Shawn Mendes, 5 Seconds of Summer, 98 Degrees to entertain at iHeartRadio MMVAs

Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees said it brought back memories of meeting former MuchMusic personality Ed the Sock at the 1999 MMVAs. (File Photo: 98 Degrees/Twitter)

TORONTO — Male heartthrobs were in heavy supply on the iHeartRadio MMVAs red carpet.

Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, Australian pop group 5 Seconds of Summer, and 1990s boy band 98 Degrees graced the pre-show to hearty screams from their enthusiastic fans — many of whom had waited hours for a spot at the wild outdoor awards show in Toronto.

Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees said it brought back memories of meeting former MuchMusic personality Ed the Sock at the 1999 MMVAs.

“We did an interview with a sock puppet with a cigar in its mouth — there’s nothing more unique than that,” he said Sunday evening.

“This is a celebration of music, the fans, and it’s great to be back and part of the energy here.”

Some awards were doled out on the red carpet before the official show started.

Electronic duo Elijah Woods and Jamie Fine, who were victorious in the CTV singing competition “The Launch,” were selected as best new Canadian artist or group.

Viral pop singer Halsey was awarded the “artist for change” recognition for her work on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“I think if you end up with a platform, you need to use that platform to uplift the people that gave you that platform to begin with,” the singer said in her acceptance speech.

“If I can be a voice for my fans who don’t have the opportunity to speak their minds or stand up for what they believe in, maybe I get to do it for them.”

Toronto-based filmmaker Karena Evans picked up the best director award for the Drake music video “God’s Plan,” which featured the rapper giving away money to surprised strangers in Miami.

Others spotted on the red carpet included model Tyra Banks and actress Kristin Cavallari, both of whom sported vibrant yellow.

Among the expected highlights of this year’s MMVAs is Mendes, who will play at both the open and close of the broadcast. The Pickering, Ont.-raised singer also leads the show with eight MMVAs nominations, including for video of the year.

Toronto rapper Drake trails close behind with seven nominations, although he’s not expected to attend the festivities.

The MMVAs will be hosted by “Crazy Rich Asians” actress Awkwafina, who rose to fame through cheeky YouTube rap videos before starring in Hollywood movies.

Other performers include Alessia Cara, Halsey, Meghan Trainor and Chinese singer Kris Wu.

“This is Us” actress Chrissy Metz, Tyra Banks, and Michael Jackson’s son Prince will all present awards.

This year’s show is undergoing a number of changes, aside from officially abbreviating its former name — the Much Music Video Awards.

The party was shifted from its usual mid-June date to late August to help capitalize on back-to-school season.

It also gave the show an opportunity to introduce a number of new categories, including one that crowns the song of the summer.

The MMVAs air on Much, CTV and stream online.