While thousands of people took to the rainy streets outside to watch MMVA performances from the likes of Rihanna and New Kids on the Block, the second floor of the MuchMusic building gave celebrities, media, and other guests a drier setting for viewing the show (albeit from TV screens or a small balcony). Food stations, open bars, and the eTalk lounge—where visiting celebrities and award winners were interviewed by hosts Tanya Kim and Ben Mulroney—kept the party going both before and after the two-hour broadcast. Here's what attendees had to say:
"The JabbaWockeeZ performance was awesome! I like the way they have the roof covered downstairs for all the people down there watching. It's really smart."
—Joel Urnom, business development, Virgin Mobile Canada
"I'm having such a wonderful time. It's my first MMVAs, the crowd is wonderful, and the energy is amazing. They really take care of everybody at the party. The food is great, free drinks—how could you go wrong?"
—Mario, real estate agent"I like the fact that they're still really focused on Canadians. The international people are here, but people really focus on the Kardinals and the Hedleys, and that's exceptional for me."
—Zack Werner, judge, Canadian Idol
"It's really fun. I think it's really convenient for all the stars to come in here, and you get to meet them in a regular setting."
—Denise, sales and promotions assistant, Loulou magazine
"I think that any time real-life American celebrities come to Canada, it's amazing. It's like fishing, all of a sudden—you can throw out bait, search the waters, search the seas of Canadian crowds for American celebrities, and eventually take pictures with them or at least tell them you like their hair. I love that about the MMVAs."
—Sabrina Jalees, comedian
"I love the party. I was worried about it being corporate, and it's not. I'm so proud as a Canadian to have people come here and be able to wear T-shirts, jeans, whatever the hell they want."
—Carlos Hicks, Hicks Talent Management
"Last night we were at the Rockstar Hotel party, and this one is better. There's more going on; there's better drinks, better food, better atmosphere."
—Randi, Virgin Mobile Canada
"This is my first time here, and I'm quite impressed. They've done an amazing job with the bar distribution—there's absolutely no shortage of alcohol in this venue. Great food, tons of room. It's a bit of a circus in here, but still, I really can't complain about much at all."
—Jesse Ship, arts editor, Format magazine
"The JabbaWockeeZ performance was awesome! I like the way they have the roof covered downstairs for all the people down there watching. It's really smart."
—Joel Urnom, business development, Virgin Mobile Canada
"I'm having such a wonderful time. It's my first MMVAs, the crowd is wonderful, and the energy is amazing. They really take care of everybody at the party. The food is great, free drinks—how could you go wrong?"
—Mario, real estate agent"I like the fact that they're still really focused on Canadians. The international people are here, but people really focus on the Kardinals and the Hedleys, and that's exceptional for me."
—Zack Werner, judge, Canadian Idol
"It's really fun. I think it's really convenient for all the stars to come in here, and you get to meet them in a regular setting."
—Denise, sales and promotions assistant, Loulou magazine
"I think that any time real-life American celebrities come to Canada, it's amazing. It's like fishing, all of a sudden—you can throw out bait, search the waters, search the seas of Canadian crowds for American celebrities, and eventually take pictures with them or at least tell them you like their hair. I love that about the MMVAs."
—Sabrina Jalees, comedian
"I love the party. I was worried about it being corporate, and it's not. I'm so proud as a Canadian to have people come here and be able to wear T-shirts, jeans, whatever the hell they want."
—Carlos Hicks, Hicks Talent Management
"Last night we were at the Rockstar Hotel party, and this one is better. There's more going on; there's better drinks, better food, better atmosphere."
—Randi, Virgin Mobile Canada
"This is my first time here, and I'm quite impressed. They've done an amazing job with the bar distribution—there's absolutely no shortage of alcohol in this venue. Great food, tons of room. It's a bit of a circus in here, but still, I really can't complain about much at all."
—Jesse Ship, arts editor, Format magazine
