Nanaimo's Lauren Spencer-Smith was nominated for a Juno Award for best adult contemporary album in late January. (Lauren Spencer-Smith Facebook)

By Alex Rawnsley

UNPLUGGED

Nanaimo singer earns top Juno nomination, American Idol appearance

Feb 22, 2020 | 6:49 AM

NANAIMO — The last 12 months have been a whirlwind of fame and good fortune for a young Nanaimo singer, culminated by being recognized as one of Canada’s best up and coming performers.

Lauren Spencer-Smith is nominated along side Bryan Adams and three other Canadian artists for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year at the 2020 Juno Awards.

Spencer-Smith was nominated for her live acoustic album, ‘Unplugged’ which was recorded during a concert at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre in July 2019.

“We just took all the cover songs I sang and put them on an album,” Spencer-Smith said. “Most who get nominated is through original music…I didn’t have high expectations and it just came out of the blue.”

The nomination put Spencer-Smith further on the music map. She experienced viral fame in March with a video of her singing a Lady Gaga song in the car with her father.

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The video has over two million views on YouTube with many more on a variety of social media platforms.

“Social media definitely plays the biggest role,” Spencer-Smith said. “The Juno nomination isn’t possible if people don’t download my album and people won’t follow your journey if there isn’t something to follow you on.”

Spencer-Smith will also feature on season 18 of American Idol, which aired its premiere on Feb. 16, 2020.

She added the extra attention on her and her career has come very quickly, however she is keen to remain grounded.

“When I was 11 years old and I had to start working, that was a big eye-opener for me because you realize stuff costs money,” Spencer-Smith said. “I’ve always known that part of life so when I get a fan or a comment I’m grateful for every single one.”

The 2020 Juno Awards are on Sunday, Mar. 15.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley