The 2026 JUNO Awards Celebrate Artists From First Spark to Lasting Legacy With Cameron Whitcomb and a Tribute to Joni Mitchell by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell Presented by the National Music Centre
More performers join the JUNO Awards Broadcast live on CBC, and the JUNO Week lineup, with tickets still available
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TORONTO – February 19, 2026 – From birth to myth, The JUNO Awards continue to celebrate and support Canadian artists across every stage of their creative journeys. This year’s JUNO Awards Broadcast will feature a breakout performance from TD JUNOS Debut Artist, five-time JUNO nominee Cameron Whitcomb, alongside Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell, honouring Joni Mitchell with the Lifetime Achievement Award Tribute Performance Presented by the National Music Centre. The 55th Annual JUNO Awards will air live across Canada on Sunday, March 29 at 8 p.m. ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem and globally on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Together, these moments reflect CARAS’ long-standing philosophy of championing Canadian music talent from early development through to enduring cultural impact, a commitment rooted in education, growth, celebration, and honour.
Cameron Whitcomb’s performance marks a defining moment in a breakthrough year. With five nominations this year, the rising artist has quickly moved from discovery to national recognition, connecting with audiences through deeply personal songwriting and a raw, authentic sound. The Nanaimo, BC-native’s album, The Hard Way, and his JUNOS performance not only celebrate a banner year, but underscore CARAS’ commitment to championing breaking talent as they step onto the global stage.
At the other end of that career trajectory stands Joni Mitchell, one of Canada’s most influential and enduring creative voices. The recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by your National Arts Centre, Mitchell’s storied career spanning multiple eras, genres, 19 studio albums, live recordings, including timeless works like “Free Man in Paris,” “Help Me,” “River,” “A Case of You” and “Big Yellow Taxi,” has redefined songwriting and left an immeasurable mark on music worldwide. Her legacy will be honoured during the Broadcast with a special tribute performance presented by the National Music Centre featuring 2026 JUNO Nominee, 12-time JUNO Award Winner, including the 2009 Humanitarian Award and 2017 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Induction, Sarah McLachlan, and two-time JUNO Award winner Allison Russell, two artists whose own work reflects the emotional depth, poetic honesty and creative courage Mitchell helped pioneer.
Broadcast live from Hamilton on CBC, The 2026 JUNO Awards continue to reflect Canada’s evolving music story, honouring both the future being written and the legends whose work will endure forever.
The official 2026 JUNO Awards merch drop is here! Hoodies, long sleeves, tees, snapbacks, socks, and more. Grab the full collection at junoawards.ca/merch or during JUNO Week at select events. Celebrate Canada’s biggest night in music in style.
JUNO Week Events
The official launch of Canada’s Biggest Week in Music starts at the JUNO Kickoff Concert. This concert-style showcase will feature performances from 2026 JUNO Award-nominated group James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, 2026 JUNO Award nominee Sacha, Kalsey Kulyk and The Redhill Valleys.
Beyond the Broadcast stage, JUNO Week 2026 will bring Canadian music to life across Hamilton with a city-wide lineup of live events that showcase artists at every stage of their careers. The full lineup of events is coming soon, but confirmed lineups for some fan favourite events for JUNO Week include:
JUNOfest Presented by CBC
For two epic nights, Hamilton’s iconic stages come alive with high-energy, genre-spanning performances from your favourite Canadian artists and JUNO nominees — all unlocked with one digital pass for an unforgettable music experience. Featured artists include Amelia Maxwell, Ammoye (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Anna Sofia (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Annie-Claude Deschênes (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Bells Larsen, Billianne, Blunt Chunks, Burs, Caity Gyorgy and Mark Limacher (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Cam Kahin, Carrie Clark, Chris LaRocca, CODE Quartet (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Computer, cootie catcher, Dumb Crush, Ebril, Falls for the Elderly, Felix Cartal (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Feura, Fito Blanko, Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters, GRAE, Great Lake Swimmers, Ivy Gardens, JayWood, Jordan Astra, Junkhouse, Just Ideas, Kali Horse, Katie Tupper, Korea Town Acid (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Laila Biali, Lia Pappas-Kemps, Lindsay Schoolcraft, Los Chukos, Loversteeth, LU KALA, Mariel Buckley (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Mario Puglia (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Mattie Leon, Mauvey, Miss Emily (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), MXJ, Myst Milano, Nicolette & The Nobodies, poolblood, Puma June, Rachel Bobbitt, Ralph Nyoni, SadBoi (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Sebastian Gaskin (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Shawnee Kish (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Siibii (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Silverstein (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Sister Ray (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Smug LLC, Status/Non-Status, Steve Marriner (2026 JUNO Award Nominee), Steve Strongman, Superstar Crush, Tedy, Ten Minute Detour, Terra Lightfoot, Tia Wood (2026 JUNO Award Nominee).
JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada: hosted by Zabrina Douglas will have sets by 2026 JUNO Award nominees Adam Christie, Charlie Demers, Dave Merheje and Faris Hytiaa
JUNO Stories from the Studio: Hosted by CBC’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe with 2026 JUNO Award nominee panellists Joel Stouffer, Karen Kosowski, Jason Dufour
Junior JUNOS presented by CBC Kids and Hamilton Public Library: hosted by Joojo Paintsil with performances from 2026 JUNO Award nominees Ari Cui Cui, Chris McKhool, Ginalina, Hip Kids Music and Young Maestro
JUNO Honouring Ceremony Presented by Destination Indigenous: Hosted by Falen Johnson, the ceremony will pay tribute to the voices shaping the future of Indigenous creativity in Canada with performances by Allied Nations, Little Creek Singers, 2026 JUNO Award nominees Siibii and YB Nakota
Fans can secure tickets to beloved JUNO Week events at junoawards.ca/all-events/
The 55th Annual JUNO Awards, produced by Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company), will air live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, CBCMusic.ca/junos and stream globally on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
New Broadcast Performer
Cameron Whitcomb
Cameron Whitcomb’s JUNO Awards performance arrives at a defining moment in his career. The BC-raised singer-songwriter has emerged as one of Canada’s most compelling new voices, earning widespread attention for his honest and emotionally charged songwriting. Following the release of his debut EP Quitter and a whirlwind year of touring, Whitcomb’s music has connected deeply with audiences through stories of resilience, recovery and self-discovery. With five JUNO Award nominations this year, his appearance on the broadcast stage marks a powerful milestone.
Joni Mitchell Tribute Performers
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan’s role in the Joni Mitchell tribute carries deep artistic resonance. As one of Canada’s most influential singer-songwriters and an inductee of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, McLachlan’s career has long embodied the emotional honesty, poetic depth and creative independence that define Mitchell’s legacy. From her own era-defining catalogue to her continued relevance today, including a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year, McLachlan represents a direct lineage of Canadian songwriting excellence. Her participation in this tribute is both a celebration of Mitchell’s impact and a powerful reminder of how that influence continues to echo through generations of artists. Accompanied by her long-time band, McLachlan will proudly lead the tribute performance in what is sure to be an unforgettable moment.
Allison Russell
Allison Russell brings a powerful and deeply personal voice to the Joni Mitchell tribute performance, shaped by a career defined by fearless storytelling, artistic independence and emotional honesty. A Grammy and JUNO Award-winner and Polaris Prize short-listed artist, Russell’s work spans music, theatre and advocacy, weaving together themes of survival, compassion and liberation. As a proud member of Joni Mitchell’s Joni Jam band, her connection to Mitchell’s legacy is both personal, and artistic, rooted in a shared commitment to truth-telling and creative freedom. Russell’s participation in this tribute honours not only Mitchell’s influence, but the living, evolving power of songwriting as a force for healing, resistance and human connection.
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PwC Canada – Trusted partner of the 2026 JUNO Awards
Luminate is the Official Data Provider of the 2026 JUNO Awards
Get closer to Canada’s Biggest Week in Music! Download the JUNO Week App today for event schedules and real-time updates.
Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca
Social Media:
The JUNO Awards:
Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards / X: @TheJUNOAwards / Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards
Cameron Whitcomb:
Instagram: @thecamwhitcomb / TikTok: @thecamwhitcomb / Facebook: @thecamwhitcomb
Joni Mitchell:
Instagram: @jonimitchell / X: @jonimitchell / Facebook: @jonimitchell
Sarah McLachlan:
Instagram: @officialsarahmclachlan / X: @SarahMcLachlan / Facebook: @sarahmclachlan
Allison Russell:
Instagram: @AllisonRussellMusic/ Facebook: @AllisonRussellMusic
Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner:
CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
Premier Sponsor: TD Bank Group
Lead Sponsors: Skip, SiriusXM Canada, and Nissan Canada
Funding Partners: Music Canada, Province of Ontario, City of Hamilton, Tourism Hamilton, and Canadian Starmarker Fund
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. The 55th annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Hamilton at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), please visit www.junoawards.ca.
About CBC
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company)
Insight Productions is Canada’s most established content producer and an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of hit programming. For The 2026 JUNO Awards, Insight Co-Chief Content Officer Lindsay Cox serves as EP, Showrunner & Creative Producer alongside Insight’s Chair, CEO, and Executive Producer John Brunton. The 2026 JUNOs mark Cox’s 25th edition and Brunton’s 31st. Insight counts live event and music programming among its many specialties – The JUNOS; Stronger Together/Tous Ensemble (the highest viewed non-sporting broadcast in Canadian television history); Canada’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown; and CBC’s The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration (watched by one in three Canadians) are some of Cox’s many music specials and among Insight’s most-watched shows. Insight’s most recent production is Canada Shore for Paramount+ Canada. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of ground-breaking content. For more information, please visit InsightTV.com, @insightprod on X, and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
JUNOS: Amandine Lucas, [email protected]
CBC: [email protected]