Canada’s biggest night in music wrapped Sunday in Hamilton, with Tate McRae emerging as the clear top winner, taking four Junos including Artist, Album, Single, and Pop Album of the Year—despite not attending the show.
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The broadcast leaned heavily on performances and moments rather than trophies. The standout surprise: Rush reunited onstage for their first live performance in more than 11 years, opening the show with “Finding My Way” in their first appearance since the death of drummer Neil Peart.
A major emotional high point came with Joni Mitchell’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mitchell joined Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell for a live performance, earning the night’s biggest ovation. She praised Carney and reflected on returning to Canada during a rare public appearance.
Other key wins include:
- The Beaches – Group of the Year (their third straight)
- Cameron Whitcomb – Breakthrough Artist
- bbno$ – Fan Choice Award
- Nelly Furtado – inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, with a video tribute from Drake..
Hosted by Mae Martin, the show highlighted Canadian identity and legacy, blending nostalgia with current chart success—more celebratory than controversial, and firmly focused on national pride.
