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The 2026 Juno Awards nominations were announced on 27th January, and two of Canada's biggest stars—Justin Bieber and Tate McRae—are leading the field with six nominations each, marking the most either artist has ever received in a single Juno season. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) will host the 55th annual Juno Awards in Hamilton, Ontario, on 28nd and 29th March, 2026. The activities will culminate in a televised broadcast honouring the greatest Canadian music.
This year's nomination list reflects both established global icons and emerging talents across genres, highlighting the strength and diversity of Canada's music scene.
Bieber and McRae Shine as Top Contenders
In addition to sharing the limelight with six nominations each, Justin Bieber and Tate McRae are competing in the same major categories, such as Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and the TD Juno Fan Choice Award.
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Image Courtesy: X
In addition to his already remarkable record of 32 total Juno nominations and eight prior victories, Justin Bieber now has a career-high six Juno nominations. He received nominations for his hit-single 'Daisies' and album 'Swag II,' as well as honours in areas that highlight his overall talent and songwriting ability.
In a similar vein, Tate McRae, who has emerged as a key figure in modern Canadian music, received six nominations as well, matching Bieber for the most in 2026. Her hit song 'Sports Car' and album 'So Close to What' were nominated, along with acknowledgements in fan choice and songwriting categories. McRae has added to her expanding record of professional accomplishments by building on her success from prior years.
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Image Courtesy: Variety
Other Canadian celebrities, such as The Weeknd and country music newcomer Cameron Whitcomb, who both have five nominations, are closely behind them. Whitcomb's breakthrough work won him awards in categories such Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year, while The Weeknd has been nominated for his album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' and single 'Cry for Me.'
A Big Year for Canadian Music at the Junos
With 248 nominees in 47 categories, the 2026 Juno Awards will highlight Canada's most innovative music from the previous year. Winners will be announced first at the untelevised Juno Gala on 28th March at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, followed by the Juno Awards ceremony on 29th March, which will be broadcasted on CBC and streamed online.
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Image Courtesy: Tourism Hamilton
The nominees highlight a wide variety of talent, from well-known performers like Shawn Mendes and Daniel Caesar to up-and-coming artists making their Junos debut. Artists like Josh Ross and bbno$ also feature in key categories, and a new Latin Music Recording of the Year category highlights the expanding influence of diverse genres within the Canadian music industry.
The 2026 Juno Awards are expected to be a celebration of accomplishment, creativity, and Canadian culture, with musicians competing both domestically and internationally. Bieber, McRae, and their contemporaries are getting ready for what might be some of the most significant moments of their careers as fans and industry insiders anticipate March.
