In attending the Juno Awards for the third time in the past four years, it seemed Toronto had an almost indifferent buzz about the 40th annual awards. While fans packed the Air Canada Centre for the broadcast itself, the city didn’t feel swept up in the sort of excitement that Calgary and Vancouver did when they hosted. Perhaps the city, accustomed to events like the MuchMusic Video Awards, Toronto International Film Festival, and some of the top acts in the world in concert, had something to do with it.

Despite the general lack of energy, the winners themselves more than made up for it: like Edmonton’s Quanteisha who won R&B/Soul Recording of the Year as an independent artist.

"I don’t know how I did it! The grace of God, the support of my Mom and family and friends, and just networking. I honestly thought Keisha Chante or Raghav was going to win. It feels great, it is just a blessing!" she told reporters backstage. "In 2008 I won a contest in Edmonton when I was 16 called The Bounce Showdown.  With the contest came two songs written and produced so that is what got my career started. I am hoping the award will lead to a major label and completing my album. I really want this badly, music has been my life since I was a little kid so I am pushing for the stars."

Also excited was Kellylee Evans, who won Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her tribute to Nina Simone, appropriately entitled Nina. During her speech she thanked everyone who had ever been nice to her, something she expanded on for GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine.

"I always took the view that instead of trying to win over the industry I was just going to look for fans and friends. I have had friends at CBC and CTV... most journalists that have written about me have been fans and friends, people who love my music. I find that is easier than trying to sell my music to everybody. I wanted to find those people that like what we are doing. When I read the articles I can see in my mind’s eye the person that interviewed me. It has always been about the personal connection with people. So I really feel awesome that people I have encountered have said yes."

Most of the awards are not seen on TV; instead a gala dinner is held the night before for industry and musicians. 32 awards were given out, including to Johnny Reid for Country Album of the year.

"This is a huge accomplishment for not only myself but everybody that surrounds me. The album came from a question I asked myself when I lost my Grandmother, who was a huge part of my life. I asked myself, where did my Granny go when she left this world? Twelve months later my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. As I watched that I asked myself the same question, where did she come from? The answer was the same, a place called love. That is how the record started. So to be able to go up on stage and accept this award on behalf of other people that believe what I believe, it is a very humbling feeling and something I will never forget."

Reid charmed the media through his Q&A, proving his reputation of being a genuinely nice guy.

"It is my choice to walk in the sunshine. I learned a few years ago that life is short and you have to enjoy the days you have. I try my best to walk in the sunshine and find the sunshine even when it’s raining. I think I have been able to touch a lot of people’s hearts with my music and that is what has connected me with so many people."

There was a fair share of upsets as well. Drake, who hosted the broadcast, had the most nominations but went home with no awards. Rap Album of the year went to Shad, despite most people thinking Drake would win.

"Yeah myself included. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t have a speech or anything. It is really an honor that whoever it is that judges thought I deserved to win, I appreciate that a lot. I was surprised to win."

The other surprising big winner was Neil Young, who displayed a side of himself many people may not have seen before, with a pretty sharp sense of humor.

"What year is this?" he asked while accepting the Artist of the Year award. Backstage he extolled the virtues of fellow nominee Justin Beiber.  "Of course I am in the same category as Justin... I’m not in the same time zone. I was 16 one time and in a band. He has done really well, he is fantastic and has some moves doesn’t he? He is great," he said.

"It is very unusual for me to be this exposed. I am not really an awards kind of guy. It is a great honor to get one and I appreciate it, the older I get the more appreciative I am," he said backstage. It was the first time in 29 years that Young has attended the event. "I made After The Gold Rush in 1970. It has been a long time since the first Junos. I came the first time in 1982 and I was put in the Hall of Fame then. It was a long time ago."

The Juno Awards weekend resulted in some bombshells, and also some obvious wins. Behind the glitz, parties, and stars, at its heart the Juno Awards remain what they started as: a celebration of Canadian music. With as diverse a list of nominees and winners as this year, both the past and the future of Canadian music look bright.