In a significant moment at the 2026 Juno Awards held in Hamilton, Ontario, Drake delivered a pre-recorded speech honoring fellow artist Nelly Furtado. This event marked Drake’s first acknowledgment of the Junos since he last attended in 2011, a span of 15 years.

During his speech, Drake praised Furtado’s influence on his career, stating, “Being a woman in the music industry in any era is something that I have to tip my hat to.” His remarks came amid a ceremony that saw Tate McRae winning four awards, including artist and single of the year, and bbno$ taking home the fan choice award.

Drake’s absence from the Junos has been notable since he has not submitted any of his music for consideration since the 2011 snub, where his acclaimed album Take Care was overlooked in favor of Shad, who won multiple awards that year. Drake referenced this incident in his speech, saying, “Even though I know you’re still thinking about those six awards that you gave to Shad in 2011 when you snubbed [my album] Take Care as I hosted the 40th anniversary of your award show.”

The 2026 Juno Awards also celebrated Joni Mitchell, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting her enduring legacy in the music industry. The event was hosted by Mae Martin, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional awards ceremony.

Drake’s speech has prompted mixed reactions online, with some praising his candidness while others questioned his motives for addressing past grievances. His acknowledgment of Furtado and the 2011 snub has sparked discussions about the evolving landscape of Canadian music.

In addition to the awards, the ceremony featured a smaller gala earlier, where 40 awards were handed out, showcasing the diversity of talent in the Canadian music scene. Notably, The Beaches won group of the year for the third consecutive year, further solidifying their place in the industry.

Looking ahead, Drake announced that his next studio album, titled Iceman, will be released soon, generating excitement among fans eager for new music. As the Canadian music community reflects on the past and looks towards the future, Drake’s return to the Junos, albeit virtually, marks a pivotal moment in his relationship with the awards.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of Drake’s speech on his future involvement with the Junos, but it is clear that his legacy in Canadian music continues to resonate.

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Mae Martin is set to host the 2026 JUNO Awards on March 29, 2026, at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum, making history as the first non-binary person to take on this prestigious role.

Martin, known for their work in comedy, acting, and writing, previously hosted the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024. They expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “Hopefully, I’ll be fighting fit from doing a bunch of shows. I’ll be hopefully on my game.”

The JUNO Awards will also honor several prominent Canadian artists. Joni Mitchell is set to receive a lifetime achievement award, while Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, Daniel Caesar will receive the International Achievement Award.

The show promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, and Tanya Tagaq.

Martin’s commitment to social causes is notable, having raised over $40,000 for Doctors Without Borders through their work. They remarked, “I feel very grateful to be from a country where I land at Pearson Airport and there’s a Pride flag in the airport,” highlighting their pride in representing the LGBTQ+ community.

As the JUNO Awards air on CBC TV, CBC Gem, and other CBC platforms at 8 p.m. ET, the event is expected to celebrate artists who are bold and genre-defying. Martin stated, “The Junos have always been about celebrating artists who are bold, genre-defying, and unafraid to be a little weird, so I’ll try to embody those qualities.”

With the event just months away, excitement is building among fans and industry observers alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional surprises or performances that may be announced closer to the date.

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