The 2026 Juno Awards witnessed a stunning upset in Hamilton, as Calgary’s Tate McRae eclipsed even Justin Bieber, claiming four major awards – Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year.
Despite both pop icons being absent from the ceremony, McRae’s sweep marked a career high, solidifying her position as a dominant force in Canadian music. The night held surprises beyond her victories, with bbno$ – known as Baby No Money – unexpectedly taking home the coveted TD Juno Fan Choice award, besting McRae, Bieber, and The Weeknd.
The Weeknd, nominated five times, found himself frequently overshadowed by McRae’s success. Country music’s rising star, Cameron Whitcomb, also shone brightly, earning Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for his debut, *The Hard Way*.
Toronto’s The Beaches delivered a powerful performance, securing Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. Daniel Caesar, celebrated for his artistry, won Contemporary R&B Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, also receiving the International Achievement Award for his global impact.
The evening opened with a powerful moment as legendary prog-rock band Rush, featuring Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, took the stage with “Finding My Way.” They introduced their new drummer, Anika Nilles, a remarkable talent stepping into the role previously held by the late Neil Peart, hinting at exciting things to come on their upcoming tour.
A playful exchange between host Mae Martin and the camera revealed a surprising pair in the audience: Joni Mitchell and Prime Minister Mark Carney, prompting a warm round of applause. Martin’s lighthearted quip about her “parents” added a touch of genuine warmth to the broadcast.
Daniel Caesar’s performance of “Who Knows” was a highlight, a deeply moving acoustic ballad delivered after receiving his International Achievement Award. He then shared the moment with his father, bringing him onstage to accept the Contemporary R&B Album of the Year Juno, declaring, “This is Spergy!”
The Beaches defied expectations, opting for a string quartet arrangement of their poignant ballad, “Lesbian of the Year,” a captivating performance that resonated with the audience. The song’s lyrics, “How the hell did I get here?” added a layer of vulnerability and honesty.
Cameron Whitcomb’s energy was infectious as he performed “Options,” even incorporating a spontaneous backflip. Accepting his Breakthrough Artist award, he pledged to seize the opportunity and remain committed to his craft and sobriety.
Toronto singer Sofia Camara created a touching moment during her performance of “Girls Like You,” personally handing a bouquet of flowers to Nelly Furtado in the crowd, a gesture of respect and admiration.
The night culminated in a heartfelt tribute to Nelly Furtado, inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. A chorus of voices, including Anne Murray, Missy Elliott, and Drake, celebrated her legacy. Drake, in a taped message, acknowledged Furtado as a source of inspiration, calling her “our north star.”
Joni Mitchell, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, took the stage with grace and humor, even joking about how a brain aneurysm had helped her quit smoking. She then joined an all-star ensemble for a rendition of her iconic song, “Big Yellow Taxi.”
Despite the triumphs, a shadow lingered over McRae’s absence. Recent criticism for promoting Team USA in an advertisement, and a subsequent lukewarm defense of her Canadian identity, made her non-appearance particularly noticeable.
Host Mae Martin, while proudly Canadian, admitted to not being a household name, playfully acknowledging the audience’s likely focus on hockey allegiances over gender identity.
The broadcast was punctuated by frequent advertisements for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, *Michael*, starring his nephew and Miles Teller, whose wig drew considerable attention.
A joke by Martin referencing Furtado’s “Promiscuous Girl” fell flat, while a playful jab by Drake at the Junos’ past award decisions – specifically a perceived snub of his album *Take Care* – added a touch of playful tension.
