VANCOUVER — The 2025 Juno Awards, hosted by Michael Bublé, delivered a night filled with Canadian pride, heartfelt performances, and poignant messages on March 30, 2025. Bublé set the tone for the evening with an opening monologue that resonated with a sense of national identity. "We are the greatest nation on Earth," he declared, adding emphatically, "And we are not for sale." His words echoed throughout the venue, marking a night where patriotism took center stage amid subtle references to current tensions between Canada and the United States.
Among the evening's highlights was Josh Ross, who captivated the audience with his new single, "Leave Me Too." The Waterdown, Ontario, singer not only performed but also took home the award for Country Album of the Year for his debut album, Complicated. During his performance, Ross poured his heart into the song, which reflects on unrequited love and the hope of reconnection. The emotional climax of the performance was enhanced by a vibrant display of pyrotechnics, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Veteran artist Anne Murray also made headlines at the Junos, accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award while dressed in a sequined red hockey jersey emblazoned with "Canada." In her acceptance speech, she reminisced about the pressures she faced early in her career to relocate to New York or Los Angeles. "I just couldn’t do it," she said. "I knew instinctively I needed a place to go, to escape when my work was done. Canada is my safe haven. My safety blanket. My light at the end of the tunnel — it still is." Her choice of attire was suggested by a friend, and she adorned it with her Order of Canada pin, stating, "All I have to do is wear this. I don't even have to say anything. It says it all."
The evening also featured a politically charged moment when fan choice winner bbno$, a social media star and rapper, expressed his disbelief at winning the award over major pop names like Tate McRae and Shawn Mendes. In a bold move, he concluded his remarks with a sharp political jab, stating, "Elon Musk is a piece of garbage," which drew applause and agreement from Arkells frontman Max Kerman, who echoed the sentiment shortly after.
Josh Ross, in a more subdued but equally impactful statement, reflected on the importance of Canadian unity after receiving his award. "I think it's time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies," he remarked from the stage, a sentiment that resonated with many attendees.
While the night was not solely focused on political statements, Bublé's patriotic opening was followed by a colorful medley of his hits, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He was joined on stage by a diverse lineup of performers, including Maestro Fresh Wes, Elisapie, and Roxane Bruneau, who collectively sang a selection of Bublé's songs, sometimes in different languages, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of "Home."
The Junos were the culmination of a weekend celebrating Canadian music, with pop singer Tate McRae emerging as the big winner at a Saturday industry gala. She took home four Juno awards, including Album, Artist, and Single of the Year. On the Sunday broadcast, the Toronto band the Beaches was recognized as Group of the Year, while Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis was named Breakthrough Artist and also won the award for Alternative Album for her debut, Verbathim. In a touching moment during the telecast, Nemahsis shared her journey, stating, "I've been wearing a hijab for 20-plus years. All I ever wanted was to turn on Family Channel or YTV and just see somebody who looks like me. I didn't think it would take this long."
As the night progressed, the pop-punk band Sum 41 delivered a rousing performance as they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. This marked their final performance together after a year-long farewell tour. Lead singer Deryck Whibley described the moment as surreal, saying, "This moment is surreal for us because we're not really an award show band. We've always just focused on being our best, not paying attention to anyone else. Well, except for Iron Maiden, of course."
In another significant moment, producer Boi-1da, born Matthew Samuels, accepted his International Achievement Juno Award. He reflected on his humble beginnings as a bedroom music producer and the hard work that led him to collaborate with industry giants like Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. He also took the opportunity to shout out his longtime friend and collaborator, rapper Drake, whom he referred to as "the greatest artist of all time." "Drake's my brother," he said backstage, dismissing any rap beef with Lamar as mere internet chatter. "I'm just showing love because he's done a lot for me."
The 2025 Juno Awards not only celebrated the achievements of Canadian artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the cultural identity and unity that music can foster. As the evening concluded, it was clear that the celebration of Canadian talent was more than just about awards; it was about community, pride, and the shared experiences that music brings to the forefront.
