Northern Ontario musician picks up his first Juno Award

There's a new Juno Award winner from the City with the Heart of Gold. 

The 2023 Juno Awards held last night (Monday, March 13) were a big night for Preston Pablo. Nominated in three categories, the 21-year-old musician from Timmins picked up his first Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and performed his single Flowers Need Rain.

“What! Oh my god, this is insane. Wow. First of all I’d just like to thank my family for being my biggest supporter from the jump. My brother Dawson, man, for just really pushing me to keep doing this and to get here,” Pablo said on stage for his acceptance speech. 

Born and raised in Timmins, Pablo's a Timmins High and Vocational School grad who left the area just over a year ago to go after his dream of being a musician. 

RELATED: 'I didn’t even know how to feel': Timmins musician up for 3 Junos

Music is his full-time job now and ahead of the Junos, he told TimminsToday that there's room for him to exist as a normal person. 

That may change after last night's awards ceremony. You can catch him live at upcoming shows in Toronto and Montreal. 

From the red carpet to the stage, here's a look at his first trip to the Junos, which were held in Edmonton, Alberta.

First-time #JUNOS winner @whotfisprestonp pic.twitter.com/jQuSd0tm6h

— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 14, 2023

Pablo's first acceptance speech at the Junos. 

Here he is with the award after.

After a big win, Pablo hit the stage for a performance.