Toronto native Mae Martin is preparing for a unique challenge: hosting this year’s Juno Awards. Beyond the excitement, a familiar teenage anxiety bubbles to the surface – a playful worry about facing former high school bullies on a national stage.
This isn’t Martin’s first time at the helm of an awards show, having successfully emceed the Canadian Screen Awards. However, the Junos present a different kind of pressure. “It’s different when it’s musicians,” Martin admits, confessing a secret desire all comedians harbor – to be a musician themselves.
The Junos, Martin believes, have always championed artists who dare to be bold, genre-bending, and a little unconventional. They intend to embody those very qualities as host, aiming to create a broadcast that feels less like a formal ceremony and more like a vibrant, unpredictable party.
This year’s celebration promises a stellar lineup, with Justin Bieber and Tate McRae leading the nominations. Music legend Joni Mitchell will receive a lifetime achievement award, becoming only the third Canadian to earn the honor. Nelly Furtado will also be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Grammy winner Daniel Caesar will be recognized with the International Achievement Award and will deliver a special performance. Martin follows in the footsteps of previous hosts like Michael Bublé, hoping to capture a similar energy of excitement and celebration.
Martin envisions a broadcast where “anything could happen,” fueled by incredible musical performances and a genuine sense of camaraderie. The goal is to create an atmosphere of pure Canadian pride, a moment to celebrate the nation’s artistic spirit.
When asked about Canadian artists for a desert island playlist, Martin quickly names Half Moon Run, Leif Vollebekk, and Andy Shauf. But it’s The Tragically Hip’s *Music At Work* and the song *Tiger the Lion* that hold a particularly deep resonance, soundtracking formative teenage years.
Hosting the Junos feels especially significant right now, Martin reflects, acknowledging a heightened awareness of the fragility of democracy and the importance of gratitude. It’s a moment to celebrate not only the art but also the freedoms that allow it to flourish.
Growing up in Toronto, Martin recalls being captivated by early concerts, including a tearful experience seeing 98 Degrees and a mind-blowing performance by Alanis Morissette. Seeing Kids in the Hall at Massey Hall sparked a realization that comedy could be a profession, a career built on connecting with an audience.
Despite a successful career in stand-up, Martin acknowledges the intimidation factor of hosting an awards show for musicians – “they’re the coolest people on Earth.” But they hope to draw on experience reading a room and riding the energy of a live performance.
Martin deliberately avoided studying previous hosts, fearing an unintentional imitation. The aim is to bring a unique energy to the stage, one that feels authentic and true to their own comedic voice.
Their recent Netflix thriller, *Wayward*, stemmed from a long-held interest in the troubled teen industry and a desire to explore the experiences of friends who had been affected by abusive facilities. While deeply personal, the series was conceived as a limited run, allowing for complete character arcs.
Outside of performing, Martin finds solace in the immersive world of escape rooms. They describe a surprising comfort in confined spaces, a focused challenge that provides a welcome distraction from the anxieties of everyday life. It’s a place to test limits, observe behavior under pressure, and even gauge the potential of a first date.
The 55th Juno Awards promises a night of celebration, unity, and a resounding affirmation of Canadian musical talent. It’s a moment to recognize the artists who shape the nation’s cultural landscape and to embrace the pride of being Canadian.
