At the recent Juno Awards Gala, Justin Bieber, despite being nominated for six awards, did not secure any wins. Instead, Tate McRae emerged victorious, clinching four Juno Awards for album of the year, artist of the year, single of the year, and pop album of the year.
The 2026 Juno Awards Gala, hosted by CBC Music’s Damhnait Doyle and Odario Williams, saw 47 awards being presented, with notable wins and first-time recipients. Although absent at the gala, Bieber and McRae are contenders for the TD Juno Fan Choice award, which will be announced on March 29 along with the remaining four awards.
The evening kicked off with Toronto’s R&B singer Daniel Caesar winning the songwriter of the year award. Caesar, absent from the event, is set to perform at the Juno Awards and receive the International Achievement Award for his acclaimed album “Son of Spergy.”
Aysanabee secured wins for alternative album of the year and contemporary Indigenous artist of the year, graciously acknowledging his team of talented women. Notably, Aysanabee expressed intentions of not re-entering the same category to create space for other Indigenous artists, playfully mentioning his pursuit of “white people awards.”
Toronto band Billy Talent was honored with the Humanitarian Award for their extensive charity work over the past 25 years. The band’s drummer, Aaron Solowoniuk, who battles Multiple Sclerosis, received special recognition for his contributions to charities like War Child and Kids Help Phone.
The Beaches celebrated their rock album of the year win for “No Hard Feelings,” appreciating the support of the Canadian music scene. Sadboi, a Toronto artist, triumphed in the rap album/EP of the year category, expressing pride in being recognized in her home country.
Several first-time Juno winners were also celebrated, including Toronto-based duo Kazdoura, Aaron Paris for instrumental album of the year, and Debby Friday for dance single of the year. Each winner expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of authenticity in their artistry.
The event also saw filmmaker Karena Evans winning the music video of the year award for her work with Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Notably, hip-hop legend Saukrates secured his first Juno after 30 years, alongside Tobi and Jully Black, marking a historic moment in Canadian music.
Additionally, Maestro Fresh Wes triumphed in the children’s album of the year category, emphasizing the significance of longevity and Canadian heritage in his music. The evening concluded with a sense of celebration and acknowledgment of the diverse talent within the Canadian music industry.