The 2013 MMVAs delivered another electrifying spectacle in downtown Toronto, drawing fans from across Canada and the United States and turning the city into a buzzing epicenter for pop culture. This awards show remains a marquee night on the music calendar, with anticipation building days in advance as devoted fans line up for wristbands that unlock close-up access to their favorite stars and a night packed with performances, fashion moments, and surprise appearances. From the moment doors opened, the venue hummed with energy—neon lights, pounding sound, and a rhythm that bridged genres and generations. The setting, the energy, and the broadcast’s pace all contributed to a dynamic blend of spectacle and intimacy that makes the MMVAs a touchstone for North American audiences.
The show opened with a blast as Psy performed Dynasty Gangnam Style, launching the night with bold choreography and a chorus that had the crowd singing along. Early sets from Down With Webster, Classified, Serena Ryder, Ed Sheeran, Marianas Trench, and Demi Lovato kept the arena buzzing, delivering high-energy moments and memorable vocal performances. Each act contributed its own flavor, shifting from raucous pop to soulful ballads and infectious hooks, ensuring the pacing never lagged. The production design leaned into bright lights and rapid scene changes, creating a concert-like energy within a televised event that audiences across Canada and the United States could feel and share online.
A playful edge came from presenters who mixed humor with spectacle. The Janoskians, a viral YouTube collective from Melbourne, teased the crowd by removing shirts and tossing memorabilia into the audience, a moment that underscored the MMVAs’ reputation for irreverent, audience-involved moments. Just as the night shifted into a new mood, Psy returned for the closing number with Gentleman, delivering a finale that sent fans into a roar and crowned the show with a lasting energy. The combination of bold antics and crowd-pleasing performances highlighted why the MMVAs are known for unpredictability and shareable moments that travel well online. [Cite: MMVA 2013 live broadcast highlights]
The big winners of the night reflected a mix of international reach and Canadian pride. Demi Lovato’s Heart Attack took International Video of the Year (Artist), signaling broad appeal across global audiences. Avril Lavigne’s Here’s To Never Growing Up won International Video of the Year by a Canadian artist, reinforcing her enduring resonance at home and abroad. Gangnam Style earned Viral Video of the Year, a nod to the year’s defining online moment. Toronto native Drake made a surprise appearance to accept Hip-Hop Video of the Year for Started From The Bottom, a moment that sparked cheers from hometown fans and online chatter alike. [Cite: Official MMVA winners list 2013]
Taylor Swift took the Fave International Artist or Group award, while Justin Bieber still claimed Fave Group or Artist despite not attending, a reminder of global fan support that crosses borders. Marianas Trench’s Stutter won Fave Video, and Classified’s Inner Ninja featuring David Myles earned Video of the Year, showcasing the strength of Canadian acts on a world stage. The full winners list circulated across entertainment outlets, emphasizing how the MMVAs blend international stars with a strong local lineup. [Cite: MMVA 2013 winners summary]
Backstage access gave The Magazine a front-row seat to the press conference, where a diverse mix of guests stopped by for quick interviews between sessions. Attendees included Tyler Hoechlin from Teen Wolf, Lucy Hale and Shay Mitchell from Pretty Little Liars, Ed Sheeran, Billy Talent, Classified, Serena Ryder, Cody Simpson, and Marianas Trench, all dropping by for candid chats with the press corps. The conversations ranged from red-carpet fashion to creative processes behind recent releases, offering a fresh glimpse into the artists’ perspectives during a bustling awards night. The spontaneity of live interviews—unpredictable questions, off-script reactions, and quick exchanges—came through as a hallmark of this event. [Cite: MMVA 2013 backstage coverage]
Questions swirled around fashion choices, Marianas Trench’s dramatic red-carpet moments, and Classified’s reflections on the success of Inner Ninja. The room buzzed with energy as Psy was observed conversing in Korean with another reporter, a reminder that live broadcasts reward unscripted interactions and cross-cultural exchanges. The atmosphere captured the essence of Toronto’s vibrant music and media scene, a city known for its openness and quick wit during big nights like this. The whole evening demonstrated how the MMVAs blend music, style, and media into a shared, carefree celebration that resonates across Canada and the United States. [Cite: MMVA 2013 backstage moments]