Fans withstand hot weather to line up for MMVAs in Toronto

Gigi Hadid has owned the fashion runways and the American supermodel took the reins at the iHeartRadio Canada Much Music Video Awards on Sunday.

Hadid hosted Canada's most rambunctious awards show from the streets of downtown Toronto where a giant stage featured some of the year's hottest pop artists.

The event began at 9 p.m. ET.

Leading the pack of nominees were Drake and pop singer Alessia Cara. Both are tied with seven nominations each, including nods for video of the year for Drake's Hotline Bling and Cara's Here.

Cara was also nominated in the newly created best new Canadian artist category, alongside Coleman Hell, Dan Talevski, Jazz Cartier and Ria Mae.

The night included performances by Nick Jonas and hip hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Toronto singer-songwriter Scott Helman and Criminal Minds actor Shemar Moore were the presenters.

"So excited to be headed to Toronto this weekend to host," Hadid wrote on Twitter ahead of the show.

She also posted an early Father's Day shout out Saturday on Instagram saying her hosting duties would keep her from sending her "daddio" a message on the official day.

Hadid was joined by Much personalities Liz Trinnear and Tyrone Edwards as co-hosts.

Hot weather

Organizers could not have predicted that the MMVAs would have taken place on such a hot day. Clear skies pushed the mercury to 30 C in the city with the humidity making it feel like 34, according to Environment Canada.  

A group of youngsters sitting in the shade had to wait in line for hours in order to hold their place to attend the red carpet pre-show ceremony. 

"I'm literally burnt everywhere. It's insane," said Victoria Aspiotis. "I have some water. I have two bottles so I'm good to go."

Fortunately, those in line were moved from a spot in the sun hours after some said they had been waiting in line since around 8 a.m.

"I'm already dying," said Cass Morgan. "It's so hot."

But the high temperatures were unable to dampen spirits with just hours to go before the big show.

"I've never been before so it's exciting," Aspiotis said. "I'm really excited."