The 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards are generating buzz as the lineup finally comes into focus. Fans learned that Katy Perry will take the stage, LMFAO will co-host, and the nominees have been announced. Yet the heart of the night remains the music—who will perform, what moments will light up the MMVAs, and how the show will feel on screen and in person. Across Canada and beyond, anticipation is shaping conversations about the event because MMVAs performances are where pop culture and video art collide in real time.
Joining the roster of performers are Justin Bieber, Marianas Trench, Nelly Furtado, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Each artist brings a distinct flavor to the evening, reflecting a dynamic mix of international stars and strong Canadian voices that fans have followed for years. Bieber returns to a hometown stage with a moment that caps a whirlwind year for the teen idol; Marianas Trench delivers a rock-forward energy that contrasts with the glossy pop spectacle; Nelly Furtado adds a globally flavored pop sensibility; and Carly Rae Jepsen carries the hometown girl story that resonates with listeners far and wide. The lineup signals a night where big pop energy meets homegrown charm, all unfolding on a stage built for memorable moments as MuchMusic prepares to spotlight the performances that fans have been waiting for.
“I’m so excited to be coming back home for this year’s MMVAs,” Justin Bieber told MuchMusic in a press release. “It’s an honour to be nominated and performing. I can’t wait!” The words capture the dual thrill of recognition and performance that marks the annual broadcast, a night where an artist’s trajectory meets a passionate audience in a shared, celebratory moment. The sentiment echoes through the show’s buildup, as fans and commentators alike speculate about how Bieber will interpret a return to his roots on a night designed to honor standout video work and live artistry.
“The last couple months have been madness,” Carly Rae Jepsen commented. “I can’t wait to come home and play a show where this all began at this year’s MMVAs.” Her remark underscores the homecoming vibe that surrounds the event for Canadian acts, a chance to revisit the moment that sparked national attention and turned a rising star into a household name. Marianas Trench also weighed in with their playful bravado, saying, “We are extremely stoked to be rocking the MMVAs this year… Flaming bras are out of style this season but you can bet we’ll have a few tricks up our sleeves.” The band’s voice adds a touch of daredevil showmanship to a night already filled with anticipation, hinting at stagecraft and surprises that fans will remember long after the final curtain.
It all goes down Sunday, June 17 at 9pm Eastern time, with the MMVA Red Carpet Special beginning at 8pm Eastern. The ceremony promises a lineup of high-energy performances, quick interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that have become a staple of the MMVAs experience. Viewers can expect a blend of flash-forward pop moments and Canadian rock vigor, delivered with the celebration that defines MuchMusic’s iconic event and its ongoing commitment to showcasing video-driven music culture.