Changes to Rap, Electronic/Dance, Reggae/Dancehall and other categories reflect evolving genres, formats and ways artists release music
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TORONTO, ON – August 25, 2026 – Canadian music never stands still. New sounds emerge, genres evolve and the ways artists create, collaborate and release their work continue to change. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) believes the way Canadian music is recognized should evolve with it.
Ahead of The 2027 JUNO Awards, CARAS is introducing a series of category and eligibility updates designed to better reflect Canada’s music community today and provide clear, meaningful pathways for artists to have their work recognized. The changes are informed by CARAS’ annual review of The JUNO Awards, working closely with Music Advisory Committees and the broader music community to examine how categories and criteria can continue to serve Canadian artists.
For 2027, that evolution can be seen across Rap, Electronic/Dance, Reggae/Dancehall and Contemporary Christian/Gospel, where categories are being renamed or restructured to better reflect the music being recognized. Eligibility updates across Jazz and Classical categories, along with the addition of Beatport as an eligible streaming platform, further reflect how Canadian music is being made, shared and experienced today.
Categories Evolving with Canadian Music
- Rap: Melodic Rap Recording of the Year and Rap Recording of the Year will replace Rap Album/EP of the Year and Rap Single of the Year.
- Electronic/Dance: Electronic/Dance Single of the Year and Electronic/Dance Album/EP of the Year will replace Electronic Album of the Year and Dance Recording of the Year.
- Reggae/Dancehall: Reggae Recording of the Year will become Reggae/Dancehall Recording of the Year, more clearly reflecting the music already eligible in the category.
- Contemporary Christian/Gospel: Contemporary Christian/Gospel Recording of the Year will replace Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, with singles, EPs and albums now eligible.
Creating Clearer Pathways to Recognition
Additional eligibility updates for 2027 include:
- Beatport joining the list of eligible streaming platforms.
- Recording categories accepting singles, EPs and albums. Singles must be standalone releases and cannot be feature singles from an album or EP.
- Jazz categories moving from an 80 per cent to 51 per cent threshold between vocal and instrumental performance. Vocal Jazz albums must contain at least 51 per cent vocal performance, while Jazz (Solo) and Jazz (Group) albums must be at least 51 per cent instrumental. The featured vocalist for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Classical categories updating eligibility to better reflect collaborative projects. Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble) and Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) will be exempt from the general restriction on compilation albums, recognizing that classical albums can feature different performers or artist configurations across tracks while representing a unified artistic collaboration. Classical Composition of the Year will also refocus eligibility on original classical works by active Canadian composers, replacing the previous requirement that works be composed within the past 50 years.
Full category descriptions and eligibility requirements for The 2027 JUNO Awards are available at junoawards.ca.
2027 JUNO Awards Important Submission Dates
Submissions open: September 21, 2026
Final submission deadline: November 5, 2026 11:59 PM PT I November 6, 2026 2:59 AM ET
The 56th Annual JUNO Awards will be broadcast live from Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Sunday, April 4, 2027. JUNO Week runs from April 1 to 4, 2027.
Web Links
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca
Social Media
Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards
TikTok: @TheJUNOAwards
Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards
Hashtag: #JUNOS
Digital Content Partner and Exclusive Broadcaster:
CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives; Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs; Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing; and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), please visit www.junoawards.ca.
Media Contact
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