Tate McRae dominated the 2025 Juno Awards, taking home four of the five major categories, including Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. However, the Canadian pop sensation was absent from the ceremony in Vancouver, British Columbia, due to her international commitments.
Canadian Music Shines Amid Rising Nationalism
Despite McRae’s absence, the event was a strong celebration of Canadian talent. With tensions rising due to new U.S. tariffs and political uncertainty, the Junos carried a strong message of national pride. Host Michael Bublé opened the event with a multilingual medley of his hits alongside top Canadian artists, reinforcing the country’s diverse musical heritage.
Major Winners of the Night
While McRae was the biggest winner, she wasn’t the only artist to make waves. Viral rapper bbno$ won the Fan Choice Award, taking the opportunity to criticize billionaire Elon Musk in his acceptance speech. The group of the year award went to The Beaches for the second consecutive year, surprising many who expected Sum 41 to win, especially after their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Nemahsis, a Palestinian-Canadian artist, was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Her win carried special significance, as she was reportedly dropped from her record label for her pro-Palestinian stance. She also took home Alternative Album of the Year and gave a heartfelt speech about representation in Canadian media.
Special Awards & Performances
Anne Murray received a rare Lifetime Achievement Award, making history as only the second recipient after Juno namesake Pierre Juneau. She praised Canada for shaping her legendary career and called the country her “safety blanket.”
Producer Boi-1da won the International Achievement Award for his extensive work with global icons like Drake, Rihanna, and Eminem.
The night featured powerful performances, including a Haida Nation rap set by Snotty Nose Rez Kids with Tia Wood, a high-energy act from bbno$, and an all-star Punjabi collaboration with Gminxr, Jazzy B, Inderpal Moga, and Chani Nattan. The introduction of the South Asian Recording of the Year category, won by AP Dhillon, marked a historic moment for Punjabi music in Canada.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Juno Awards highlighted the evolving Canadian music landscape, where cultural diversity and political consciousness continue to shape the industry. With McRae cementing her status as a top-tier artist and emerging talents making bold statements, the future of Canadian music looks brighter than ever.
