn't appear in person to collect his trophies due to a scheduling demand overseas.

"I want to thank everybody so much for believing in me," said Bieber, via a video message. "Most of all, I want to thank my mom for raising me in Canada."

But the news wasn't as good for 24-year-old rapper and Juno host Drake, who entered the weekend with a leading six nominations, but wound up heading home empty-handed. In a surprise win, Canadian hip-hop artist Shad took the prize for best rap recording of the year for his album "TSOL," beating out internationally renowned Drake.

"Wow. I'm very surprised. This is like the Emmy going to Theo's friend Cockroach or something," said Shad, making a funny "Cosby Show" reference.

The Junos, which celebrated its 40th anniversary, gave a significant shout out to veteran artist Neil Young, 65, who claimed the prize for artist of the year, adult alternative album of the year for "Le Noise" and a humanitarian award. Young won his first Grammy this year for his music for best rock song for "An Angry World."

"It's just totally incomprehensible that I'm here. But it's a great honor. Thank you very much everybody. I really appreciate it. O Canada!" said the rock legend in reference the country's national anthem.

Beloved country-pop singer Shania Twain, 45, also received a significant pat on the back as she was ushered into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame with an introduction speech from Bryan Adams, who called Twain a "Canadian treasure," and video testimonials from Taylor Swift and Anne Murray.

"Thank you so much," said the singer, clad in a sparkling sleeveless gown. "I really am turning into such a sap. But this is just a very beautiful moment for me. I'm really so proud of Canada's talent."

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Online:

http://www.junoawards.ca/

[Associated Press; By CHARMAINE NORONHA]

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