Juno Awards
There was an unmistakable current of Canadian nationalism running through the 2025 Juno Awards, which aired live on CBC from Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on Sunday (March 30).
The awards gala – and its night-before invite-only gala where most of the awards are given out – is always a chance for the music industry to tout its successes. This year, those affirmations had a different flavour. Canada has a wave of national pride that tends to arise when the country is threatened, and with tariffs imposed by the United States among threats of annexation by U.S. President Donald Trump, it was ever-present at this year’s Junos.
Here is how it played out.
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“Canada Is Not for Sale”
“Canada Is Not for Sale” has become a defiant slogan of pride of late, opposing Trump’s repeated threats of turning the country into the “51st state.” Junos host Michael Bublé was the latest star to use the phrase recently sported on a t-shirt by Mike Myers on Saturday Night Live. In an opening monologue that echoed the famous “I Am Canadian” Molson ad of the early 2000s, Bublé asserted a number of vaguely political affirmations of what he called “the greatest nation on earth.” “When they go low, we go high,” he said. “We love this country, and when you love something, you show up for it,” he said.
Allan Reid, president and CEO of CARAS, the organization that administers the Junos, also asserted culture as a form of Canadian identity in his speech at the industry gala on Saturday. Canada is the third largest exporter of music to the world, he said, likely referring to Luminate’s recent year-end report, and that’s an important distinction. “It is our culture that defines who we are and it is the touchstone of what it means to be Canadian,” he said. The music crosses borders, and that strengthens Canada internationally.
Winning the Walt Greilis Award, which recognizes individuals who have strengthened the growth or development of Canadian music, Live Nation Canada chairman Riley O’Connor echoed that sentiment. “It’s a time not to retreat, but to show innovation and talent,” he said. He was recognized for playing a big part in building the national touring network in Canada and showing international acts that there are fans in the country who want to hear the world’s music on live stages. He quoted Rush‘s “The Spirit of Radio,” then said, “now it’s time to turn up our Canadian volume.”
Behind-the-Scenes Success Stories
There is a tendency for the Canadian music industry, and the Junos, to speak to itself. That can be a problem when some of the biggest international stars strive for international success but don’t always show up for Canadian recognition.
While the Junos were a building block of a self-sufficient Canadian music industry, along with Canadian Content regulations and a strong system of government arts funding through organizations like FACTOR, it now has an issue of star power. Tate McRae was this year’s biggest winner with four awards, but wasn’t there to accept, and stars like The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes were also missing.
Some of the country’s biggest recent success stories, however, are behind the scenes, and this year they got an important overdue gesture of recognition. The Junos introduced the inaugural songwriter of the year (non-performer) category, and the winner was Lowell. The same winner of the Billboard Canada Non-Performing Songwriter Award, which she also accepted at the Billboard Canada Power Players in 2024, Lowell has been pushing for the category for years. “I’ve been here [at the Junos] eight or nine times before and watched hits I wrote win,” she said on Saturday night. “But never moi.” She shouted out her Canadian co-writer Nate Ferraro and all the other artists who should have won the award before her.
Lowell co-wrote some big hits recently, including Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and that shows a major impact made by Canadian musicians behind the scenes. Jack Rochon won the producer of the year award for his work with major international artists like Beyoncé, Kehlani and local R&B favourite Charlotte Day Wilson. Serban Ghenea, meanwhile, won recording engineer of the year for work with two of the biggest charting artists of the last year, Sabrina Carpenter and Teddy Swims (Ghenea has been nominated for 50 Grammys and won 21). Producer Boi-1da, meanwhile, won the international achievement award for work on some huge songs by stars like Drake, Rihanna and Eminem.
Canada is a heavy hitter for its relatively small population, and its fingerprints are on some of music’s biggest hits. It’s a good time to bring those accolades into the open.
Diversity as a Strength
There’s no one distinct Canadian sound, but the country has a cultural fluidity that is well-suited to the increasingly globalized music industry. There is music being made in multiple languages, well beyond even English and French.
Canada has become a global hub for the ascent of Punjabi music – what Billboard Canada coined the Punjabi Wave – and that’s become a big part of the Junos over the last few years. This year, the awards introduced the South Asian recording of the year award, which AP Dhillon won for “The Brownprint.” Unfortunately, the category was not televised and Dhillon wasn’t there to accept, but there was still a Punjabi performance by Gminxr, Jazzy B, Inderpal Moga and Chani Nattan.
Elisapie, meanwhile, won alternative album of the year for Inuktitut, an album of covers of songs by artists like Blondie and Pink Floyd in the title language. Accepting, she said she was proud to be an Inuk woman, singing in her language. Winning rap album of the year for their album RED FUTURE, Snotty Nose Rez Kids talked about Indigenous excellence and creating a vision for Indigenous people to see themselves in the future. In a year when Buffy Sainte-Marie had her awards revoked amidst questions of her own Indigenous identity, the Junos also recognized new and present cultural voices.
“Elon Musk Is a Piece of Garbage”
While many of the criticisms of the U.S. were more subtle or centered around Canada – the name Trump was barely spoken – there were a couple of sharper criticisms. One came from bbno$ on Sunday’s televised broadcast. After saying his thank yous for winning the fan choice award, he had one last thing to say: “Also, Elon Musk is a piece of garbage.” The crowd cheered for the jab at Trump’s head of DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency]. Introducing the next segment with Max Kerman of Arkells, Bublé said he didn’t hear what was said but could tell the crowd loved it. “I heard it,” Kerman said. “And it was right.”
At Saturday’s gala, Montreal band NOBRO brought real punk energy to their performance while lead singer Kathryn McCaughey sported a tank top that said “Pussies Against Fascism.” They won rock album of the year for their album Set Your Pussy Free and advocated for equal representation of women and for abortion as health care. “No pussy is free until they all are,” they proclaimed.
Made in Canada
In recent weeks in response to tariffs, American products have been pulled off liquor store shelves and grocery stores have hung signs letting shoppers know which products are Canadian-made. The messaging of the Junos also touted Canadian success stories, but there was a criticism below the surface of overrepresentation of major label acts in both the nominations list and televised performances. Sony, Universal and Warner all have Canadian offices and are thriving Canadian operations, but are also adjuncts of American companies.
There were some notable exceptions, however. The Beaches, who won group of the year for the second year in a row, gained bigger success after splitting with their former label, Universal Music Canada.
Sum 41 have been a major-label band throughout the majority of their career, but remarked on the strangeness of getting industry recognition. “We’re not really an award show band,” Deryck Whibley said. Being honoured with an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, they remembered sending their demo to every label and having it turned down by all of them. “One even told me it was the worst he had heard in a decade,” he said. “Maybe he’s here tonight.” They persisted, though, and became a major-label success story.
If resilience was a theme of the Junos, Nemahsis provided a different example. The Palestinian-Canadian artist told the story of being dropped from her major label shortly after Oct. 7 and releasing her breakout album Verbathim fully independently with the help of her manager Chass Bryan.
“So many labels are being thanked and mentioned,” she said on Saturday night accepting the alternative award, right in front of many major players of the Canadian music industry. “Labels have money. Money pays for albums. Artists need money to make art. I was cut off and left with nothing, and this album still came out because of Chass and my parents and the people of Palestine.”
Drake has had a challenging year, due to being widely seen as the loser of a high-profile diss battle with Kendrick Lamar, but he got a strong show of support at the Juno Awards in his native Canada on Sunday (March 30). His friend and frequent collaborator Boi-1da (pronounced Boy Wonder) sang his praises in accepting an International Achievement Award. Drake wasn’t present at the ceremony, which was held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
“I’m extremely humbled by this award and just to be mentioned among the legendary names as well – man I can’t even describe it,” the producer (who was born Matthew Jehu Samuels) began. “I want to have a huge shout-out to my brother Drake, the greatest rapper of all time, the greatest artist of all time and he’s from Canada – Drizzy Drake – that’s my brother.
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“Listen…Drake, love you bro, we started this together, we did this together, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Drake and all the sacrifices he made, all the doors he kicked down for a lot of people man, so shout-out to Drake. Thank you for life, man, I love that guy.”
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the future producer moved to Canada when he was three and grew up in Toronto. His first production work was at age 18, when he worked on two tracks on a Drake mixtape (Room for Improvement).
Boi-1da won his only Grammy to date as the co-writer of Drake’s “God’s Plan,” which was voted best rap song. The producer has been nominated for 19 Grammys, including six times for album of the year, for his work on Eminem’s Recovery, Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Drake’s Views, Kanye West’s (now Ye’s) Donda and Beyonce’s Renaissance.
Boi-1da has received two Grammy nods for record of the year, for “God’s Plan” and Rihanna’s “Work” (featuring Drake), and one song of the year nod, also for “God’s Plan.” He has been nominated twice for producer of the year, non-classical.
This International Achievement Award was his first Juno Award or nomination.
The biggest winner at the 2025 Juno Awards wasn’t there to accept her awards.
Tate McRae won four awards – for artist, single, album and pop album of the year – but was not able to make it to the Vancouver, British Columbia awards ceremony on Sunday (March 30) or the untelevised gala the night before to accept. That’s an ongoing issue at the Junos, where the responsibilities of the biggest international superstars often keep them from their home country’s award show.
Stars like Drake, The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes were not at Rogers Arena for the show, but there was an ongoing theme of Canadian excellence. At a time when U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and threatens to annex it as the 51st state, many used the Junos as a chance to wave the cultural flag.
McRae won four out of five of her nominations, taking artist of the year for the second year in a row, single of the the year for the second year in a row (with “Exes” taking the award won last year by “Greedy”) and album of the year and pop album of the year for the first time (with Think Later). She missed out only on the fan choice award. That was won by the perpetually viral rapper bbno$, a hit on TikTok, which sponsored the award. He used the acceptance speech to create another viral moment, using his time to call billionaire and top Trump advisor Elon Musk a “piece of garbage.”
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That was a more direct criticism of the American administration than what ran through most of the show, where a more nationalistic “Canada is not for sale” message rang through. Accepting the award for country album of the year, breakout Ontario singer Josh Ross thanked his label Universal Music both in Canada and south of the border, reminding them that “friends are better than enemies.”
Host Michael Bublé began the show with a medley of his hits in four different languages, duetting with Canadian artists including Elisapie, Jonita Gandhi, Roxane Bruneau and Maestro Fresh Wes. That recognized the diversity of sounds and genres, while his opening monologue recalled the famous “I Am Canadian” ad with Canadian pride and an affirmation that Canada is “the greatest nation on earth.”
