Sarah McLachlan throws barb at Donald Trump as Juno Awards get underway

David Friend, The Canadian Press</span>
Published Sunday, March 17, 2019 8:52AM EDT

LONDON, Ont. -- Sarah McLachlan kicked off the Juno Awards with a subtle jab at Donald Trump as she ushered in Canada's annual celebration of music.

The singer, who's doubling as performer and host this year, welcomed the hometown audience in London, Ont., and across the country before noting the show was also streaming south of the border.

"You know when you live someplace peaceful and beautiful, and then you get a crazy neighbour?" McLachlan asked the crowd.

"And they start causing all sorts of trouble, like putting up weird walls, picking fights with all the other neighbours, telling your daughters how they should behave? All the while saying they're making the area great again -- and you just watch feeling helpless?"

McLachlan finished off by saying she hoped that neighbour would be gone by 2020, and took the conversation to a lighter place saying that music is "reminding us that we're all in this together."

The Junos broadcast opened with Loud Luxury, the DJ pair who met at the city's Western University. They welcomed the school's marching band and cheerleaders to kick off the show with a bombastic performance of "Body."

Awards will be handed out in six categories that include album of the year, best country album, and breakthrough artist of the year. Viewers will have their say with the Juno Fan Choice award.

Early winners included Hamilton, Ont.-founded rock act Arkells for group of the year.

Let's block ads! (Why?)