APRIL 1, 2009

       I was covering the Junos in Vancouver this past weekend (at junos.jbonair.com) and I had to laugh at some of the reporters on the red carpet. If you’ve ever watched the Oscars, you know what I’m talking about.

       The reporters go nuts about what celebrities wear. Why? What does it matter? Who are half these people anyway?

       Sure, in Hollywood the designers are well known, but in little ol’ Canada, we’re such a different society that it seems odd to have Ben Mulroney asking rock stars “who they are wearing.”

       Mulroney is great, don’t get me wrong. I know the side of him the public doesn’t often see. How? I’ll tell you.

       When I’ve mingled with celebrities and other reporters at events like the Junos or Canadian Idol, there’s this fakeness when the cameras are rolling that means you’re instantly “on.” You have to be, it’s television.

       When I do interviews it’s a totally different approach. I’m not blowing smoke up their Versace gown. I’m talking to them like they’re real people just like me – no better, no worse. (OK, in reality sometimes they are worse, but I never treat them that way!)

       A night that should focus on recognizing the best in Canadian music, at times turned into recognition of the best in American fashion design. Granted, some of the female artists looked wonderful, but let’s talk about their music right off the top, instead of wanting to know where they got their clothes.

       So, when I had my chance talking with the winners of the night – and I’m not a name dropper so it doesn’t matter with whom I spoke – it was more of a “Hey, we’re just two regular people sitting here talking. Let’s keep it cool and relaxed without the BS Hollywood Q&A.”

       For me, it’s much more interesting to find out why this song has a certain sound, or how much did you collaborate with your idol? Who designed your purse? I don’t really care.

       For the record, I was wearing Wal-mart pants and a $7 Sears shirt at the Junos.