Other than special awards, only four awards were presented on CBC’s Sunday broadcast, with the vast majority given out at the industry gala the night before. One of those was for group of the year. While Sum 41 seemed like a safe prediction given that they also were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame on the show and closed it with a medley of their pop-punk classics, it was instead awarded for the second year in a row to The Beaches. That continued a hot few years for the Toronto band, who broke out with their hit “Blame Brett” in 2023 and haven’t looked back since.
The other big award of the night was for breakthrough artist of the year. That accolade went to Nemahsis, the Palestinian-Canadian artist who was reportedly dropped from her major label for her refusal to silence her pro-Palestinian advocacy after Oct. 7. The singer, who also won alternative album of the year and performed on the broadcast, dedicated the award to her fellow hijabis and said all she ever wanted was to turn on Canadian TV and see someone who looked like her. “I didn’t think it would take this long or that I would be the one to do it,” she said. She thanked OVO Sound producer Noah “40” Shebib and artist Jad El Khoury for helping her finish her album Verbathim when she was suddenly fully independent and didn’t have the money to do so on her own.
Anne Murray was given the lifetime achievement award, marking only the second time in Junos history the award has been given (the other was to the architect of Canadian Content regulations and the namesake of the Junos, Pierre Juneau). Wearing a bedazzled Canada hockey jersey, the singer – who holds the record for most-ever Junos ahead of The Weeknd – talked about the importance of Canada to her multi-decade career and called the country her “safety blanket.” Producer Boi-1da won the international achievement award, recognizing his huge hits on the global stage – including four No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 – for artists like Rihanna, Drake and Eminem.
Other performances on the show included Haida Nation rap album of the year winners Snotty Nose Rez Kids with Tia Wood, Sunday night winners bbno$ and Josh Ross and an all-star Punjabi performance that featured Gminxr, Jazzy B, Inderpal Moga and Chani Nattan. Karan Aujla winning the fan choice award in 2024 showed the institution’s recognition of the Punjabi Wave, and the Junos implemented the new South Asian recording of the year award this year. AP Dhillon won for The Brownprint; however, the award was unfortunately not televised.
Find a full list of 2025 Juno Award winners below:
TikTok Juno Fan Choice
WINNER: bbno$ (Independent*Stem)
Dean Brody (Starseed)
Jade Eagleson (Starseed)
Josh Ross (Universal)
Karan Aujl (Independent)
Les Cowboys Fringants (Les Disques de La Tribu*Propagande)
Preston Pablo (Universal)
Shawn Mendes (Universal)
Tate McRae (RCA*Sony)
The Weeknd (XO*Universal)
Artist of the Year
Josh Ross (Universal)
Kaytranada (RCA*Sony)
Shawn Mendes (Island*Universal)
WINNER: Tate McRae (RCA*Sony)
The Weeknd (XO*Universal)
Single of the Year
“Single Again,” Josh Ross (Universal)
“Winning Speech,” Karan Aujla (Independent)
“Why Why Why,” Shawn Mendes (Island*Universal)
WINNER: “exes,” Tate McRae (RCA*Sony)
“Timeless,” The Weeknd & Playboi Carti (XO*Universal)
Album of the Year
Inuktitut, Elisapie (Bonsound*Sony)
Complicated, Josh Ross (Universal)
Submergé, Roxane Bruneau (Disques Artic*Sony)
UNDISPUTED, Sukha (GK*Universal)
WINNER: THINK LATER, Tate McRae (RCA*Sony)
Group of the Year
Crash Adams (Warner)
Mother Mother (Warner)
Spiritbox (BMG*Universal)
Sum 41 (Rise/BMG*Universal)
WINNER: The Beaches (Independent*AWAL)
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year
Alexander Stewart (FAE*The Orchard)
AP Dhillon (Republic*Universal)
AR Paisley (Warner)
Chris Grey (Rebellion Records)
EKKSTACY (Dine Alone*The Orchard)
WINNER: Nemahsis (Independent)
Owen Riegling (Universal)
Sukha (GK*Universal)
Tony Ann (Decca*Universal)
Zeina (Artist Partner Group)
Jack Richardson Producer of the Year
Aaron Paris — “intro (end of the world)” (Ariana Grande), “Bought the Earth” (Yeat), “Let it Breathe” (Ski Mask the Slump God), “Tiger Eye” (Loony), “Dishonored” (Sean Leon and Jessie Reyez, “R e a l W o m a n” (PartyNextDoor)
Akeel Henry — “Spin” (Megan Thee Stallion), “Smoke” (Ari Lennox), “Shake” (Chlöe), “Oh, Wait…” (Shae Universe), “I Choose You” (Melanie Fiona), “Love Ain’t Guaranteed” (Mist)
Evan Blair — “Pretty Slowly” (Benson Boone), “Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone), “club heaven” (Nessa Barrett), “No High” (David Kushner), “this is how a woman leaves” (Maren Morris), “i hope i never fall in love” (Maren Morris)
WINNER: Jack Rochon — “II Hands II Heaven” (Beyoncé), “Protector” (Beyoncé), “Jolene” (Beyoncé), “My Way” (Charlotte Day Wilson), “Crash” (Kehlani), “Tears” (Kehlani)
Shawn Everett — “II Most Wanted” (Beyoncé), “Found Heaven” (Conan Gray), “Bright Lights” (The Killers), “I Don’t” (Brittany Howard), “Eye of the Night” (Conan Gray), “Prove It to You” (Brittany Howard)
Recording Engineer of the Year
George Seara — “Soft Spot” (Keshi), “Dream” (Keshi)
Hill Kourkoutis — “Ghost” (Sebastian Gaskin), “Should We” (Emi Jeen)
Mitch McCarthy — “Good Luck, Babe!” (Chappell Roan), “Make You Mine” (Madison Beer)
WINNER: Serban Ghenea — “Please Please Please” (Sabrina Carpenter), “Lose Control” (Teddy Swims)
Shawn Everett — “Don’t Forget Me” (Maggie Rogers), “Deeper Well” (Kacey Musgraves)
Songwriter of the Year
Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) — “Dancing in the Flames,” “Timeless,” “São Paulo”
AP Dhillon — “Old Money,” “Losing Myself,” “Bora Bora”
Jessie Reyez — “Child of Fire,” “Ridin,” “Shut Up”
WINNER: Mustafa Mustafa — “Name of God,” “Leaving Toronto,” “I’ll Go Anywhere”
Nemah Hasan (Nemahsis) — “stick of gum,” “you wore it better,” “coloured concrete”
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer)
Evan Blair – “Beautiful Things” (Benson Boone), “Pretty Slowly” (Benson Boone), “i hope i never fall in love” (Maren Morris)
WINNER: Lowell – “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Beyoncé), “Bodyguard” (Beyoncé), “Takes One to Know One” (The Beaches)
Nathan Ferraro— “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Beyoncé), “Smoke” (Ari Lennox), “Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)” (Sofia Camara)
Shaun Frank – “Love Somebody” (Morgan Wallen), “Training Season” (Dua Lipa), “Sideways” (Gordo)
Tobias Jesso Jr.”Houdini” (Dua Lipa), “push me over” (Maren Morris), “Come Show Me” (Camilla Cabello)
Music Video of the Year
“Human,” Adrian Villagomez, Apashe & Wasiu (Kannibalen*Create)
“Nasty,” Jonah Haber, Tinashe (Independent)
“GRAVITY,” Jorden Lee, Sean Leon (Independent)
WINNER: “Name of God,” Mustafa, Mustafa (Arts & Crafts*Universal)
“Jump Cut,” Winston Hacking, Corridor (Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard)
Album Artwork of the Year
Erik M. Grice (Art Director), Vanessa Elizabeth Heins (Photographer); Chandler – Wyatt C. Louis (Independent*Universal)
Gabriel Noel Altrows (Art Director, Illustrator); Good Kid 4 – Good Kid (Independent/The Orchard)
Kee Avil, Jacqueline Beaumont (Art Director), Fatine-Violette Sabiri (Photographer); Spine – Kee Avil (Constellation*Secretly Canadian)
WINNER: Keenan Gregory (Art Director); Altruistic – Royal Tusk (MNRK)
Kevin Hearn, Lauchlan Reid (Art Director), Antoine Jean Moonen (Designer), Lauchlan Reid (Illustrator); Basement Days – The Glacials (Celery*IDLA)
Country Album of the Year
The Compass Project – West Album, Brett Kissel (Independent*Universal)
Dallas Smith, Dallas Smith (Big Loud*Universal)
WINNER: Complicated, Josh Ross (Universal)
Nobody’s Born With a Broken Heart, MacKenzie Porter (Big Loud*Universal)
Going Home, Tyler Joe Miller (Independent*The Orchard)
South Asian Music Recording of the Year
WINNER: “The Brownprint,” AP Dhillon (Republic *Universal)
“COOLIN,” Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga & Jazzy B (Warner)
“Love Like That,” Jonita Gandhi (Warner)
“Tauba Tauba” (From Bad Newz), Karan Aujla (T-Series)
“Arul,” Yanchan, Produced & Sandeep Narayan (Independent)
Classical Album of the Year (Solo Artist)
Signature Philip Glass, Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà (Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard)
Messiaen, Barbara Hannigan (Alpha Classics*Naxos)
WINNER: freezing, Emily D’Angelo (Deutsche Grammophon*Universal)
Butterfly Lightning Shakes the Earth, India Gailey (Red Shift*Believe)
Williams Violin Concerto No. 1; Bernstein Serenade, James Ehnes (Pentatone*Naxos/The Orchard)
Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble)
Known To Dreamers: Black Voices in Canadian Art Song, Canadian Art Song Project (Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos)
Rituæls, collectif9 (Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard)
East is East, Infusion Baroque (Leaf*Naxos)
Marie Hubert: Fille du Roy, Karina Gauvin (ATMA*Universal)
Kevin Lau: Under a Veil of Stars, St. John–Mercer–Park Trio (Leaf*Naxos)
Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble)
Ispiciwin, Luminous Voices (Leaf*Naxos)
Alikeness, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra Sinfonia, conducted by/dirigé par Mark Fewer featuring Aiyun Huang, Deantha Edmunds and Mark Fewer (Leaf*Naxos)
Sibelius 2 & 5, Orchestre Métropolitain, conducted by/dirigé par Yannick Nézet-Séguin (ATMA*Universal)
Schoenberg: Pelleas und Melisande & Verklärte Nacht, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by/dirigé par Rafael Payare (Pentatone*Naxos/PIAS)
WINNER: Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by/dirigé par Gustavo Gimeno featuring Marc-André Hamelin and Nathalie Forget (Harmonia Mundi)
Jazz Album of the Year (Solo)
WINNER:Montreal Jazz Series 1 (Échanges Synaptiques), André Leroux (Disques BG*Believe)
The Head of a Mouse, Audrey Ochoa (Chronograph*Fontana North)
Portrait of Right Now, Jocelyn Gould (Independent)
Slice of Life, Larnell Lewis (Independent)
The Antrim Coast, Mark Kelso (Modica)
Jazz Album of the Year (Group)
Time Will Tell, Andy Milne and Unison (Sunnyside*AMPED)
Reverence, Carn Davidson 9 (Independent)
Harbour, Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra (Justin Time*F.A.B./Nettwerk)
WINNER: Gravity, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio (Independent)
Jaya, Raagaverse (Independent)
Vocal Jazz Album of the Year
Oh Mother, Andrea Superstein (Cellar*La Reserve)
WINNER: Hello! How Are You?, Caity Gyorgy (La Reserve*The Orchard)
Winter Song, Kellylee Evans (Independent)
Wintersongs, Laila Biali (Independent/Believe)
Magpie, Sarah Jerrom (TPR*Outside In)
Instrumental Album of the Year
Disaster Pony, Disaster Pony (Independent*The Orchard)
Distant Places, Eric Bearclaw (Independent)
Ginger Beef, Ginger Beef (Independent)
WINNER: memory palace, Intervals (Independent*Believe)
Confluencias, Melón Jimenez & Lara Wong (Independent)
Blues Album of the Year
WINNER: This Old Life, Big Dave McLean (Cordova Bay*Fontana North)
New Orleans Sessions, Blue Moon Marquee (Independent)
YEAH!, David Gogo (Cordova Bay*Fontana North)
Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit, Samantha King & The Midnight Outfit (Independent)
One Guitar Woman, Sue Foley (Stony Plain*Fontana North)
Traditional Roots Album of the Year
Hemispheres, Inn Echo (Independent)
WINNER: Retro Man … More and More (Expanded Edition), Jake Vaadeland, Jayward*The Orchard Domino!, La Bottine Souriante (LABE*Sony/The Orchard)
The Road Back Home (Live), Loreena McKennitt (Independent*Universal)
At The End of the Day, Sylvia Tyson (Stony Plain*Fontana North)
Contemporary Roots Album of the Year
Anniversary, Abigail Lapell (Outside)
For Eden, Boy Golden (Six Shooter*The Orchard)
Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, Donovan Woods *End Times*The Orchard)
Pathways, Julian Taylor (Howling Turtle*ADA)
WINNER: Strange Medicine, Kaia Kater (acronym*The Orchard)
Adult Alternative Album of the Year
WINNER: Inuktitut, Elisapie (Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard)
Revelation, Leif Vollebekk (Secret City*F.A.B.)
