Michael Bublé brought a heartfelt dose of patriotism to the Juno Awards on Sunday night, March 30, 2025, as he hosted the annual celebration of Canadian music. Opening the ceremony in his hometown of Vancouver, Bublé expressed pride in his nationality, declaring, "We are the greatest nation on earth. And we are not for sale." His words set the stage for a night filled with not-so-subtle references to the current tensions between Canada and the United States.
The evening featured various artists embracing their Canadian roots. Anne Murray, a beloved East Coast icon, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Clad in a sequined red hockey jersey emblazoned with "Canada," she reminisced about the early pressures of her career to relocate to the U.S. Murray reflected, "I just couldn't do it. 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 heartfelt speech resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the theme of national pride.
Another highlight of the night was the Fan Choice award winner, bbno$, who expressed his shock at winning over major names like Tate McRae and Shawn Mendes. However, his acceptance speech took a political turn as he declared, "Elon Musk is a piece of garbage," referencing the Tesla CEO and advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump. This sentiment was echoed moments later by Arkells frontman Max Kerman, who also criticized Musk, further amplifying the evening's patriotic undertones.
Josh Ross, who won the award for country album of the year for his project titled Complicated, took a more reserved approach in his remarks. He emphasized the importance of returning to Canadian roots, stating, "I think it's time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies." His words resonated with the audience, reflecting a collective desire for unity amid external pressures.
The Beaches, a Toronto band, took home the prestigious group of the year award, while Palestinian Canadian artist Nemahsis celebrated her breakthrough artist win, in addition to an award for her alternative album at a pre-broadcast show the previous night. "I've been wearing a hijab for 20-plus years," she shared during her acceptance speech. "All I ever wanted was to turn on Family Channel or YTV and just see somebody who looks like me. I didn't think it would take this long." Her words highlighted the significance of representation in the Canadian music industry.
Calgary pop star Tate McRae was already considered a big winner heading into the Juno Awards, having secured four awards at an industry gala the night before, including artist and single of the year. Her success reflects the growing prominence of young Canadian artists in the music scene.
The Juno Awards recognized a wide array of talent across various genres, with numerous categories celebrating the rich diversity of Canadian music. The comprehensive list of nominees and winners included:
- TikTok Juno Fan Choice Award: bbno$
- Single of the Year: Single Again by Josh Ross
- Album of the Year: Inuktitut by Elisapie
- Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year: Nemahsis
- Artist of the Year: Josh Ross
- Group of the Year: The Beaches
In addition to these major awards, the night celebrated talent across genres, including classical, jazz, blues, and electronic music. Notable winners in other categories included:
- Classical Album of the Year (Solo Artist): Signature by Philip Glass
- Jazz Album of the Year (Solo): Montreal Jazz Series 1 (Échanges Synaptiques) by André Leroux
- Blues Album of the Year: This Old Life by Big Dave McLean
- Contemporary Roots Album of the Year: Anniversary by Abigail Lapell
- Rap Album/EP of the Year: 96 Miles From Bethlehem by Belly
Among the special awards, Boi-1da received the International Achievement Award, while Sum 41 was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, celebrating their long-standing impact on the music industry.
The Juno Awards not only highlight the accomplishments of Canadian artists but also serve as a reminder of the cultural significance of music in uniting people across the nation. As the industry continues to evolve, the night celebrated both established artists and emerging talents, showcasing the vibrant landscape of Canadian music.
With a mix of heartfelt speeches, political jabs, and a strong sense of national pride, the Juno Awards once again proved to be a significant event in the Canadian cultural calendar, leaving attendees and viewers alike feeling inspired and connected to their roots.
