VANCOUVER — The 2025 Juno Awards took center stage in Vancouver, celebrating Canadian music and culture with a night filled with pride, performances, and poignant remarks from top artists. Hosted for the third time by the beloved Michael Bublé, the ceremony was marked by a fervent spirit of nationalism, with Bublé delivering a powerful message about Canada’s identity and independence.
As the event kicked off on March 30, 2025, Bublé addressed the audience, stating, “We are the greatest nation on earth and we are not for sale.” His remarks were a direct jab at the ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States, particularly in light of comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Canada potentially becoming the 51st state. Bublé's humor shone through as he added, “I’m proud to be Canadian. I‘m proud that when they go low, … we go high,” eliciting cheers from the crowd.
The Junos, broadcast live on CBC from the Rogers Arena, featured a wide array of performances celebrating the diversity of Canadian music. Following Bublé's patriotic opening, the night showcased various artists, including the rising star Nemahsis, who won two awards, including Best Alternative Album of the Year.
Nemahsis dedicated her award to “all the hijabis that are,” reflecting on her personal journey and the representation of her community in media. “I’ve been wearing hijab for 20-plus years and all I ever wanted was to turn on Family Channel, YTV and just see somebody that looks like me,” she expressed. Her acceptance speech also highlighted the struggles faced by Palestinians, as she stated, “I can’t even perform this album there yet. The people of Palestine. I will perform this album there and I love you.”
Meanwhile, Canadian music legend Anne Murray received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by fellow Nova Scotian Sarah McLachlan. Murray, who holds the record for the most Juno Awards with a total of 26, reflected on her career and the pressures she faced early on. “I was pressured very early in my career to move to New York or Los Angeles, and I just couldn’t do it,” she shared, emphasizing her love for Canada as her “safe haven.” Murray further remarked, “Canada’s my safety blanket, my light at the end of the tunnel. And it still is.”
The night also marked a bittersweet moment for fans of the punk band Sum 41, who performed their final show as part of their induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Frontman Deryck Whibley thanked their loyal fans, stating, “This moment is surreal for us because we're not really an awards show band.” He encapsulated their journey with the word “persistence,” a fitting tribute to their legacy in the music industry.
Other notable winners included Josh Ross, who took home the award for Country Album of the Year for his album “Complicated.” During his acceptance speech, he echoed Bublé’s sentiments about Canadian unity, stating, “I think it’s time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies.” This comment resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie over division.
The Beaches, a Toronto-based band, also received accolades, winning Group of the Year. Their recognition, along with the performances of artists from various genres, underscored the rich tapestry of Canadian music that the Junos aim to celebrate.
In addition to the award presentations, the Junos featured an eclectic mix of performances, from Bublé’s opening medley to more politically charged acts like Snotty Nose Rez Kids, who delivered a stirring performance raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The diversity of talent showcased highlighted the evolving landscape of Canadian music.
As the night unfolded, it became evident that the 2025 Junos were not just about celebrating past achievements but also about addressing contemporary issues and fostering a sense of unity among Canadians. The performances and speeches resonated deeply, reflecting the artists' commitment to their roots and the communities they represent.
With the Juno Awards now behind them, the Canadian music industry looks ahead, inspired by the night’s celebration of talent and the reaffirmation of national pride. The artists’ messages of resilience, representation, and love for their country serve as a reminder of the power of music to unite and inspire.