Healing Power, Terra Lightfoot (Sonic Unyon*Universal)
We were born here, what’s your excuse?, The Secret Beach (Victory Pool*The Orchard)
Never Better, Wild Rivers (Nettwerk*F.A.B./Nettwerk)
Alternative Album of the Year
When a Thought Grows Wings, Luna Li (In Real Life*AWAL)
WINNER: Verbathim, Nemahsis (Independent)
Magpie, Peach Pit (Columbia*Sony)
What’s The Point, Ruby Waters (Independent*Dine Alone)
Water The Flowers, Pray for a Garden, Valley (Universal)
Rock Album of the Year
Pages, Big Wreck (Sonic Unyon*Universal)
Vices, JJ Wilde (Black Box)
Grief Chapter, Mother Mothe (Warner)
WINNER: Set Your Pussy Free, NOBRO (Dine Alone*The Orchard)
Heaven :x: Hell, Sum 41 (Rise/BMG*Universal)
Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year
WINNER: Beyond the Reach of the Sun, Anciients (Season of Mist*The Orchard)
PowerNerd, Devin Townsend (InsideOutMusic*Sony)
Fire, Kittie (Sumerian*Virgin)
The Fear of Fear, Spiritbox (BMG*Universal)
ULTRAPOWER, Striker (Independent)
Adult Contemporary Album of the Year
Roses, Aphrose (Independent)
Boundless Possibilities (Celeigh Cardinal, Independent)
Transitions, Kellie Loder (Independent*Warner)
Songs of Love & Death, Maddee Ritter (Independent*Universal)
WINNER: Lovers’ Gothic, Maïa Davies (acronym)
Pop Album of the Year
bleeding heart, Alexander Stewart (FAE*The Orchard)
if this is it…, Jamie Fine, Universal)
Anywhere But Here, Preston Pablo (31 East*Universal)
Shawn, Shawn Mendes (Island*Universal)
WINNER: THINK LATER, Tate McRae (RCA*Sony)
Dance Recording of the Year
“UH HUH,” DijahSB (Never Worry*The Orchard)
WINNER: “No Time,” Interplanetary Criminal & SadBoi (Room Two*Columbia)
Give in to you, REZZ, Virtual Riot & One True God (Monstercat)
“Call Me When,” So Sus (Independent)
“FOUL TASTE,” WAWA (Independent)
Underground Dance Single of the Year
WINNER: “Bamboo,” Ciel (Independent)
“Keepsake,” Destrata (Independent)
“Distant Memories,” Hernan Cattaneo, Hicky & Kalo (Independent)
“La Vérité,” Jesse Mac Cormack, Charlie Houston & Brö (Secret City*F.A.B)
“WTP,” Suray Sertin (Altered States*Universal)
Electronic Album of the Year
Honey, Caribou (Merge*F.A.B)
Union, ÈBONY (Independent*ADA)
Love, Care, Kindness & Hope, Fred Everything (Lazy Days*Prime Direct)
Timeless, Kaytranada (RCA*Sony)
WINNER: This But More, Priori (NAFF*One Eye Witness)
Rap Single of the Year
“People,” Classified (Independent)
“Double The Fun,” Haviah Mighty (Independent)
WINNER: “SHUT UP,” Jessie Reyez (FMLY/Island*Universal)
“BBE,” Snotty Nose Rez Kids (Sony)
Hier encore, Souldia & Lost (Disques 7ième Ciel)
Rap Album/EP of the Year
96 Miles From Bethlehem, Belly (SALXCO*Universal)
Luke’s View, Classified (Independent)
The Flower That Knew, DijahSB (Lowly)
See You When I See You…, Dom Vallie (Awesome*The Orchard)
WINNER: RED FUTURE, Snotty Nose Rez Kids (Sony)
Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
Limbo, Aqyila (Sony)
The Worst, Benita (Independent*Believe)
Cyan Blue, Charlotte Day Wilson (Independent*The Orchard)
Halfway Broken, Luna Elle (Hot Freestyle*Independent)
WINNER: VELVET SOUL, THEHONESTGUY (Independent*Believe)
Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year
WINNER: Bloom, Aqyila (Sony)
Noire, Avenoir (Independent*LISTEN TO THE KIDS)
FOR THE BOY IN ME, Dylan Sinclair (Five Stone*The Orchard)
LOONY, LOONY (Independent*AWAL)
Eastend Confessions, Zeina (Artist Partner Group)
Reggae Recording of the Year
WINNER: Born to Be Free, Exco Levi (Independent)
FALLBACK, King Cruff & Runkus (Tuff Gong*Universal)
Destiny, Lee “Scratch” Perry & Bob Riddim (Independent)
Sky’s The Limit, Skystar (Independent)
Rise, Tonya P (Independent)
Children’s Album of the Year
Shun Beh Nats’ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs, Kym Gouchie (Independent)
WINNER: Penny Penguin, Raffi & Good Lovelies (Independent*Universal)
Riley Rocket: Songs From Season One, Riley Rocket and Megablast (Independent)
Buon Appetito, Walk off the Earth & Romeo Eats (Golden Carrot*The Orchard)
Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Young Maestro “Rhyme Travellers”, Young Maestro (Independent)
Comedy Album of the Year
Wonder Woman, Courtney Gilmour (Comedy Records*Downtown)
WINNER: Honourable Intentions, Debra DiGiovanni (Independent)
Popcorn, Ivan Decker (Independent)
Sad Witch, Jess Salomon (Independent)
Down With Tech, Nathan Macintosh (Comedy Records*Downtown)
Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year
WINNER: New Comings, Black Bear Singers (Independent)
Winston & I, Brianna Lizotte (Independent)
Travelling Home, Cree Confederation (Independent)
REZilience, Northern Cree (Independent)
Ostesihtowin-“Brotherhood”, Young Spirit (Independent)
Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year
Precious Diamonds, Adrian Sutherland (Independent)
Boundless Possibilities, Celeigh Cardinal (Independent)
WINNER: Brown Man, Sebastian Gaskin (Ishkōdé*Universal)
RED FUTURE, Snotty Nose Rez Kids (Sony)
Pretty Red Bird, Tia Wood (Sony)
Francophone Album of the Year
Aliocha Schneider, Aliocha Schneider (Les Disques Audiogramme*Sony/The Orchard)
Demain il fera beau, Fredz (La Taniere*Believe)
Toutes les rues sont silencieuses, Jay Scøtt (Disques 7ième Ciel*Believe)
Abracadabra, Klô Pelgag (Secret City*F.A.B.)
Pub Royal, Les Cowboys Fringants (Les Disques de La Tribu*Propagande/Believe)
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
elenee., Elenee (Independent)
My Foundation, Jordan St. Cyr (Independent*The Orchard)
WINNER: Restore, Ryan Ofei (Independent*Platoon/Believe)
Miracle in the Making, Tehillah Worship (Independent)
Hymns Alive (Live), Toronto Mass Choir (Independent*Believe)
Global Music Album of the Year
Aarambh, Abby V (Sufiscore)
Kanzafula, Ahmed Moneka (Lulaworld*Independent)
Malak, Didon (Electrofone*Independent)
WINNER: Dankoroba, Djely Tapa (Independent*Believe)
Niebla, Ramon Chicharron (Independent*Believe)
Classical Composition of the Year
WINNER: Angmalukisaa, Deantha Edmunds (Independent*Leaf/Naxos)
the fog in our poise, Gabriel Dharmoo (Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos)
L’écoute du perdu : III. « Voix jetées », Keiko Devaux (ATMA*Universal)
Dark Flowe, Linda Catlin Smith (Redshift*Independent)
String Quartet No. 4 “Insects and Machines”, Vivian Fung, (Independent)
03/28/2025
They’re all here, from Paul Anka to Drake.
03/28/2025
Tate McRae and Josh Ross have received the most nominations for the 2025 Juno Awards, with five apiece. The two artists will compete against each other in single of the year, album of the year, artist of the year and TikTok fan choice award.
Shawn Mendes and The Weeknd follow with four nominations each, while Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon each score three.
