Though Blue Rodeo frontman and solo artist Jim Cuddy is no stranger to the JUNO Awards, at the press conference announcing this year’s nominations, he was still beaming his signature smile.

He will perform with Blue Rodeo at the 2012 JUNO Awards Broadcast on April 1, and the band will also be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame that night.

“It’s huge. It’s a big honour and it’s the one thing the band is really unified in celebrating,” Cuddy says. “We can all look back and celebrate where we’ve been.”

And Cuddy isn’t just thrilled about this induction, he also found out that he’d been nominated for two awards including Adult Alternative Album and Songwriter of the Year for songs from his third solo album, “Skyscraper Soul.”

 “It’s a big day for me.”

It was also revealed that Canadian icon William Shatner will host the 2012 JUNO Awards Broadcast, airing live on CTV the evening of Sunday, April 1 from Scotiabank Place in Ottawa.

“I’m very, very happy,” Cuddy says about the host. “I like that he’s funny and I really look forward to meeting him.
Cuddy won’t, however, have too much trouble stifling “Beam me up, Scotty” jokes. “I was never much of a Trekkie, but for me it’s more of a ‘Boston Legal’ thing.”

And in between watching old “Boston Legal” episodes, he’ll be finding himself an ice rink or two to prepare for this year’s JUNO Cup. “There’s a lot of good hockey players this year,” he smiles about the annual Rockers vs. ex-NHL Greats hockey tournament.

“Sam Roberts is one of the best. And Classified is really good, too. I heard the Sheepdogs play – they’re western boys, so they should be good, too. I think we could have a stellar squad!”

New Artist of the Year nominee, Alyssa Reid says her nomination “means everything” to her.
“The stuff that’s happening this year is just amazing,” she gushes. “To be nominated for best new artist, there’s a total, ‘Oh My God’ factor!”

“Today’s a good day,” agrees Deadmau5, known for his infectious dance beats and oversized mouse ear costume. Not only did the electronic house musician announce various JUNO nominees, he also garnered three himself for Artist of the Year, JUNO Fan Choice Award and  Dance Recording of the Year. And, he adds, today marks the release of a DVD from his recent Toronto concert.

It’s Sophie Millman’s third nomination, for her Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, “In The Moonlight,” but she says she’ll never get tired of the JUNOS. “This is recognition of good work in a very competitive industry. It’s wonderful to be recognized by your peers. I am ecstatic,” she says, adding she can’t wait for the parties during JUNO weekend.

“I’m looking forward to sharing a wonderful evening with my co-nominees and my husband and the people who have contributed to my success over the years.”

Sloan’s Jay Ferguson is honoured to be recognized for his most recent album, “The Double Cross,” nominated for Rock Album of the Year.

“Our band’s been around for 21 years and just the fact that we’re still here and still recognized for the albums that we’re making . . . is a nice feeling.

“I still think we make good records and it’s nice that other people think so as well.”

MuchMusic VJ Matt Wells was thrilled to be hosting the press conference: “I’ve been part of the music industry either as a performer or as a television host for a very long time, so the JUNOs is always an exciting time, whether you hope you’re going to get nominated or hoping your favourite bands will be nominated.

“To be part of it in any way, especially today ushering in the nominees is kind of a big deal for a kid from Newfoundland.”

His East Coast roots are revealed when asked which musicians he’s rooting for. “I’m biased to anything East Coast,” he admits. “Hey Rosetta, The Once, Jenn Grant, Classified – it makes me really happy.

“But I also love The Sheepdogs. I’m so happy about what they represent and how they are becoming a mainstream band, even though everything about them is the antithesis of that. I love that.”

The 2012 JUNO Awards will air on Sunday, April 1 on CTV.

About Lindsay Zier-Vogel

Lindsay Zier-Vogel has been working for CTV.ca since 2008. In addition to interviewing the famed American choreographer Bill T. Jones and Canadian prima ballerina Karen Kain, Lindsay’s highlights include criss-crossing Canada on four SYTYCDC audition tours and covering the Juno Awards. Follow her on Twitter!