The 2026 Juno Awards showcased a blend of accolades and musical performances on Sunday night. Led by comedian Mae Martin, the event celebrated Canadian music while maintaining a familiar tone seen in previous Juno ceremonies.

The televised segment of the awards ceremony featured only four main categories, with the majority of the awards presented at a smaller event on Saturday. Prior to Martin’s opening monologue, Alberta’s Tate McRae had already secured multiple wins, including artist, single (“Sports Car”), pop album, and album (“So Close to What”).

The fan choice award, the only category decided by audience votes, went to Vancouver rapper bbno$, who made headlines for announcing a hiatus from music due to online negativity, only to release a new track shortly after. Despite some controversies surrounding the winners, neither McRae nor bbno$ were present to address the issues at the event.

The evening emphasized Canadian pride and talent, with performances by rising stars like Mico and Sofia Camara, as well as established artists like Daniel Caesar and The Beaches. Drake made a surprise appearance to honor Nelly Furtado, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Notably absent from the ceremony were major artists like The Weeknd and Justin Bieber, who have historically avoided the Juno Awards. The event focused on celebrating both emerging and established talent, with performances that highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of the Canadian music scene.

The show also featured special moments, including Rush’s performance with new drummer Anika Nilles and Joni Mitchell receiving a lifetime achievement award. Throughout the night, the Juno Awards paid tribute to the rich musical heritage of Canada, showcasing the country’s iconic artists and emerging talents.