McRae — the Alberta pop singer whose “Greedy” took her to global heights in 2023 — won single of the year and artist of the year at the 2024 Junos. She was not in attendance to accept either award. This year, she could sweep all the major categories except for breakthrough artist, in which she was nominated in 2021.
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Ross is a breakout country singer from Ontario, and his five nominations show the strength of the genre in Canada. He joins McRae in the artist of the year category, alongside dance music producer Kaytranada, who was up for three Grammys this year with his third LP, Timeless; Mendes, who made a highly anticipated comeback with folk album Shawn; and The Weeknd, who released several charting singles in 2024. (His Hurry Up Tomorrow doesn’t qualify for this year’s awards, so he could be primed for another big year next year.)
Ross has had a major year, with his track “Single Again” — up for single of the year — charting on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and topping the Canadian Country Airplay chart. He picked up five Canadian Country Music Association Awards in 2024, but if he prevails in one or more of his highly competitive categories, it would mark his first Juno win(s).
Beyond McRae’s domination and Ross’ breakthrough, the nominations show the continued rise of the Punjabi Wave in Canada. Last year, Karan Aujla took home the fan choice award, which showed belated industry recognition for the exploding genre. This year, Aujla is up for single of the year as well with the aptly-titled “Winning Speech.”
This year, the Junos are introducing a South Asian music recording category, with AP Dhillon; Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga & Jazz B; Jonita Gandhi; and Sandeep Narayan and Yanchal Produced all up for the inaugural award alongside Aujla.
But it’s not just that category where South Asian music is shining through — Dhillon is nominated for breakthrough artist and songwriter of the year.
AR Paisley is also up for breakthrough artist, as is Sukha, who also scored a nomination in best album with Undisputed. That’s a marked increase in representation for South Asian music and, in particular, Punjabi artists, from last year, as the wave continues to crest.
Canadian pop-rock icons and Billboard Canada cover stars Sum 41 are up for group of the year, where they’ll compete against Crash Adams, Mother Mother, Spiritbox and last year’s winner, The Beaches. They also picked up a nomination for rock album of the year with their final album, Heaven :x: Hell, and they will receive a special induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the ceremony.
In the big categories, it’s not as strong a year for women nominees — McRae is the only woman nominated for single of the year, artist of the year, and fan choice (especially notable in fan choice, which has 10 total nominees). In album of the year, Inuk singer Elisapie and Quebecois artist Roxane Bruneau compete alongside McRae against Ross and Sukha.
The breakthrough artist category is where things get the most interesting. The Junos have increased that category from five to 10 nominees this year, and the move allows for a real breadth of talent to shine through, with nominees ranging from country to soul to Punjabi hip-hop and more. Palestinian-Canadian alt-pop auteur Nemahsis is up for the category (she’s also nominated in alternative album of the year), as is Vancouver emo-pop artist Ekkstacy and Montreal R&B-pop artist Zeina, who broke through with Billboard Canadian Hot 100-charting “Hooked.”
In the genre-specific categories, three categories that were reportedly in danger of disappearing did return this year. Following public outcry last fall, the Junos recommitted to the reggae recording of the year; contemporary Christian/gospel album of the year; and children’s album of the year categories.
The nominees in reggae recording include the late trailblazer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry for his work with Bob Riddim on Destiny and Canadian reggae leader Exco Levi’s Born To Be Free. In children’s album, Lheidli T’enneh singer-songwriter Kym Gouchie is nominated for Shun Beh Nats’ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs as well as iconic entertainer Raffi for his Good Lovelies collaboration, Penny Penguin.
The 2025 Juno Awards, hosted by Michael Bublé, will be held March 30 in Vancouver, broadcast on CBC at 8 P.M. ET.
Here’s the full list of nominations for the 2025 Juno Awards.
TikTok Juno Fan Choice
bbno$, Independent*Stem
Dean Brody, Starseed
Jade Eagleson, Starseed
Josh Ross, Universal
Karan Aujla, Independent
Les Cowboys Fringants, Les Disques de La Tribu*Propagande
Preston Pablo, Universal
Shawn Mendes, Universal
Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
The Weeknd, XO*Universal
Artist of the year
Josh Ross, Universal
Kaytranada, RCA*Sony
Shawn Mendes, Island*Universal
Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
The Weeknd, XO*Universal
Group of the year
Crash Adams, Warner
Mother Mother, Warner
Spiritbox, BMG*Universal
Sum 41, Rise/BMG*Universal
The Beaches, Independent*AWAL
Single of the year
“Single Again,” Josh Ross, Universal
“Winning Speech,” Karan Aujla, Independent
“Why Why Why,” Shawn Mendes, Island*Universal
“exes,” Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
“Timeless,” The Weeknd & Playboi Carti, XO*Universal
Album of the year
Inuktitut, Elisapie, Bonsound*Sony
Complicated, Josh Ross, Universal
Submergé, Roxane Bruneau, Disques Artic*Sony
UNDISPUTED, Sukha, GK*Universal
THINK LATER, Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
Breakthrough artist or group of the year
Alexander Stewart, FAE*The Orchard
AP Dhillon, Republic*Universal
AR Paisley, Warner
Chris Grey, Rebellion Records
EKKSTACY, Dine Alone*The Orchard
Nemahsis, Independent
Owen Riegling, Universal
Sukha, GK*Universal
Tony Ann, Decca*Universal
Zeina, Artist Partner Group
Songwriter of the year
Abel Tesfaye
AP Dhillon
Jessie Reyez
Mustafa
Nemah Hasan (Nemahsis)
Songwriter of the year (non-performer)
Evan Blair
Lowell
Nathan Ferraro
Shaun Frank
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Jack Richardson producer of the year
Aaron Paris
Akeel Henry
Evan Blair
Jack Rochon
Shawn Everett
Recording engineer of the year
George Seara
Hill Kourkoutis
Mitch McCarthy
Serban Ghenea
Shawn Everett
Classical album of the year (solo artist)
Signature Philip Glass, Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà, Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard
Messiaen, Barbara Hannigan, Alpha Classics*Naxos
freezing, Emily D’Angelo, Deutsche Grammophon*Universal
Butterfly Lightning Shakes the Earth, India Gailey, Red Shift*Believe
Williams Violin Concerto No. 1; Bernstein Serenade, James Ehnes, Pentatone*Naxos/The Orchard
Classical album of the year (small ensemble)
Known To Dreamers: Black Voices in Canadian Art Song, Canadian Art Song Project, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
Rituæls, collectif9, Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard
East is East, Infusion Baroque, Leaf*Naxos
Marie Hubert: Fille du Roy, Karina Gauvin, ATMA*Universal
Kevin Lau: Under a Veil of Stars, St. John–Mercer–Park Trio, Leaf*Naxos
Classical album of the year (large ensemble)
Ispiciwin, Luminous Voices, Leaf*Naxos
Alikeness, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra Sinfonia, conducted by/dirigé par Mark Fewer featuring Aiyun Huang, Deantha Edmunds and Mark Fewer, Leaf*Naxos
Sibelius 2 & 5, Orchestre Métropolitain, conducted by/dirigé par Yannick Nézet-Séguin, ATMA*Universal
Schoenberg: Pelleas und Melisande & Verklärte Nacht, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by/dirigé par Rafael Payare, Pentatone*Naxos/PIAS
Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by/dirigé par Gustavo Gimeno featuring Marc-André Hamelin and Nathalie Forget, Harmonia Mundi
Jazz album of the year (solo)
Montreal Jazz Series 1 (Échanges Synaptiques), André Leroux, Disques BG*Believe
The Head of a Mouse, Audrey Ochoa, Chronograph*Fontana North
Portrait of Right Now, Jocelyn Gould, Independent
Slice of Life, Larnell Lewis, Independent
The Antrim Coast, Mark Kelso, Modica
Jazz album of the year (group)
Time Will Tell, Andy Milne and Unison, Sunnyside*AMPED
Reverence, Carn Davidson 9, Independent
Harbour, Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra, Justin Time*F.A.B./Nettwerk
Gravity, Jeremy Ledbetter Trio, Independent
Jaya, Raagaverse, Independent
Vocal jazz album of the year
Oh Mother, Andrea Superstein, Cellar*La Reserve
Hello! How Are You?, Caity Gyorgy, La Reserve*The Orchard
Winter Song, Kellylee Evans, Independent
Wintersongs, Laila Biali, Independent/Believe
Magpie, Sarah Jerrom, TPR*Outside In
Instrumental album of the year
Disaster Pony, Disaster Pony, Independent*The Orchard
Distant Places, Eric Bearclaw, Independent
Ginger Beef, Ginger Beef, Independent
memory palace, Intervals, Independent*Believe
Confluencias, Melón Jimenez & Lara Wong, Independent
Blues album of the year
This Old Life, Big Dave McLean, Cordova Bay*Fontana North
New Orleans Sessions, Blue Moon Marquee, Independent
YEAH!, David Gogo, Cordova Bay*Fontana North
Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit, Samantha King & The Midnight Outfit, Independent
One Guitar Woman, Sue Foley, Stony Plain*Fontana North
Traditional roots album of the year
Hemispheres, Inn Echo, Independent
Retro Man … More and More (Expanded Edition), Jake Vaadeland, Jayward*The Orchard Domino!, La Bottine Souriante, LABE*Sony/The Orchard
The Road Back Home (Live), Loreena McKennitt, Independent*Universal
At The End of the Day, Sylvia Tyson, Stony Plain*Fontana North
Contemporary roots album of the year
Anniversary, Abigail Lapell, Outside
For Eden, Boy Golden, Six Shooter*The Orchard
Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, Donovan Woods, End Times*The Orchard Pathways, Julian Taylor, Howling Turtle*ADA
Strange Medicine, Kaia Kate,r acronym*The Orchard
Country album of the year
The Compass Project – West Album, Brett Kissel, Independent*Universal
Dallas Smith, Dallas Smith, Big Loud*Universal
Complicated, Josh Ross, Universal
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, MacKenzie Porter, Big Loud*Universal
Going Home, Tyler Joe Miller, Independent*The Orchard
Adult alternative album of the year
Inuktitut, Elisapie, Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard
Revelation, Leif Vollebekk, Secret City*F.A.B.
