Fans camped out for wristbands at MuchMusic’s Toronto headquarters last week, chasing access to what many call Canada’s biggest music party, the MuchMusic Video Awards, set for Sunday. The star-studded lineup announced this year features co-host PSY alongside Demi Lovato, Shay Mitchell and Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars, and Taylor Swift with her RED tour mates Ed Sheeran and Austin Mahone, among others.
“This is my first time as a VJ being part of it,” says Scott Willats, a newly minted MuchMusic VJ. “I remember last year standing outside while the city came alive. Every club felt like a VIP club. Wherever you went you’d bump into celebrities. This event makes the city feel magical. It’s the party of the year.”
We caught up with Willats amid the hustle at MuchMusic just days before the MMVAs to hear about his pre-show nerves, favorite interviews from his year in the booth, and his predictions for the big night.
This is his first MMVA as a host and his first year as a VJ. How does he feel about the moment? “I’m energized and confident. I can’t wait to perform and step in front of that crowd, adding to the MMVA legacy. My favorite VJs have hosted the MMVAs, so it’s surreal to be one of them now. I’m excited, and yes, a little nervous. It’s going to be a fantastic night, and the outfit I’m wearing is going to blow people away.”
Wondering whether it’s wild to be backstage and part of all the action on the main stage in a few days? “It’s nuts. Last year I was chasing invites to the hottest parties, still outside looking in. A few years back I watched Kanye West perform Jesus Walks and saw Kim Kardashian nearby. Now it feels surreal to be part of it, watching the stage rise over the past weeks, doing shoots, and rehearsals. The adrenaline is real, and it shows on my face with a constant grin.”
June 16 promises a night packed with stars. Which performances and moments is Willats most excited to see on stage and on the red carpet?
Over time he’s become friends with Marianas Trench and looks forward to their set. “It’s always a thrill to see them perform, and their arrival is part of the show—cake, gerbil balls, the whole spectacle. They’ve teased new plans this year, and if they pull them off it will be insane.” On presenters, Willats recalls a moment from The Big Jingle when Austin Mahone performed. “I’m inspired by his work ethic. He’s a 16-year-old with talent well beyond his years. Demi Lovato is consistently excellent, and I’m eager to see her again as many of her fans in Canada are.”
It’s exciting that Austin Mahone is touring with Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and all three are expected to appear at this year’s MMVAs. Willats also wonders who might accompany Swift on the red carpet. “It would be cute if she walked with Ed Sheeran, though a sighting with Austin Mahone could be even sweeter. There are so many moving parts and stories each minute that the night can surprise you.”
When asked about predictions for major categories like Video of the Year and Your Fave International Artist or Group, he notes that his opinion isn’t the deciding factor. “I don’t get to vote, and I’d probably bias the outcome given my close friendships with some of the artists.” For Video of the Year, the nominees include Classified, Drake, Marianas Trench, Serena Ryder, and The Weeknd. He leans toward Serena Ryder, though Drake’s Started from the Bottom is an anthem that resonated worldwide. “Serena Ryder used to play at small pubs and her music, like Stompa, found a place in commercials and US television. She deserves to be recognized.”
For Your Fave International Artist or Group, Willats wouldn’t mind seeing PSY win, given his host duties and the energy he brings. Demi Lovato’s Give Your Heart a Break is a standout, and One Direction has had a standout year as well. When it comes to favorites, the Twitter buzz during One Direction songs is undeniable.
So, who are Willats’ favorite musicians right now? Chris Malinchak with So Good To Me, the Goldroom remix of Charli XCX You Ha Ha Ha, and 2 Chainz are all at the top of his playlist. TEED, short for Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, is another artist he loves. These picks might not fit every listener, but they’re all great party music and ideal for a Friday night.
If there were room to add one singer, dead or alive, to the MMVA lineup, Willats would choose Freddie Mercury for his incomparable voice, followed by Biggie Smalls for a memorable rap moment. He’d also include Bob Marley, a musician whose influence spans generations.
What does Willats enjoy most about being a MuchMusic VJ? The interaction—talking to fans, meeting people, and sharing music. He thrives on hearing what’s poppin’ from Canada’s listeners and learning what’s trendy now. He appreciates his coworkers and the sense of family among the channel’s team. Willats reflects on past interviews with Snooki, Fabolous, Ke$ha, and Marlon Wayans, noting each encounter as unforgettable moments that made the job feel larger than life.
How did Willats start down the path to a MuchMusic VJ career, and what advice would he give to aspiring hosts? He earned his stripes at another TV station, studied radio broadcasting, and never turned down an opportunity. When the chance to audition at MuchMusic came, he treated it as though the job was already his. His message to aspiring hosts is simple: if you want it, you have to embrace it fully, stay open to all kinds of music, and keep an ear for what resonates with audiences. He believes the right attitude can open doors you never imagined.
Don’t miss the chance to see Scott Willats in action during the MMVAs on MuchMusic this Sunday at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST, as the city lights up with music, spectacle, and the energy only this night can deliver.