It was never going to be a banner year for Canadians at the Grammy Awards, since only a handful of artists were nominated. Drake, Shawn Mendes, Jessie Reyez and Alberta's Indigenous singing group Northern Cree were among the performers left empty-handed on music's biggest night. All of the Canadian contenders, who also included Michael Buble and Daniel Caesar, were competing in categories that were presented during a ceremony before the main television broadcast event. Steve Wood, co-founder of Northern Cree, didn't win best regional roots music album, which means the group is now 0-for-9 on the Grammys count. Drake was the leading Canadian with nods for two different collaborations with Chris Brown and Rick Ross. He won neither category. Mendes shared his single nomination with girlfriend Camila Cabello for their pop duet "Senorita." Jesse Reyez was nominated for best urban contemporary album with her EP "Being Human in Public," a prize that was ultimately picked up by breakout American star Lizzo. And Anderson .Paak grabbed the best R&B performance Grammy over Oshawa, Ont., native Daniel Caesar's collaboration with Brandy on "Love Again."