Healing Power, Terra Lightfoot, Sonic Unyon*Universal
We were born here, what’s your excuse?, The Secret Beach, Victory Pool*The Orchard
Never Better, Wild Rivers, Nettwerk*F.A.B./Nettwerk
Alternative album of the year
When a Thought Grows Wings, Luna Li, In Real Life*AWAL
Verbathim, Nemahsis, Independent
Magpie, Peach Pit, Columbia*Sony
What’s The Point, Ruby Waters, Independent*Dine Alone
Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden, Valley, Universal
Rock album of the year
Pages, Big Wreck, Sonic Unyon*Universal
Vices, JJ Wilde, Black Box
Grief Chapter, Mother Mother, Warner
Set Your Pussy Free, NOBRO, Dine Alone*The Orchard
Heaven :x: Hell, Sum 41, Rise/BMG*Universal
Metal/hard music album of the year
Beyond the Reach of the Sun, Anciients, Season of Mist*The Orchard
PowerNerd, Devin Townsend, InsideOutMusic*Sony
Fire, Kittie, Sumerian*Virgin
The Fear of Fear, Spiritbox, BMG*Universal
ULTRAPOWER, Striker, Independent
Adult contemporary album of the year
Roses, Aphrose, Independent
Boundless Possibilities, Celeigh Cardinal, Independent
Transitions, Kellie Loder, Independent*Warner
Songs of Love & Death, Maddee Ritter, Independent*Universal
Lovers’ Gothic, Maïa Davies, acronym
Pop album of the year
bleeding heart, Alexander Stewart, FAE*The Orchard
if this is it…, Jamie Fine, Universal
Anywhere But Here, Preston Pablo, 31 East*Universal
Shawn, Shawn Mendes, Island*Universal
THINK LATER, Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
Dance recording of the year
UH HUH, DijahSB, Never Worry*The Orchard
No Time, Interplanetary Criminal & SadBo,i Room Two*Columbia
Give in to you, REZZ, Virtual Riot & One True God, Monstercat
Call Me When, So Sus, Independent
FOUL TASTE, WAWA, Independent
Underground dance single of the year
“Bamboo,” Ciel, Independent
“Keepsake,” Destrata, Independent
“Distant Memories,” Hernan Cattaneo, Hicky & Kalo, Independent
“La Vérité,” Jesse Mac Cormack, Charlie Houston & Brö, Secret City*F.A.B
“WTP,” Suray Sertin, Altered States*Universal
Electronic album of the year
Honey, Caribou, Merge*F.A.B
Union, ÈBONY, Independent*ADA
Love, Care, Kindness & Hope, Fred Everything, Lazy Days*Prime Direct
Timeless, Kaytranada, RCA*Sony
This but More, Priori, NAFF*One Eye Witness
Rap single of the year
“People,” Classified, Independent
“Double the Fun,” Haviah Mighty, Independent
“SHUT UP,” Jessie Reyez, FMLY/Island*Universal
“BBE,” Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Sony
“Hier encore,” Souldia & Lost, Disques 7ième Ciel
Rap album/EP of the year
96 Miles From Bethlehem, Belly, SALXCO*Universal
Luke’s View, Classified, Independent
The Flower That Knew DijahSB, Lowly
See You When I See You…, Dom Vallie, Awesome*The Orchard
RED FUTURE, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Sony
Traditional R&B/soul recording of the year
“Limbo,” Aqyila, Sony
“The Worst,” Benita, Independent*Believe
“Cyan Blue,” Charlotte Day Wilson, Independent*The Orchard
“Halfway Broken,” Luna Elle, Hot Freestyle*Independent
“VELVET SOUL,” THEHONESTGUY, Independent*Believe
Contemporary R&B recording of the year
“Bloom,” Aqyila, Sony
“Noire,” Avenoir, Independent*LISTEN TO THE KIDS
“FOR THE BOY IN ME,” Dylan Sinclair ,Five Stone*The Orchard
“LOONY, LOONY,” Independent*AWAL
“Eastend Confessions,” Zeina, Artist Partner Group
Reggae recording of the year
“Born to Be Free,” Exco Levi, Independent
“FALLBACK,” King Cruff & Runkus, Tuff Gong*Universal
“Destiny,” Lee “Scratch” Perry & Bob Riddim, Independent
“Sky’s the Limit,” Skystar, Independent
“Rise,” Tonya P, Independent
Children’s album of the year
Shun Beh Nats’ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs, Kym Gouchie, Independent
Penny Penguin, Raffi & Good Lovelies, Independent*Universal
Riley Rocket: Songs From Season One, Riley Rocket and Megablast, Independent
Buon Appetito, Walk off the Earth & Romeo Eats, Golden Carrot*The Orchard
Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Young Maestro “Rhyme Travellers”, Young Maestro, Independent
Comedy album of the year
Wonder Woman, Courtney Gilmour, Comedy Records*Downtown
Honourable Intentions, Debra DiGiovanni, Independent
Popcorn, Ivan Decker, Independent
Sad Witch, Jess Salomon, Independent
Down With Tech, Nathan Macintosh, Comedy Records*Downtown
Traditional indigenous artist or group of the year
New Comings, Black Bear Singers, Independent
Winston & I, Brianna Lizotte, Independent
Travelling Home, Cree Confederation, Independent
REZilience, Northern Cree, Independent
Ostesihtowin-“Brotherhood”, Young Spirit, Independent
Contemporary indigenous artist or group of the year
Precious Diamonds, Adrian Sutherland, Independent
Boundless Possibilities, Celeigh Cardinal, Independent
Brown Man, Sebastian Gaskin, Ishkōdé*Universal
RED FUTURE, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Sony
Pretty Red Bird, Tia Wood, Sony
Album Francophone De L’année
Aliocha Schneider, Aliocha Schneider, Les Disques Audiogramme*Sony/The Orchard
Demain il fera beau, Fredz, La Taniere*Believe
Toutes les rues sont silencieuses, Jay Scøtt, Disques 7ième Ciel*Believe
Abracadabra, Klô Pelgag, Secret City*F.A.B.
Pub Royal, Les Cowboys Fringants, Les Disques de La Tribu*Propagande/Believe
Contemporary Christian/gospel album of the year
elenee., Elenee, Independent
My Foundation, Jordan St. Cyr, Independent*The Orchard
Restore, Ryan Ofei, Independent*Platoon/Believe
Miracle in the Making, Tehillah Worship, Independent
Hymns Alive (Live), Toronto Mass Choir, Independent*Believe
Global music album of the year
Aarambh, Abby V, Sufiscore
Kanzafula, Ahmed Moneka, Lulaworld*Independent
Malak, Didon, Electrofone*Independent
Dankoroba, Djely Tapa, Independent*Believe
Niebla, Ramon Chicharron, Independent*Believe
South Asian music recording of the year
“The Brownprint,” AP Dhillon, Republic *Universal
“COOLIN,” Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga & Jazzy B, Warner
“Love Like That,” Jonita Gandhi, Warner
“Tauba Tauba (From Bad Newz),” Karan Aujla, T-Series
“Arul,” Yanchan, Produced & Sandeep Narayan, Independent
Album artwork of the year
Erik M. Grice (Art Director), Vanessa Elizabeth Heins (Photographer); Chandler – Wyatt C. Louis, Independent*Universal
Gabriel Noel Altrows (Art Director/Illustrator); Good Kid 4 – Good Kid, Independent/The Orchard
Kee Avil, Jacqueline Beaumont (Art Director), Fatine-Violette Sabiri (Photographer); Spine – Kee Avil Constellation*Secretly Canadian
Keenan Gregory (Art Director); Altruistic – Royal Tusk MNRK
Kevin Hearn, Lauchlan Reid (Art Director), Antoine Jean Moonen (Designer), Lauchlan Reid (Illustrator); Basement Days – The Glacials Celery*IDLA
Music video of the year
“Human,” Adrian Villagomez, Apashe & Wasiu, Kannibalen*Create
“Nasty,” Jonah Haber, Tinashe, Independent
“GRAVITY,” Jorden Lee, Sean Leon, Independent
“Name of God,” Mustafa, Mustafa, Arts & Crafts*Universal
“Jump Cut,” Winston Hacking, Corridor, Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard
Classical composition of the year
“Angmalukisaa,” Deantha Edmunds, Independent*Leaf/Naxos
“the fog in our poise,” Gabriel Dharmoo, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
“L’écoute du perdu : III. « Voix jetées »,” Keiko Devaux, ATMA*Universal
“Dark Flowe,” Linda Catlin Smith, Redshift*Independent
“String Quartet No. 4 ‘Insects and Machines,’” Vivian Fung, Independent
This story was originally published by Billboard Canada.
Boi-1da and Sarah Harmer are earning special honors.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has announced both Canadian artists as special award recipients at this year’s Juno Awards.
Globally successful record producer Boi-1da (born Matthew Samuels) will receive the International Achievement Award during The Juno broadcast live on CBC on March 30. This award recognizes Canadian artists who have attained exemplary success on the world stage and it honors Canadian talent who have raised the profile of Canadian music around the world. Boi-1da is the first producer recipient of the award, and just the 10th in total. He won a Grammy for best rap song six years ago for co-writing Drake‘s hit “God’s Plan.” His 19 nominations include two nods for the coveted producer of the year, non-classical award, in 2019 and 2023.
Harmer will receive the 2025 Humanitarian Award at The Juno Awards Gala, on Saturday, March 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This award recognizes Canadian artists or industry leaders whose work has positively enhanced the social culture of Canada. Harmer is being honored for eloquently using her voice to advocate for major environmental issues.
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“This year’s Juno Special Award Recipients exemplify the very best of what Canadian music has to offer,” Allan Reid, president and CEO of CARAS, said in a statement. “From creating superstar recordings to leading with compassion in their humanitarian efforts, we are excited to celebrate Boi-1da and Sarah Harmer for their work and profound impact.”
It is almost 20 years since Boi-1da’s first recognized production credit, for the track “Do What You Do” on Drake’s 2006 mixtape Room for Improvement. That launched a career that now boasts these impressive stats: 60+ platinum singles, 19 Grammy nominations (with one win), four RIAA-certified Diamond records and four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits as both a songwriter and producer – Eminem’s “Not Afraid,” Rihanna’s “Work” (featuring Drake), Drake’s “God’s Plan” and Drake’s “First Person Shooter” (featuring J. Cole).
Boi-1da has produced tracks for superstars including Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Beyoncé, among others.
“It’s a huge honour,” he says. “Canada has always been home, and its music scene shaped me into the producer I am today. To be able to take that foundation and contribute to music on a global scale means everything. I hope this inspires the next generation of Canadian artists and producers to dream big and know that the world is listening.”
Singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer began her musical career with roots-rock bands The Saddletramps and Weeping Tile, prior to launching a solo career that took off with her 2000 sophomore album, You Were Here, which went platinum. Five more full-length albums have brought her both commercial success and international critical acclaim.
