Nominees for The 2026 JUNO Awards Announced
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) unveiled the nominees for the 55th Annual JUNO Awards, marking a defining year that spans global superstardom, breakthrough success, and a historic recognition of Canada’s dynamic and diverse music ecosystem.
In total, this year’s cohort of nominees includes 248 nominations across 47 categories. The winners will be revealed on stage in Hamilton, Ontario at The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada on Saturday, March 28th, and The JUNO Awards Broadcast at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29th, live nationwide on CBC and CBC Gem and globally on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Leading this year’s nominations are Justin Bieber and Tate McRae, with six nominations each — the most nominations received in a single JUNO Awards season for both artists. Close behind, Cameron Whitcomb and The Weeknd earn five nominations apiece. For Whitcomb, the nods mark a striking JUNO Awards debut, propelling the rising artist into top categories alongside some of the country’s most established names.
“The JUNO Awards showcase the best of Canada’s music and the powerful role culture plays in driving tourism and economic growth,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Ontario is proud to support events that celebrate our artists, attract visitors and highlight our province as a leading destination for live entertainment and cultural experiences.”
Together, this year’s leading artists span pop, R&B, rock, and country, underscoring the diversity of Canadian music and its continued impact at home and around the world.
For a complete list and bios of all nominees, please visit junoawards.ca.
A Year of Milestones and Momentum
8-time JUNO Award winner Justin Bieber leads the nominees with six nods, adding to his 32 career JUNO Award nominations, including Single of the Year Presented by Sunrise Records for “Daisies.” The nominations mark a career-high JUNOS moment for the global superstar, underscoring his continued evolution and enduring influence as one of Canada’s most successful artists worldwide.
Tate McRae adds to her 17 JUNO Award nominations, earning an additional six nominations, building on last year’s multiple wins with a year defined by chart success, global touring, and artistic growth. Her career-high total further cements her place among Canada’s most dynamic artists on the international stage.
Following his two wins at the Canadian Country Music Awards, Cameron Whitcomb delivers one of the standout stories of the year making his TD JUNOS Debut with five nominations, spanning TD JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year Presented by Sunrise Records, Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year Presented by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, and Country Album of the Year. His rapid rise marks a defining moment in a fast-accelerating career.
The Weeknd earns five nominations this year, adding to an extraordinary JUNO Awards legacy that includes 22 wins and 46 total nominations, making him one of the most celebrated artists in JUNOS history. His latest recognition reflects a career defined by global success and creative ambition, reinforcing his position as one of Canada’s most influential artists whose work continues to resonate with audiences globally.
Daniel Caesar earns four nominations this year, and will take The JUNO Awards stage as both a performer and the recipient of The International Achievement Award, recognizing his global impact and continued international success. He is joined on the broadcast by The Beaches, five-time JUNO Award winners and nominees, whose momentum continues to build following their 2025 Group of the Year win. Six-time JUNO Award winner Jessie Reyez, also earns three nominations this year, being recognized again this year for her continued creative output and impact within Canadian music.
A Historic First for The JUNO Awards
This year also marks a milestone in JUNOS history with the introduction of Latin Music Recording of the Year, recognizing the growing influence and creative excellence of Latin music in Canada. The inaugural nominees – two-time winner and seven-time JUNO nominee Alex Cuba, two-time nominee Lido Pimienta, and first-time nominees Andy Rubal, Isabella Lovestory, and Mario Puglia – represent a range of sounds and voices shaping the genre today, capturing a distinctly Canadian perspective that sets them apart within the global Latin Music landscape.
Where it All Begins: Honouring Music Teachers
MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS/The JUNO Awards, also announced the five nominees for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment. The winner of the award, which recognizes excellence in music education, will be announced at The JUNO Awards and will take home a JUNO statuette, a $10,000 cash prize, and a MusiCounts grant for their school’s music program. The nominees are Zeda Ali from Sunny View Middle School in Brampton, ON; Lynn Harper from Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown, QC; Alex Hutcheon from Cremona School in Cremona, AB; Isabelle Lemieux from École Caps-des-Neiges in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC; and Raquel McIntosh from Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School in Hamilton, ON.
Returning to Hamilton and Honouring Legacy
With The JUNO Awards returning to Hamilton, several nominees are being recognized in their hometown, including 2025 Country Album of the Year winner Josh Ross, from Waterdown, ON, who earns four nominations following a breakout year that included a JUNOS win and a broadcast performance. Also receiving recognition are Hamilton’s eight-time JUNO Award winner, 17-time nominee, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Daniel Lanois (Album Artwork of the Year) and first-time nominees Brendan Joseph Murphy of Counterparts (Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year).
Adding to the year’s intergenerational lineup, 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee and 10-time JUNO Award winner Nelly Furtado is nominated in Pop Album of the Year Presented by Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 for her seventh album, 7. This latest project marks her 22nd JUNO Award nomination.
As a national organization, CARAS also recognizes the depth and diversity of Canadian music. Francophone Album of the Year nominees, Ariane Roy, Fredz, JF Pauze, Lou-Adriane Cassidy and Pierre Lapointe reflect the continued strength and creative range of French-language music in Canada. Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Presented by Destination Indigenous nominees Aysanabee, Sebastian Gaskin, Shawnee Kish, Siibii and Tia Wood represent powerful voices shaping Indigenous music today, honouring storytelling, culture and artistic excellence.
Altogether, The 2026 JUNO Awards will recognize 65 artists making their TD JUNOS Debut with inaugural nominations, underscoring a year defined by both legacy and emergence across Canada’s music landscape.
The 55th Annual JUNO Awards, produced by Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company), will air live across Canada March 29 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.
