Michael Buble makes surprise appearance to honour David Foster at Juno gala

By David Friend, The Canadian Press

LONDON, Ont. — Michael Buble made a surprise appearance at Saturday’s Juno Awards pre-telecast ceremony to honour his close friend David Foster for his philanthropic efforts.

The pop crooner handed his long-time producer the humanitarian award just a few minutes after receiving his own trophy. Buble picked up his 14th career Juno for “Love,” which won adult contemporary album of the year.

But the singer made it clear he was mostly there to celebrate Foster receiving this year’s humanitarian award.

“He has inspired me to be a better man and embrace the importance of giving back however I can,” Buble said as he introduced the acclaimed producer, whom he called “a man whose heart is as big as the sun.”

Foster was recognized for his support of hundreds of charities, including the David Foster Foundation, which provides financial help to Canadian families in need of life-saving transplants.

Early winners at the Juno gala dinner included pop superstar Shawn Mendes, who picked up pop album of the year. The Pickering, Ont.-raised singer, who’s currently touring Europe, wasn’t present to accept the prize for his 2018 self-titled album.

Other performers who picked up prizes included Wesli whose “Rapadou Kreyol” snagged world music album, while Dave Merheje’s “Good Friend Bad Grammar” won comedy album.

Loud Luxury, the pair of DJs who met at London’s Western University, picked up their first Juno for dance recording with their global hit “Body.”

The group is nominated for three more Junos at Sunday night’s televised show, where the remaining awards will be doled out. Top categories, including album, group and breakthrough artist, as well as country album of the year, are part of the broadcast.

Viewers can also vote for the Juno Fan Choice Award on the Juno Fan Choice website.

The show airs on CBC and streams through the CBC Music website.

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Listen to a playlist of 2019 Juno Award nominees on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2DGvgyZ

 

Follow @dfriend on Twitter.

David Friend, The Canadian Press

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