Harmer’s record as an environmental activist runs long and deep. In 2005, she co-founded citizen’s organization PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land) and supported it via a tour of the Niagara Escarpment region. A documentary DVD of this tour was released in 2006 as Escarpment Blues. Harmer also coauthored a book about the campaign, The Last Stand: A Journey Through the Ancient Cliff-Face Forest of the Niagara Escarpment.
She is credited with leading the successful effort to prevent an open-pit gravel mine in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on the Escarpment in Ontario and has been active in different community environmental groups, including the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition, and pipeline protests.
“I truly appreciate this honour,” says Harmer of this special award. “I accept on behalf of all the people who volunteer their time to speak up to protect land, water, and the web of life in their communities, and beyond. Musicians who use their platforms to amplify these struggles give a huge boost to the collective fight. Now more than ever we need to use our powers to build community and respect the natural world that underpins our lives.”
Harmer is no stranger to recognition at the Juno Awards, having taken home 10 trophies for her solo work.
This article was originally published by Billboard Canada.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame has announced its full crop of 2025 inductees.
Songwriter Dan Hill, “grande dame of Québec song” Ginette Reno, rock superstars Glass Tiger and singer/songwriter/composer Loreena McKennitt will all join the previously announced Sum 41. That legendary punk and rock band, who are currently on their farewell tour after returning to the top of the Alternative Airplay chart after more than two decades, will celebrate the induction with their final televised performance at the 2025 Juno Awards on March 30 in Vancouver.
The other four recipients will be joined by 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and Canadian hip-hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes at a special ceremony on May 15 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), in Calgary. Maestro Fresh Wes was inducted into the Hall of Fame during The 2024 Junos broadcast in Halifax, and will again be honoured at the Studio Bell event this year.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established by CARAS, the organization behind the Junos, in 1978 to acknowledge artists who have made a remarkable impact on Canadian music both nationally and internationally.
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Hill, Reno, Glass Tiger, McKennitt, Sum 41 and Maestro Fresh Wes will join the ranks of esteemed stars including Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, Deborah Cox, Jann Arden, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Nickelback, Oscar Peterson, Rush, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan and Shania Twain.
This is the third time CARAS has held a multiple induction ceremony outside of the Junos.
“As the physical home of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, we’re proud to be a place that honours the individuals that have contributed so much to Canadian music,” says Andrew Mosker, president & CEO of the National Music Centre. “It’s always a privilege to host this special event and welcome the latest inductees to Calgary, where we can celebrate their significant influence and share their inspiring stories.”
The National Music Centre will unveil a new exhibition at Studio Bell on May 7, spotlighting the achievements of the four inductees.
Hill has achieved major international success, both for his own music and in collaboration with other musical legends. His “Sometimes When We Touch,” a tune Dolly Parton called her “favourite song of all time”’ and one she wishes she had written, has notched 63 million YouTube views and over 100 million downloads. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978.
Hill has recorded and released multiple Gold and Platinum albums, won a Grammy Award and five Junos, and was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2021. He’s also worked with many of the pop’s top-selling artists, including Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Britney Spears and Céline Dion.
Ginette Reno is a legend of Quebec music. In a 65-year career, she’s recorded over 2000 songs, 42 albums, all gold or platinum, and various notable roles on the silver screen and on television.
Since their first three albums starting in the mid-1980s, Ontario rock band Glass Tiger spawned 14 Top 40 Hits in Canada in five years. The 1986 hit “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)” (which hit No. 2) and following hit “Someday,” which both reached Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the band’s debut album, The Thin Red Line, went quadruple platinum in Canada and gold in the U.S.
McKennitt has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide while remaining self-managed and self-produced. Her music, combining elements of pop, folk and worldbeat styles, has been dubbed “eclectic Celtic.”
Tickets will soon go on sale at the National Music Centre. More info at the Canadian Music Hall of Fame website.
Michael Bublé is set to host the 2025 Juno Awards, which will be held March 30 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia – just 6 miles from Bublé’s hometown of Burnaby, British Columbia.
Bublé also hosted the Junos in 2018, the last time they were held at Rogers Arena, as well as in 2013, when they were held at Brandt Center in Regina, Saskatchewan.
“I could not be happier bringing The Juno Awards home to Vancouver for 2025,” Bublé said in a statement. “The Junos are such an important part of the Canadian music industry, and being able to host for the second time in my hometown makes this night mean even more to me. I’m excited to be surrounded by all the amazing talent we have from coast-to-coast this March.”
Trending on Billboard
Bublé is the latest in a long line of Canadian superstars to host the show, which is Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Others include Paul Anka, Burton Cummings, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Nelly Furtado, Drake, Bryan Adams and Sarah McLachlan.
Bublé, who will also perform on the show, is 15-time winner at the Juno Awards, which are voted on by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). He has also won five Grammy Awards, all for best traditional pop vocal album. He has amassed four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.
The 54th annual Juno Awards, produced by Insight Productions (a Boat Rocker company), will broadcast and stream live across Canada from Rogers Arena in Vancouver on March 30 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s YouTube page. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. PT and start at $70.85 (including tax plus fees) and will be available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca/junos.
The 2025 Juno Awards will include awards for reggae recording, Christian/gospel album, and children’s album, after all.
CARAS, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), has reportedly reversed a planned decision to put those three categories on hiatus, as well as the award for international album, the fate of which remains unknown.
Earlier in September, The Canadian Press obtained a letter which revealed the planned suspension of the four categories, part of a “broader set of updates” still to be announced.
Response was swift from the music industry and beyond, with many citing concerns that reggae recording and Christian/gospel album, especially, are categories that honour genres led by Black musicians.
“There’s a lot of anger among us reggae folks,” Juno nominee Jason Wilson told The Canadian Press, adding that the removal of the reggae award could only “ring alarms of racism.”
Trending on Billboard
“While (the Junos) might be saying the right things about inclusion, in the very same breath they’re ditching reggae and gospel. How can this be reconciled?” Wilson said.
Politicians spoke out as well, with federal MP Michael Coteau — also the former Ontario Minister of Culture — advocating for the reggae, Christian/gospel, and children’s album categories to be reinstated. “Revisit this really bad decision,” Coteau said on X. City councillor Josh Matlow added his voice to the chorus as well.
Juno Awards president and CEO Allan Reid announced the decision to reinstate the categories on Tuesday, September 17.
“I want to personally address the recent discussions surrounding changes we were considering for the 2025 Awards,” Reid wrote on Instagram. “Over the course of last year, CARAS underwent an extensive process reviewing all Award categories, taking into consideration data such as consumption, number of submissions, and other metrics,” Reid explained. “Given the feedback from the community, CARAS will not put these three categories on hiatus this year.”
Speaking with the Toronto Star, publicist and cultural commentator Dalton Higgins (who previously called the decision to eliminate reggae “a slap in the face to…the Black community” and “a PR nightmare of epic proportions”) emphasized that CARAS shouldn’t have considered eliminating those categories without consulting the communities that contribute to them.
“To not engage the Jamaican community or the broader Caribbean community in a healthy two-way dialogue,” Higgins said, “it felt like we were taking 20 steps backwards.”
This isn’t the first time artists have called out the Junos on issues of recognition and representation, including previous boycotts by hip-hop artists Rascalz and Drake.
More information about the 2025 Juno Awards category changes will be announced on Sept. 23, Reid clarified in his post.
The 2025 Junos will take place in Vancouver. -Rosie Long Decter
Jeremy Dutcher Becomes The First Two-Time Polaris Music Prize Winner
Jeremy Dutcher has won the Polaris Music Prize. Again!
The Indigenous singer-songwriter of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) became the first two-time winner in the history of the music award, which celebrated its 19th edition this week (September 17) at Massey Hall in Toronto.
With the album Motewolonuwok, Dutcher beat nine other shortlisted albums: Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee, NOBRO’s Set Your Pussy Free, TOBi’s Panic, DijahSB’s The Flower That Knew, Allison Russell’s The Returner, Bambii’s Infinity Club, Elisapie’s Inuktitut, The Beaches’ Blame My Ex and Charlotte Cardin’s 99 Nights.
Dutcher wins the $50,000 prize donated by the Slaight Family Foundation, which goes to the best Canadian album of the year, as determined by a jury of experts based solely on artistic merit.
“Six years ago, I put out my first record [and] this award changed my life,” he said. “I have unending gratitude to this music community. Not a single album on this list sounded like each other. That speaks to the breadth of music in this place.”
The night included performances by most of the nominated artists, with creative substitutions for those who couldn’t play: The Beaches’ Jordan Miller playing with teen band Thunder Queens, a string section playing along with a taped performance by Charlotte Cardin, a Cindy Lee video premiere, and a ballet inspired by Allison Russell’s “Eve Was Black.”
Read about the best moments of the the 2024 Polaris Prize gala here. -Richard Trapunski
Shaboozey Honoured at Toronto Concert as ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ Hits 16 Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard Canadian Hot 100
Shaboozey has this year’s longest-running No. 1 hit on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 with “A Bar Song (Tipsy), and last week he got to celebrate it in a big way.
At his concert at Danforth Music Hall on Friday (Sept. 13), he welcomed Billboard Canada‘s Richard Trapunski, Mo Ghoneim and Jackson Turner onstage to present him with a plaque for the achievement.
“This is crazy man, this is nuts,” he said, raising the plaque triumphantly as the crowd cheered. “Y’all did it first!”
Shaboozey played the hit three times a row during his encore, with the crowd clearly loving every second of it.
The song has now spent 16 weeks atop the Canadian Hot 100, surpassing last year’s 15 weeks for Miley Cyrus’s hit “Flowers.” Lil Nas X has the current record at 19 weeks for “Old Town Road.” Shaboozey only needs three more weeks to tie it and four more to beat it.
“Let’s see if we can do it,” said the country star in his green room before the show, sitting backstage next to a portrait of Charley Crockett.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” hit No. 1 in Canada before the U.S. Hot 100, where it currently sits at 10 weeks at No. 1.
“I guess you guys got a lotta drinkers here, huh?” he joked, when asked why the song was resonating in Canada. “It just shows that you guys love to have fun. Every day is a celebration when people are listening to this song.”
The song is an ode to forgetting your troubles with a double shot of whiskey that interpolates rapper J-Kwon’s 2004 song “Tipsy.” An addictive country song that plays with elements of hip-hop and is easy to sing along to, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has shown to unite different kinds of listeners and get airplay in a variety of different radio formats.
Evidently, it also has a lot of staying power. -R.T.
Lisa Grossi Named Director of National Radio Promotion & Media Relations at Warner Music Canada
Warner Music Canada has announced the appointment of Lisa Grossi to the position of director, national radio promotion & media relations.
