VANCOUVER — The 54th Juno Awards took center stage on Sunday, March 30, 2025, showcasing the vibrant landscape of Canadian music. With performances from some of the nation’s most beloved artists and the induction of legendary band Sum 41 into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the night was a celebration of both established and emerging talent.
Hosted by the charismatic Michael Bublé, who expressed his excitement about returning to his hometown for the event, the Junos were not just about awards; they were a reflection of the cultural heartbeat of Canada. Bublé stated, "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." The event aired live at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, with Canadians tuning in via CBC TV, CBC Gem, and other platforms.
This year’s awards highlighted the incredible achievements of artists like Tate McRae and Josh Ross, who led the nominations with five nods each. Following closely were The Weeknd and Shawn Mendes, each receiving four nominations. McRae, who had already made waves at the industry gala the previous night by winning four awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her record "Think Later," continued to impress. Unfortunately, she could not attend the Junos as she was performing at a festival in Brazil but sent a heartfelt message thanking her fans.
Among the night’s standout performances were those by Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Josh Ross, Nemahsis, and Aqyila. The audience was also treated to the last-ever performance by Sum 41, who celebrated their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Over their 28-year career, Sum 41 sold more than 15 million records and received two Juno Awards, making their farewell performance a poignant moment in the evening.
In addition to the performances, the Junos honored Anne Murray with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her incredible contributions to the music industry. Murray, a 26-time Juno winner, has sold over 55 million records worldwide, solidifying her legacy in Canadian music history.
The night also saw the announcement of various award winners. Notably, Jessie Reyez won Rap Single of the Year for her hit "SHUT UP," while NOBRO took home Rock Album of the Year. The TikTok Juno Fan Choice Award went to popular artists like Josh Ross and Tate McRae, showcasing the influence of social media in today’s music landscape.
During the pre-telecast gala on Saturday, March 29, 2025, numerous awards were handed out, setting the stage for the main event. Tate McRae's impressive haul included Single of the Year for "Exes" and Album of the Year for "Think Later." In her absence, a message was read from her expressing gratitude to her fans, further highlighting her connection with her supporters.
Other notable winners from the gala included Elizabeth Lowell Boland, who won the inaugural Songwriter of the Year award for non-performers. Boland’s work on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" and The Beaches' "Takes One To Know One" earned her this recognition, a significant step in acknowledging the behind-the-scenes talent that shapes the music industry.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids were also celebrated, with their album "Red Future" winning Rap Album of the Year. Darren Metz, one half of the duo, shared an emotional moment backstage, saying, "I had a good cry walking here," emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to their success.
Elisapie's "Inuktitut" won Adult Alternative Album, showcasing her unique approach to music by covering popular hits in her native language. Meanwhile, Nemahsis took home the award for Alternative Album of the Year for her debut "Verbathim," co-produced by renowned collaborator Noah (40) Shebib.
In the electronic genre, Priori's "This But More" won Electronic Album of the Year, while TikTok star Jake Vaadeland's bluegrass release "Retro Man … More and More" won Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Vaadeland, dressed in a retro suit, accepted his award with a twang, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional styles in modern music.
The Juno Awards not only celebrated the achievements of artists but also highlighted the cultural significance of music in Canada. As Bublé noted, hosting the event amid rising Canada-U.S. trade tensions was a way to showcase national pride and the unique contributions of Canadian artists to the global music scene.
With a mix of nostalgia, celebration, and forward-looking performances, the 2025 Juno Awards proved to be a memorable night for all involved, reflecting the dynamic and diverse landscape of Canadian music.
