Key moments
On March 30, 2026, Drake made waves at the Juno Awards by delivering a pre-recorded speech honoring fellow artist Nelly Furtado. This appearance marks a significant moment in Drake’s ongoing relationship with the Juno Awards, an event he has had a contentious history with since 2011.
Drake’s speech was notable not only for its content but also for the context surrounding it. In 2011, he hosted the Juno Awards but was notably snubbed for all the awards he was nominated for, including for his acclaimed album Take Care. That year, Shad won the Rap Recording of the Year award, while Drake’s nominations went unrecognized, leading him to refrain from submitting his music for Juno contention since then.
During his speech, Drake referred to Nelly Furtado as “our North Star,” praising her resilience as a woman in the music industry. He stated, “Being a woman in the music industry in any era is something that I have to tip my hat to,” highlighting the challenges faced by female artists. Furtado, who had taken a seven-year hiatus before releasing new music, was recognized for her contributions to the industry at this year’s awards.
Drake’s remarks also included a pointed reference to his past experiences with the Junos. He quipped, “Even though I know you’re still thinking about those six awards you gave to Shad when you snubbed Take Care when I hosted the 40th anniversary of your award show.” This comment reflects the lingering feelings Drake has about the 2011 awards, where he felt overlooked despite his significant contributions to Canadian music.
The 2026 Juno Awards celebrated its 40th anniversary, and Drake’s speech was recorded from a studio rather than delivered live at the event. This choice has drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising his tribute to Furtado while others critiqued the format of his appearance.
Shad, who won the Rap Recording of the Year in 2011, fact-checked Drake’s statement about the number of awards he received, adding another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding Drake’s relationship with the Junos. The conversation around the awards continues to evolve, with Drake’s upcoming album titled Iceman set to be released soon, potentially reigniting discussions about his music and its recognition.
As the music community reflects on this latest Juno Awards ceremony, reactions to Drake’s speech remain varied. While some celebrate his acknowledgment of Furtado and the challenges women face in the industry, others continue to discuss the implications of his past snubs. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of this year’s awards on Drake’s future involvement with the Junos.