Grossi joins the company from Bell Media, where she served as the national music director for Virgin Radio & Move Radio, as well as music director & assistant program director for CHUM 104.5. She becomes the first woman ever to lead Warner Music Canada’s promotion department.
“Music is my passion. I live and breathe it,” Grossi says. “Growing up, it was my dream to work for a record label and I am so excited that this is now a reality. I’m thrilled to join Warner Music Canada to help break new artists and have continued success with their roster of established artists.”
Grossi has over 18 years of experience as a radio programmer, and the label heralds her appointment as a step to bring “Warner Music Canada’s radio team into the future.”
Madelaine Napoleone, vp of marketing, says “Lisa is a highly respected leader in the radio industry, bringing a fresh perspective on how we can enhance our partnership with radio both now and in the future. I’m also proud to share that with her appointment, we are the only major label in Canada to have an all-female radio team.”
Lisa Grossi was recently celebrated in the Industry Spotlight of Billboard Canada Women in Music. She gave this advice to the next generation of women in the industry: “Trust your gut. Speak your truth. Be authentic. Always give your honest opinion even if it’s not the popular opinion.”
That advice has led her into new terrain as she moves into the new role at Warner. –Kerry Doole

Tate McRae‘s “Greedy,” which has topped the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 multiple times and has climbed as high as No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, is nominated for single of the year at the 2024 Juno Awards, where it is competing with Charlotte Cardin‘s “Confetti,” Daniel Caesar‘s “Always,” Lu Kala’s “Pretty Girl Era” and Talk‘s “A Little Bit Happy.”
Nominations were announced Tuesday (Feb. 6) in a press conference at the CBC Building in Toronto. Comeback artist Nelly Furtado, who will host as well as perform on the broadcast ceremony on March 24, was a surprise guest at the nominees announcement. She also received a nomination for “Eat Your Man,” her collaboration with Dom Dolla, for dance recording of the year.
Cardin received the most nominations for the 2024 Juno Awards. The breakthrough Montreal pop singer-songwriter got six nods, including artist of the year, album of the year and pop album of the year (99 Nights), single of the year (“Confetti”) and TikTok Fan Choice.
Cardin previously cemented her Canadian stardom on the Junos stage in 2022, winning six awards. With her “Confetti” ubiquitous in both Quebec and the rest of Canada, it could be another big year for her.
Caesar and Talk follow with five nods each. Allison Russell, who won her first Grammy on Sunday, Feb. 4, for “Eve Was Black,” voted best American roots performance, received three Juno nods, as did Aysanabee, Connor Price, Lauren Spencer Smith, McRae and DVBBS.
Punjabi-Canadian artist Karan Aujla, a cover star for Billboard Canada’s inaugural digital cover, was also announced as a performer at the upcoming Junos ceremony at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. He follows fellow cover star AP Dhillon, who played the first full Punjabi performance at the awards last year. Joining Aujla as performers will be country breakout Josh Ross and singer-songwriter Talk.
Shubh, another Punjabi-Canadian artist, is nominated for the TikTok Fan Choice, a fan-voted award, along with Aujla, Cardin, Ross, Caesar, DVBBS, McRae, ThxSoMch and Walk off the Earth.
Nominated with Cardin for album of the year are Néo-Romance by Alexandra Stréliski, Never Enough by Caesar, Mirror by Spencer Smith and Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees by Talk.
Cardin, Caesar, Smith and McRae are all nominated for artist of the year too, along with the legacy artist of the category, Shania Twain.
International album of the year, the only category reserved for non-Canadian artists, includes hit albums by SZA, Metro Boomin, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Taylor Swift, who was nominated twice in the same category last year. Music executive, author and lawyer Chip Sutherland will receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award.Tickets for the show, which will be broadcast live on CBC, and the JUNO Week events, are on sale at ticketmaster.ca/junos. The majority of the awards will be presented at The Juno Opening Night Awards the night before the main ceremony on March 23.
Here’s the complete list of 2024 Juno nominations:
TikTok Juno Fan Choice
Charlotte Cardin, Cult Nation*The Orchard
Daniel Caesar, Republic*Universal
DVBBS, Ultra*Sony
Josh Ross, Universal
Karan Aujla, Warner
Shubh, Mass Appeal*The Orchard
Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
The Weeknd, XO*Universal
ThxSoMch, Elektra*Warner
Walk off the Earth, Golden Carrot*The Orchard
Single of the Year
“Confetti,” Charlotte Cardin, Cult Nation*The Orchard
“Always,” Daniel Caesar, Republic*Universal
“Pretty Girl Era,” LU KALA, LVK/Amigo Records*AWAL
“A Little Bit Happy,” TALK, Capitol*Universal
“greedy,” Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
International Album of the Year
Gettin’ Old, Luke Combs, River House/Columbia*Sony
HEROES & VILLAINS, Metro Boomin, Boominati*Universal
One Thing At A Time, Morgan Wallen, Big Loud/Republic*Universal
SOS, SZA, Top Dawg/RCA*Sony
1989 (Taylor’s Version), Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift*Universal
Album of the Year
Néo-Romance, Alexandra Stréliski, Secret City*F.A.B.
99 Nights, Charlotte Cardin, Cult Nation*The Orchard
NEVER ENOUGH, Daniel Caesar, Republic*Universal
Mirror, Lauren Spencer Smith, Universal
Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees, TALK, Capitol*Universal
Artist of the Year
Charlotte Cardin, Cult Nation*The Orchard
Daniel Caesar, Republic*Universal
Lauren Spencer Smith, Universal
Shania Twain, Republic*Universal
Tate McRae, RCA*Sony
Group of the Year
Arkells, Arkells Music*Universal
Loud Luxury, Armada*Sony
Nickelback, BMG*Warner/ADA
The Beaches, AWAL*Independent
Walk off the Earth, Golden Carrot*The Orchard
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Connor Price, Independent
Karan Aujla, Warner
LU KALA, LVK/Amigo*AWAL
Shubh, Mass Appeal*The Orchard
TALK, Capitol*Universal
Breakthrough Group of the Year
Busty and the Bass, Arts & Crafts*Universal
Crash Adams, Warner
Good Kid, Good People*The Orchard
Men I Trust, Independent
New West, Republic*Universal
Songwriter of the Year
Allison Russell, Publisher: PO GIRL MUSIC / CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING
Aysanabee, Publisher: SELF PUBLISHED
Charlotte Cardin, Jason Brando & Lubalin, Publisher: BIG BOY ED
Nicholas Durocher & Connor Riddell, Publisher: SUMMER CAMP MUSIC PUBLISHING LTD. / ARTHAUS MEDIA INC. / PEER MUSIC CANADA INC.
William Prince, Publisher: SELF PUBLISHED
Country Album of the Year
The Compass Project – South Album, Brett Kissel, Big Star*Universal
Right Round Here, Dean Brody, Starseed*Stem
Do It Anyway, Jade Eagleson, Starseed*Stem
Ahead Of Our Time, James Barker Band, RECORDS/Columbia*Sony
Spillin’ My Truth, Tyler Joe Miller, MDM*Universal
Adult Alternative Album of the Year
Powder Blue, Begonia, Birthday Cake*The Orchard
Multitudes, Feist, Universal
Are We Good, Hayden, Arts & Crafts*Universal
Motewolonuwok, Jeremy Dutcher, Secret City*F.A.B.
Revolution, Shawnee Kish, Amelia*Symphonic
Alternative Album of the Year
Here and Now, Aysanabee, Ishkōdé*Universal
Dizzy, Dizzy, Royal Mountain*Universal
To Learn, Leith Ross, Republic*Universal
See You In The Dark, Softcult, Easy Life*The Orchard
Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees, TALK, Capitol*Universal
Pop Album of the Year
99 Nights, Charlotte Cardin, Cult Nation*The Orchard
Mirror, Lauren Spencer Smith, Universal
Saturn Return, Rêve, 31 East*Universal
Queen Of Me, Shania Twain, Republic*Universal
Lost In Translation, Valley, Universal
Rock Album of the Year
Fearless, Crown Lands, Universal
Formentera II, Metric, Metric Music*Thirty Tigers/The Orchard
Blame My Ex, The Beaches, AWAL*Independent
Pretty Monster, The Blue Stones, MNRK*Outside
Glory, The Glorious Sons, TGS*Warner
Vocal Jazz Album of the Year
Songwriter, Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe, Independent
You’re Alike, You Two, Caity Gyorgy & Mark Limacher, La Reserve*Independent/The Orchard
Little Bit a’ Love, Denielle Bassels, Independent
Our Roots Run Deep, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Ensoul*F.A.B./Believe
Your Requests, Laila Biali, Empress*Independent/Believe
Jazz Album of the Year (Solo)
Day Moon, Christine Jensen, Justin Time*F.A.B./Nettwerk
Walls Made of Glass, Gentiane MG, TPR*Propagande/A-Train
Sonic Bouquet, Jocelyn Gould, Independent
Twelve, Noam Lemish, TPR*Independent/A-Train
The South Detroit Connection, Russ Macklem, TQM*Independent/IDLA
Jazz Album of the Year (Group)
Migrations, Allison Au with the Migrations Ensemble, Independent
Septology-The Black Forest Session, Canadian Jazz Collective, HGBS Blue*MIG/Proper/UMV/MVD/Independent
Cry Me A River, Hilario Duran and His Latin Jazz Big Band, Alma*Universal
Recent History, Mike Murley & Mark Eisenman Quartet, Cornerstone*Outside/The Orchard
Convergence, Nick Maclean Quartet feat. Brownman Ali, Browntasauras/Independent
Instrumental Album of the Year
Néo-Romance, Alexandra Stréliski, Secret City* F.A.B.
