The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) celebrated the 2025 Juno Awards Gala on Saturday, March 29, 2025, streaming the event live from Vancouver, British Columbia. The night was filled with excitement as artists gathered to recognize the best in Canadian music before the official Juno Awards ceremony aired on March 30.
Among the standout moments of the gala was the announcement of Anciients as the winners of the "Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year" for their album Beyond The Reach Of The Sun. This marks the second time the band has received this prestigious award, joining Voivod as the only other band to achieve this feat. Prior to the announcement, Anciients expressed their gratitude on social media, wishing luck to their fellow nominees and stating, "Win or lose, we’re just very grateful to be included amongst such amazing artists." Upon receiving the award, the band exclaimed, "Holy Shit! We weren’t expecting this. It’s just amazing!"
Another notable achievement came from Snotty Nose Rez Kids, who made history by becoming the first Indigenous group to win the Juno award for "Rap Album of the Year" with their album Red Future. The duo, consisting of Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce and Darren “Young D” Metz, celebrated their victory by expressing pride in their heritage and the significance of their work. "We all come from the same place, but have different points of view, and that is what every artist brought to the table and a rising tide raises all the boats. Red Future is about setting up the next generations," Metz stated.
Tate McRae was the biggest winner of the night, securing four awards including "Artist of the Year" and "Single of the Year" for her hit "Exes." Despite her success, McRae was unable to attend the gala as she was performing in Brazil. In a heartfelt message read by co-host Supinder Wraich, she thanked her fans for their unwavering support, saying, "Hey everyone, it’s Tate here. I’m in São Paulo… Thank you to my Canadian fans who’ve been with me since the start of this wild ride." McRae's album Think Later also won both "Album of the Year" and "Pop Album of the Year," further solidifying her status in the Canadian music scene.
Other winners included Calgary’s Lowell, who took home the inaugural award for "Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer)" for her contributions to major hits, including Beyoncé's "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "Bodyguard." "I’m staunch Canadian all the way and, although I’ve had to go to L.A. a lot to pursue my career, every time I’ve had success I’ve brought it home," she remarked, emphasizing her commitment to Canadian artists.
Elisapie won the award for "Adult Alternative Album of the Year" with her work Inuktitut, which features pop covers translated into her native language. She expressed how the project has changed her life, stating, "I think it pretty much changed my life. And I feel like I’m going to write songs in a different way." Meanwhile, the children's music category celebrated Raffi and the Good Lovelies for their album Penny Penguin, with Raffi humorously announcing plans for a future album centered around democracy.
The Juno Awards also saw the introduction of new categories, including one for South Asian music. AP Dhillon's album The Brownprint won the award, marking a significant recognition of the growing influence of South Asian artists in Canada. Dhillon was not present to accept the award, reflecting a trend among major artists who often miss the event due to international commitments.
During the gala, host Michael Bublé opened the event with a medley of his hits and a heartfelt tribute to Canadian pride, referencing a well-known advertisement that celebrates the nation. The theme of national pride resonated throughout the evening, especially in the face of political challenges, as many artists used their platform to promote a message of unity and cultural resilience.
In addition to the awards, the gala featured performances from various artists, including Snotty Nose Rez Kids and other notable winners, showcasing the diverse range of talent within the Canadian music scene. The event served as a reminder of the rich cultural contributions of Canadian artists and the importance of recognizing their achievements.
As the night concluded, the anticipation for the main Juno Awards ceremony grew, promising even more memorable moments and celebrations of Canadian music.
