For British Columbian Juno nominees and performers at Sunday's show in Vancouver, the hometown connection is undeniable.
Speaking from the red carpet outside GM Place, Nickelback lead singer Chad Kroeger says they always get a warm welcome in the city.
"It's amazing, very flattering you know to come back to Vancouver and feel the welcome like that," says the Alberta native, who now resides near Vancouver. "It never gets old, it really doesn't."
Decked in all white, Hedley lead singer Jacob Hoggard says having the awards in the city of glass is not only exciting, but handy.
"We're really excited that the Junos are here," said Haggard, who took part in Sunday's songwriters circle alongside Hawksley Workman and Sarah Slean.
"We're most excited our cab bills aren't going to be that much at the end of the night. We can crawl home afterwards."
A ceremony close to home is a longtime wish, according to Nanaimo-born crooner and Order of B.C. winner Diana Krall.
It's really exciting, it's amazing," she said, speaking alongside her husband Elvis Costello. "I've always wanted the Junos to be in Vancouver."
Crooner Michael Bubl� jokes that performing at home really boosts your fan base.
"Yeah, because it's mostly my family," the part owner of the Vancouver Giants hockey team said. "Because without them you'd honestly hear nothing. Crickets."
But perhaps some of the British Columbians most excited for Sunday's show were the newcomers.
First-time nominee and Surrey, B.C., pop sensation Elise Estrada says going to her first awards show so close to her home is very exciting.
"I know where all the parties are - it's great! Vancouver is always so supportive."
Vancouver-based State of Shock just returned from a U.S. tour to headline this Saturday's JunoFest celebrations.
"Having the Juno's in your hometown is very exciting," said guitarist Simon Clow. "We're hanging out with people we grew up listening to, like Brian Adams, and Loverboy."
"I love my city, especially today. Everything happened and the stars truly aligned."
