What Is 2017 Much Music Video Awards

Overview

The 2017 Much Music Video Awards marked the 28th annual edition of Canada’s premier music video award show, celebrating achievements in music video production, performance, and artistry. Held on August 20, 2017, at the iconic 299 Queen Street West in Toronto, the event combined high-energy performances with fan-driven voting and celebrity appearances.

Co-hosted by Canadian pop sensation Alessia Cara and former Jonas Brother Joe Jonas, the night highlighted both Canadian and international talent. The show aired live across Canada on Much, CTV, and CTV 2, drawing a significant youth audience and reinforcing its status as a cultural touchstone for music fans.

• Event date: The 2017 MMVAs took place on August 20, 2017, marking the end of the summer music season.
• Location: The ceremony was held at 299 Queen Street West, the longtime home of MuchMusic and a historic Toronto landmark.
• Hosts:Alessia Cara and Joe Jonas co-hosted, bringing a mix of Canadian pride and international flair to the stage.
• Viewership: The broadcast reached over 1.2 million viewers across Canada, with strong engagement on social media platforms.
• Notable absence: Despite nominations, Drake did not attend, continuing his pattern of skipping the MMVAs despite Canadian roots.

Performances and Highlights

The 2017 MMVAs featured a dynamic lineup of live performances, showcasing both rising stars and established acts. The show emphasized fan interaction, with real-time voting influencing award outcomes and on-stage moments.

• Shawn Mendes: Performed his hit There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back and won three awards, including Video of the Year.
• Camila Cabello: Made her solo MMVAs debut with a performance of Crying in the Club, drawing attention post-Fifth Harmony.
• Imagine Dragons: Delivered a powerful set featuring Thunder and Believer, both from their 2017 album Evolve.
• Lorde: Took home the Int'l Artist of the Year award and performed Green Light in a minimalist, choreographed style.
• Arkells: Represented Canadian rock with a high-energy performance of Knocking at the Door, filmed partially in Hamilton.
• Drake tribute: A montage honored Drake’s global success, despite his absence, highlighting his seven MMVA wins over the years.

Comparison at a Glance

Award categories and winners compared across key years:

The 2017 MMVAs reflected a shift toward younger, pop-oriented artists, with Shawn Mendes dominating both awards and performances. Compared to previous years, Canadian rock acts like Arkells and Hedley saw reduced presence, while pop and dance-pop acts gained prominence. Fan voting played a larger role than ever, especially in categories like People’s Choice, where real-time engagement influenced results.

Why It Matters

The 2017 MMVAs served as a cultural barometer for youth music trends in Canada and beyond, highlighting the growing influence of social media and streaming platforms on artist visibility. The event underscored the importance of fan engagement, with live voting and digital interaction shaping the night’s outcomes.

• Platform for Canadian talent: Artists like Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara reinforced Canada’s strong presence in global pop music.
• Transition in genres: The rise of pop and electronic acts signaled a decline in rock’s dominance at the MMVAs.
• Live performance impact: Performances by Camila Cabello and Lorde boosted post-show streaming numbers by up to 40%.
• Host synergy: The pairing of Cara and Jonas created cross-genre appeal, drawing both pop and teen audiences.
• Global reach: Despite being a Canadian event, the MMVAs attracted international media coverage and social buzz.
• Voting evolution: The 2017 edition used real-time app-based voting, increasing fan participation by 25% over 2016.

Ultimately, the 2017 MMVAs captured a pivotal moment in music television, balancing tradition with digital innovation. As streaming and social media continue to reshape the industry, the MMVAs remain a key indicator of evolving tastes and artist trajectories.