When we were that what wept for the sea, Colin Stetson, 52 Hz
Calibrating Friction, Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis, New Amsterdam*Naxos
Fourth Album, Markus Floats, Constellation*Secretly
Tesseract, Meredith Bates, Phonometrograph*Independent
Francophone Album of the Year
Zayon, FouKi, Disques 7ième, Ciel*Believe
Dans la seconde, Karkwa, Simone*Sony/The Orchard
En concert avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (sous la direction du chef Simon Leclerc), Les Cowboys Fringants & l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Les Disques de La Tribu*Propagande/Believe
À boire deboutte, Salebarbes, Productions Grand V.*The Orchard
Non conventionnel Souldia, Disques 7ième Ciel*Independent/Believe
Children’s Album of the Year
Big Words, ABC Singsong, Independent/The Orchard
Going Back: Remembered and Remixed Family Folk Songs, Vol. 1, Ginalina, Independent
Love-a-By, Splash’N Boots, Independent/The Orchard
Welcome to the Flea Circus, The Swinging Belles, Independent
Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Young Maestro, Stick To Your Vision For Young Athletes, Young Maestro, Independent
Classical Album of the Year (Solo Artist)
Infinite Voyage, Barbara Hannigan, Alpha Classics*Naxos/Independent
Nielsen: Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 4, James Ehnes, Chandos*Naxos/The Orchard
Fauré: Nocturnes & Barcarolles, Marc-André Hamelin, Hyperion*Universal
De Hartmann: Cello Concerto, Matt Haimovitz, Pentatone/Naxos
mouvance, Suzie LeBlanc, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble)
Bekah Simms: Bestiaries, Cryptid Ensemble, Ensemble Contemporain de Montreal, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
Maxime Goulet: Symphonie de la tempête de verglas, Orchestre classique de Montréal, conducted by/dirigé par Jacques Lacombe, ATMA*Universal
Sibelius 3 & 4, Orchestre Métropolitain, conducted by/dirigé par Yannick Nézet-Séguin, ATMA*Universal
Mahler: Symphony No. 5, Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal, conducted by/dirigé par Rafael Payare, Pentatone*Naxos
Rachmaninoff: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3; Isle of the Dead, The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by/dirigé par Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Deutsche Grammophon*Universal
Classical Album of the Year
Mythes, Andrew Armstrong & James Ehnes, Onyx*The Orchard
Portrait: Alex Baranowski, Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà, Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard
Portrait, Cheng² Duo, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
Il Ponte di Leonardo, Constantinople, Glossa*Naxos
Basta parlare!, Les Barocudas, ATMA*Universal
Classical Composition of the Year
Simulacra, Amy Brandon, Independent
Portrait of an Imaginary Sibling, Dinuk Wijeratne, Centrediscs*Canadian Music Centre/Naxos
…and the Higher Leaves of the Trees Seemed to Shimmer in the Last of the Sunlight’s Lingering Touch of Them…, Emilie Cecilia LeBel, Redshift
Shāhīn-nāmeh, for Voice and Orchestra, Iman Habibi, Analekta*Naxos/The Orchard
Don’t Throw Your Head in Your Hands, Nicole Lizée, Redshift
Rap Album of the Year
bag or die, bbno$, Independent*Stem
Spin the Globe, Connor Price, Independent
Crying Crystals, Haviah Mighty, Mighty Gang*Foundation Media
KAYTRAMINÉ, KAYTRAMINÉ, Independent
PANIC, TOBi, RCA*Sony
Dance Recording of the Year
“Eat Your Man,” Dom Dolla & Nelly Furtado, Three Six Zero*Sony
“Crew Thang,” DVBBS, Jeremih & Sk8, Ultra*Sony
“Need Your Love,” Felix Cartal & Karen Harding, Physical Presents*Fontana North
“I Go Dancing” (feat. Ella Henderson), Frank Walker, Ultra*Sony
“Next To You” (feat. Kane Brown), Loud Luxury & DVBBS, Armada*Sony
Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year
“For the Better,” Aqyila, Sony
“Never Enough,” Daniel Caesar, Republic*Universal
“Heartbreak Hill,” Jon Vinyl, Vinyl*Foundation Media
“When It Blooms,” Nonso Amadi, Universal
FACETS, Shay Lia, AWAL
Reggae Recording of the Year
“Stir This Thing,” Ammoye, Donsome*Ingrooves/Virgin
“Feel Like Home,” Exco Levi, Penthouse*High Priest/ONErpm
“Roots Girl,” Jah’Mila, Independent
“Dread Kirk,” Diamond & Finn, Independent
“Rush Dem” (feat. 4Korners, Haviah Mighty), Omega Mighty, Independent*Foundation Media
Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year
Here and Now, Aysanabee, Ishkōdé*Universal
Scream, Holler & Howl, Blue Moon Marquee, Independent*IDLA
Inuktitut, Elisapie, Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard
Revolution, Shawnee Kish, Amelia*Symphonic
Bekka Ma’iingan, Zoon, Paper Bag*Fontana North
Contemporary Roots Album of the Year
The Returner, Allison Russell, Fantasy*Universal
We Will Never Be The Same, Good Lovelies, Outside
Beyond The Reservoir, Julian Taylor, Howling Turtle*Warner
A Light in the Attic, Logan Staats, Red Music Rising*Believe
Stand in the Joy, William Prince, Six Shooter*The Orchard
Traditional Roots Album of the Year
Paint Horse, Benjamin Dakota Rogers, Good People*The Orchard
The Breath Between, David Francey, Independent
Roses, Jackson Hollow, Mountain Fever*Syntax Creative
Second Hand, James Keelaghan, Borealis*Universal/IDLA
Resilience, Morgan Toney, Ishkōdé*Universal
Blues Album of the Year
SoulFunkn’BLUES, Blackburn Brothers, Electro-Fi*Isotope Music/The Orchard
Scream, Holler & Howl, Blue Moon Marquee, Independent/IDLA
One Step Closer, Brandon Isaak, Independent
The Big Bottle of Joy, Matt Andersen, Sonic*Warner
Gettin’ Together, Michael Jerome Browne, Borealis*Universal/IDLA
Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
Glory To God, Brooke Nicholls, Independent
ALL YE LEPERS, Joshua Leventhal, Independent
Arrow, K-Anthony, Independent
Where I’m Meant to Be, Stirling John, Independent
Alive, Tuzee, Independent
Global Music Album of the Year
Donte sann yo, Bel and Quinn, Independent
Kizavibe, Kizaba, Disques Nuits d’Afrique*Believe
SMS for Location Vol. 5, Moonshine, Moonshine/FORESEEN*MNRK
Okantomi, OKAN, Lulaworld*Symphonic
Soap Box, Waahli, Wyzah Musk*Lemont
Jack Richardson Producer of the Year
Hill Kourkoutis
Jason Brando, Lubalin, Mathieu Sénéchal & Sam Avant
Joel Stouffer
Shawn Everett
Wondagurl
Recording Engineer of the Year
Denis Tougas
George Seara
Matty Green
Serban Ghenea
Shawn Everett
Album Artwork of the Year
Carolyne De Bellefeuille (Art Director/Directeur artistique), Jessica Ledoux (Designer & Illustrator/Concepteur & Illustrateur), Mali Savaria-Ille (Designer & Illustrator/Concepteur & Illustrateur), Veronique Lafortune (Designer & Illustrator/Concepteur & Illustrateur), Leeor Wild (Photographer/Photographe); INUKTITUT – Elisapie, Bonsound*Sony/The Orchard
Heather Goodchild (Art Director/Directeur artistique), Colby Richardson (Designer/Concepteur), Colin Fletcher (Illustrator/Illustrateur), Sara Melvin (Photographer/Photographe), MULTITUDES – Feist, Universal
Kit King (Illustrator), Vanessa Heins (Photographer/Photographe), THE LOVE STILL HELD ME NEAR – City and Colour, Dine Alone*The Orchard
Nicolas Lemieux (Art Director/Directeur artistique), Mykaël Nelson (Designer & Illustrator/Concepteur & Illustrateur), Albert Zablit (Photographer/Photographe), RIOPELLE SYMPHONIQUE – Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, GSI*Independent
Quinton Nyce (Art Director/Directeur artistique), Brodie Metcalfe (Designer/Concepteur), Davis Graham (Illustrator/Illustrateur), Kaylee Smoke (Photographer/Photographe), I’M GOOD, HBU? – Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Independent*Fontana North
Music Video of the Year
“Of Woods and Seas,” Andrew De Zen, Alaskan Tapes, Nettwerk*Amped
“Demons,” Ethan Tobman, Allison Russell, Fantasy*Universal
“onetwostep” (feat. juicelover), Jordan Clarke, des hume des hume*Independent
“DAMN RIGHT,” Sterling Larose, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Distorted Muse*Fontana North
“feral canadian scaredy cat,” Sterling Larose & Zachary Vague, young friend Nettwerk
Electronic Album of the Year
INFINITY CLUB, Bambii, Innovative Leisure*Red Eye
Birds, Bees, The Clouds & The Trees, Harrison, Last Gang*MNRK
Creatures of the Late Afternoon, Kid Koala, Envision*Amplified/Believe
Synthetic Season 2, Rich Aucoin, We Are Busy Bodies*Redeye
No Highs, Tim Hecker, Sunblind/Kranky*The Orchard
Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year
As Gomorrah Burns, Cryptopsy, Nuclear Blast*AEC/Believe
Electric Sounds, Danko Jones, Sonic Unyon*Universal
Goliath, Kataklysm, Nuclear Blast*AEC/Believe
VOID, KEN mode, Artoffact*MVD/The Orchard
Morgöth, Tales, Voivod Century*Sony
Adult Contemporary Album of the Year
Heavy Lifting, Amanda Marshall, Metatune*The Orchard
I Wish I Was Flawless, I’m Not, BANNERS, Nettwerk*Amped
To Be Loved, Vol. 1, Josh Sahunta, Independent*Believe
Run Where the Light Calls, Luca Fogale, Amelia*Symphonic
Wildflower, Steph La Rochelle, Independent
Comedy Album of the Year
Life of Leisure, Derek Seguin, Independent
Never Was, Graham Clark, Independent
A Lylebility, Kyle Brownrigg, Independent
Sexiest Fish in the Lake, Laurie Elliott, Howl & Roar*Independent
SAP, Mae Martin, Independent*Netflix
Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year
“Hello,” Aqyila, Sony
“Unbreakable,” Jhyve, Independent
“Where To Find Me,” Katie Tupper, Arts & Crafts*Universal
“9 to 5,” Luna Elle, Hot Freestyle*Independent/Believe
“Real World,” RealestK, Columbia*Sony
Rap Single of the Year
“American Nightmare,” Belly, XO/Roc Nation*Universal
“Spinnin” (feat. Bens), Connor Price, Independent
“Honey Bun,” Haviah Mighty, Mighty Gang*Foundation Media
“Minimum Wage,” Pressa, RCA*Sony
“Someone I Knew,” TOBi, Same Plate/RCA*Sony
Underground Dance Single of the Year
“Call My Name,” BLOND:ISH, Warner
“Mad Mess,” DJ Karaba, DJ Karaba*The Orchard
“Could Be Wrong,” LOSTBOYJAY, Universal
“Eclipse,” Peach, Psychic Readings*One Eye Witness/Music Deli
“Concorde Groove,” Smalltown DJs, Fool’s Gold*Virgin Music
Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year
Sing. Pray. Love., Joel Wood, Independent
LFS5, Nimkii & the Niniis, Independent
Mitòòdebi (For My Relatives), The Bearhead Sisters, Independent
Reverie, The Red River Ramblers, Independent
Drum Nation, Young Scouts, Independent