(Montreal) Louis-José Houde kicked off the 45th on Sunday eveninge ADISQ gala, which took place for the first time without one of its founders, Guy Latraverse, who passed away last month.
After making several jokes about his eighteen years hosting the gala – his last – Louis-José Houde spent several minutes of his monologue paying tribute to Mr. Latraverse, who was also a major impresario in the history of Quebec.
He also dedicated the gala to the singer of Cowboys Fringants, Karl Tremblay, who is currently battling cancer.
The comedian was preceded by the legendary Ginette Reno and the young rapper Fouki, who formed an unlikely duo for the opening number.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Ginette Reno and Fouki
It was Michel Rivard who went to pick up the first prize of the evening, that of show of the year for Around the block. This show, which covers the singer’s 50-year career, also won the script of the year award at the industry gala.
PHOTO ALLEN MCINNIS, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Michel Rivard
“I looked at the quality of the other shows and I said to myself: “there’s something for everyone, it’s quite disparate”. I would have been very happy to see someone younger, or my boyfriend Richard Séguin. Well, people decided it would be me, I’m very happy,” he offered in an interview in the press room.
Ginette Reno returned to the stage to receive the second prize of the evening for album of the year, popular success, for It’s all me.
In the other categories, Daniel Bélanger leads the nominations. Bélanger, who launched his album last year Mercury in Maywon Critics’ Choice, Pop Album of the Year and Achievement Album of the Year at the debut galas.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Daniel Bélanger is in the running Sunday evening for several other awards, including author or composer of the year and male artist of the year.
He is up for several other awards Sunday, including songwriter of the year and male artist of the year.
The composer Alexandra Stréliski, who had also received several nominations, has already obtained the Félix for album of the year, instrumental music, for Neo-Romance. She could win several other awards on Sunday, including female artist of the year.
ADISQ has also already rewarded the latest album by singer-songwriter Philippe Brach, The people we love, in three categories: alternative album of the year, arrangements of the year and album cover of the year. The singer could walk away with the prize for author or composer of the year.
The groups Les Cowboys Fringants, Les Trois Accords and Salebarbes are also worth watching.