With the Juno Awards just over a month away, The Canadian Radio Music Awards honoured some of Canada’s best new talent today at a ceremony held at a downtown Toronto hotel. The fifth annual awards show is put on in conjunction with Canadian Music Week.

Sugar Jones, who performed at the show, won the award for best new dance/hip-hop/rhythmic group.

“We were up against a lot of strong talent so we’re very pleased and honoured,” Sahara told andPOP. The group was without Maiko Watson, who reportedly married R&B singer Remy Shand. There has been some talk that Watson has left the group, but it has not been confirmed as of yet.

Maren Ord was named best new solo artist in the contemporary hit radio category.

“I totally didn’t expect it at all,” she told andPOP after the show. “I was up against such amazing artists. I got up there and I was stuck, but I just said thank you to everyone, which covers a lot of people.”

Swollen Members took home the “Breakthrough Award” honoring the most airplay for a new artist. Nelly Furtado won the “Chart Topper” award, signifying most airplay overall, the only award presented to a veteran performer. Both artists are currently on the road together.

Sum 41, Wave, and Joydrop were named best new groups in the rock, adult contemporary, and contemporary hit radio categories respectively. Tom Wilson, taking the stage with a cigarette in his mouth, was named best new rock solo artist. Jimmy Rankin won that award in the adult contemporary category. The Ennis Sisters were named best new country group or solo artist. Robert Lyle Heath picked up the songwriting award.






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