Alessia Cara, Drake, Shawn Mendes, and The Weeknd Lead with the Most Nominations for THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MUCH MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS, June 19

TORONTO (May 18, 2016) – Drumroll please! Much announced today that internationally acclaimed Canadian artists Alessia Cara, Drake, Shawn Mendes, and The Weeknd lead with the most nominations for THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MUCH MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS. Hosted by Supermodel Gigi Hadid, the two-hour awards show airs live in stunning 4K coast-to-coast-to-coast on Sunday, June 19 beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Much, CTV, Much.com, and VRAK. Singer-songwriter and first-time nominee Alessia Cara and #Views hit-maker Drake garnered an impressive seven nominations each. Locking in six nominations is singer-songwriter and pop sensation Shawn Mendes, as well as acclaimed alternative R&B sensation The Weeknd, who was the big winner at the 2015 MMVAs scooping up four awards, the most of the night. First time nominees this year include Much Digital Studios creator Dan Talevski, international pop star ZAYN, DJ duo The Chainsmokers, Haitian-Canadian musician Kaytranada, indie rock group The Strumbellas, and many more. Additionally, newly added IHEARTRADIO MMVA categories this year include Best New Canadian Artist and iHeartRadio Canadian Single of the Year. For a full list of nominees, please click here. “We have an incredibly talented list of IHEARTRADIO MMVA nominees this year, from homegrown talent to international showstoppers,” said Nanci Maclean, Vice-President, In-House Production, Bell Media. “We can’t wait to celebrate all of their exceptional achievements at our epic annual street party!” Also announced today are this year’s Wildcard nominee winners for the Fan Fave categories. They are: Fan Fave Video – Hedley Fan Fave Artist/Group – Alessia Cara Fan Fave International Artist/Group – Fifth Harmony Fan Fave Vine Musician – Kenzie Nimmo This year, MuchFACT-funded music videos received 23 MMVA nominations representing more than $530,000 in investment. Nominated artists include Belly f. The Weeknd, Humans, Majid Jordan f. Drake, SonReal, and Young Empires. New this year, fans looking to be a part of all the action at THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs can register online for a chance to secure wristbands at Much.com beginning  Wednesday, June 1 at 4 p.m. ET. For all the latest info, fans can check out Much.com, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, fans across the country can tune into select local Bell Media radio stations for a chance to win wristbands. Fans are invited to count down to THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs on Much.com, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest announcements on performers, presenters, celebrity guests, and the chance to win big prizes. Media accreditation for THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs is now open, and closes Friday, May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Requests can be submitted online here. Full details to follow upon confirmation of accreditation. Hosted by international supermodel Gigi Hadid, ETALK Reporter and Much Host Liz Trinnear, and Much and E! Host Tyrone Edwards, the epic awards show airs live in stunning 4K from Much HQ in Toronto on June 19. Chart-topping performers descending on THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs include singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, pop supergroup Fifth Harmony, a special duet by pop singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld with B.C. hit-maker Shawn Hook, hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, multi-platinum recording artist Nick Jonas, and Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara. Author and actress Amber Rose and comedic entertainer and YouTube™ sensation Lilly Singh, a.k.a. “Superwoman,” are confirmed as the first two presenters set to appear on THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs broadcast. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Official partners of THE 2016 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs include: Coca-Cola® Canada, Nestlé USA, Inc., Procter & Gamble®, and Virgin Mobile Canada™.