April 1, 2006
Jann Arden's not so Idol thoughts on Junos
By TARA MERRIN - Calgary Sun

Whether it's Pamela Anderson hosting, the number of Canadian Idol nominees or the inclusion of Black Eyed Peas, there seems to be plenty for people to complain about when it comes to the Junos.

Some believe the annual Canadian music awards have become too Hollywood, while others feel many great indie acts have been ignored in favour of more popular singers such as former Idols Kalan Porter and Rex Goudie.

Calgary's Jann Arden, who has won eight Junos over the years and has hosted the show, is not one of those people.

"When I first started going to the Junos in '93, it was a bunch of stupid industry dorks sitting in The Hummingbird Centre in Toronto, clapping like, 'Oh my God, get us out of here so we can drink.' Now, it's those very same guys who are the ones whining," she says.

"To me, that argument is a tired one. It's now much more entertainment driven and much more exciting -- it's like going to a rock concert."

Bringing in international acts like Coldplay and Black Eyed Peas can only benefit the Canadian music industry, says Arden, who believes they will attract a broader range of viewers.

"If we can get a more international audience to tune in, they are going to see Broken Social Scene ... they are going to see, God forbid, me. They are going to see a lot of people they would have never heard otherwise."

Arden, who appeared as a guest judge on season one of Canadian Idol, also feels the young former Idols who are nominated this year have been unfairly targeted by critics.

"It must be so hard on those kids to hear all the stuff they are hearing. They have tried hard -- it's not easy to get up there and do that -- and, I think, everybody wants to see them, especially the younger fans," she says.

"There is room for everybody and, I think, people have their say when they go out and support this stuff. These kids are selling records -- you can't negate that."

And Arden, who has been nominated for pop album of the year alongside Porter and former Idol contestant Theresa Sokyrka, says if one of the Idols beat her, she won't care.

"I don't give a crap if I win or not. It just doesn't matter to me -- it has never mattered to me," she says. "I'm glad to just go and get a free dinner."

What Arden does care about, however, is Calgary's bid to host the 2008 Junos. She says if the city is successful in its endeavor, it will be huge for Calgary Tourism and local music fans.

"It may not be the '88 Olympics, but, I'll tell you, it's going to be a close second. It will bring a lot of attention, international attention, to the city, which is wonderful," she says.

"And maybe U2 will be there. Maybe Joni Mitchell will be there. Who knows? It will be crazy wild."

The 2006 JUNO Awards from the Halifax Metro Centre air on CTV at 7 p.m. tomorrow.