This week, Avril Lavigne won the Fan Choice Award at the 2023 Juno Awards for the fourth time. And for the second time, Simu Liu hosted the show.
Last year, after Avril performed, Simu returned to the stage with a guitar and sang a parody of “Complicated,” joking about how bummed he was that the Junos only reached out to him to host — not sing.
So this time around, Simu announced he was singing to Avril again since the producers didn’t give him enough time to perform his whole song last year.
“This one’s for you, Avril,” he said as the camera panned to Avril, who smiled and pointed back at him.
She even got her phone out to record Simu — who began his performance with a rendition of “Sk8r Boi” — and mouthed along to the (original) lyrics.
“You sit at home, she’s at the Junos. Could she make it any more obvious?” Simu sang. “She writes her own songs, she invented pop punk. What more can I say? She’s just a skater girl. You did it, you made it, girl. She’ll never come back down to earth. She’s better than all the boys, she’s Canada’s pride and joy, we’ll always look up to her…”
The medley then transitioned to “Girlfriend” as dancers came on stage, with Simu singing, “Yes, way. Yes, way. I think we need a dance break.” And, folks, the dance break did not disappoint.
After he ended his dance break with a backflip, the dancers left the stage and Simu picked up a guitar, completing the medley with “I’m with You.”
And here’s Avril, waving her arms along:
Simu’s opening monologue also included a performance as he acknowledged his viral stock photos — which he took in 2013, “before the age of OnlyFans and feet pics,” when he “needed some cash really badly” — and sang Nickelback’s “Photograph” with Nickelback guitarist Ryan Peake.
Not only were people amused by Simu’s performances, but they were also impressed by his singing, dancing, and guitar playing. However, this is not the first (or second) time Simu has showcased his musical skills.
Earlier this month, Simu revealed that he’s always wanted to be a musician and is working on putting out music. “I’m about to turn 34 and putting out music for the first time,” he said. “It’s a bit of an interesting feeling. But, you know, age is just a number, you guys! People can have career changes or new careers.”
In 2021, Simu recorded “Hot Soup” with 88rising — an American label primarily for Asian artists in the US — for the soundtrack of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
While there aren’t any confirmed details about his music project yet, he told Complex last year that he was still working with 88rising — so be sure to keep an eye (or ear) out for Simu’s album drop.
What do you think of Simu’s singing and music career? Let us know in the comments below!