The 55th annual JUNO Awards was a night to remember. Hosted by Mae Martin at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum on March 29, the evening brought together some of the biggest names in Canadian music for a celebration filled with energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
RUSH kicked off the night with a surprise performance of “Finding My Way,” marking the band’s first return to the stage in 11 years. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were joined by drummer Anika Niles in honour of the late Neil Peart.
In a celebratory moment, Daniel Caesar was presented with the International Achievement Award by long-time collaborator and friend, Mustafa, who spoke to his artistry and global reach. “I’m gonna present to him the International Achievement Award because I do believe that he took that stillness to the global stage while maintaining the power of song that we’ve heard from the likes of Joni Mitchell, to Neil Young, to the Weeknd—to Daniel Caesar.” Daniel followed up with a stripped-down rendition of “Who Knows”, performing in his seat among his peers, guitar in hand.
The momentum continued with The Beaches, who won Rock Album of the Year Presented by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments earlier in the weekend, delivering a raw performance of “Lesbian of the Year.” Olympic and PWHL hockey players Sarah Nurse and Renata Fast introduced the second award of the evening, with The Beaches winning Group of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada for the third time. Accepting the award, the band shared, “After travelling all over the world, there’s no better feeling than coming home. Thank you so much Canada, we love you.”
Taking the stage next was nine-time JUNO Award winners, Arkells, who debuted their new single “Ride” right in their hometown of Hamilton. American rock band Grouplove joined in, delivering a harmonized bridge and closing out the set.
Up next, 2026 Humanitarian Award recipients Billy Talent took the stage to present Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year, which went to Daniel Caesar for Son of Spergy, marking his second win in the category. Named after his father, the album made the moment especially personal as Caesar’s dad joined him onstage to accept the award. “Thank you to the JUNOS, thank you to all of you guys for listening to the album, and I want to say thank you to my Dad—this is Spergy right here!” he said.
The night also made space for the next wave of Canadian talent, with standout performances from MICO and Sofia Camara, both nominees for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year Presented by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters. MICO performed “HOMESICK,” while Sofia Camara delivered “Girls Like You.”
Adding to the night’s excitement, six-time JUNO Award winner Drake shocked the audience with his first appearance at the JUNO Awards in 15 years, inducting his friend and peer Nelly Furtado into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame via video. Reflecting on their shared beginnings, he said “As a Canadian born in Victoria, British Columbia, I could only imagine that we shared the same wild dream of making it out. The difference is, while I was still dreaming, I used you as my motivation and proof that it’s possible.”
This was followed by a medley of songs performed by Lido Pimienta, Tanya Tagaq, Shawn Desman, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, and Alessia Cara as a tribute to Nelly’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame Achievement.
Nelly Furtado then took the stage to accept her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, visibly emotional following the tribute. Grounding her speech in what she called the “Canadian dream,” she reflected on building her career at home and the pride that comes with it. “I’m just really proud to be Canadian. I live in Canada. I make my music in Canada and I work with Canadian musicians,” she said, urging others to believe in that same possibility.
Keeping the energy high, Cameron Whitcomb brought backflips to the stage with “Options,” touching down from Indiana the morning of the broadcast. Despite tour logistics, he made the JUNOS a priority: “It’s too much of a privilege and it’s too much of an honour to skip out on.” He later picked up his second award of the weekend, winning Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year Presented By Factor, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
After a stellar performance from two-time JUNO Award winner William Prince of his song “Further From the Country,” the spotlight shifted towards Majid Jordan. The duo was nominated for Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year, and they presented the TD JUNO Fan Choice Award—the only award decided by fan votes. The JUNO Award went to bbno$.
A major highlight of the night was when Prime Minister Mark Carney took to the stage to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Joni Mitchell. Speaking about her impact, he said: “Through 19 studio albums and a career spanning more than 6 decades, Joni drew a map of Canada.” Joni then joined Mark Carney to make a speech of her own, sharing, “I want to thank the JUNOS for this great honour, I really appreciate it. I’m so happy to be back in Canada.”
The night closed with a moving tribute to Joni Mitchell led by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell, who were joined by Jully Black, William Prince, Shawn Desman, Nelly Furtado, Alessia Cara, Arkells, and more. Bringing together artists across generations, the performance was a powerful celebration of Mitchell’s legacy and global impact over the past 62 years.
Fans can rewatch every performance and memorable moment from the 55th Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast on CBC Gem, CBCMusic.ca/junos and The JUNO Awards social channels.
