Canada’s biggest night in music really had it all, from eye-catching fashion to memorable performances to one-liners that packed a punch. The 54th Annual JUNO Awards were presented on Sunday, March 30, marking a dazzling, heartfelt reunion of some of the biggest names in the Canadian music and entertainment industries. The night also showcased a variety of emerging artists who are already carving out their own paths in Canada and beyond.
Presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC, the awards ceremony was hosted by beloved pop artist Michael Bublé. Having won 15 JUNO Awards himself, it only seems fitting that the Canadian icon kicked off the night.
“We are not for sale.”
It’s hard to imagine there were any dry eyes left in the arena following Bublé’s empowering, sincere message to Canadians.
“We’re artists, we’re teachers, we’re healthcare workers, we’re farmers, we’re fishermen, we’re the North,” he declared. “And we are not for sale.”
Big wins
Tate McRae came out on top as the undisputable winner of this year’s JUNO Awards. The pop sensation won not one, not two, but four titles, including her first JUNO Award for Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. In addition to her album THINK LATER, her hit “exes” earned her the Single of the Year and Artist of the Year awards.
Canadian fashion
The orange carpet saw a ton of creative fashion statements, a handful of which were created by Canadian designers. This includes sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller of The Beaches, who were styled by Corey Ng and wore looks by Canadian designer Sid Neigum.
Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie won a JUNO award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, walking the carpet with a fringed jacket made by Indigenous artist Caroline Monnet.
Finally, JUNO nominee and CBC Radio host Laila Biali stepped out in a stunning look created by all-Canadian designers, styled by Toronto’s Jo Jin: a gown by Greta Constantine, earrings by Rita Tesolin, and shoes by Ron White.
“Elon Musk is a piece of garbage.”
Vancouver-born bbno$ flushed away the competition in a totally different way. Known for his creative, inventive fashion choices and work with small artists, his eye-catching toilet gown was the talk of the town. It even landed him the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award.
“That’s really dope. I honestly was expecting not to win,” he said in a brief acceptance speech. “This is really sick that I won a JUNO in my hometown. So, everybody, thank you so much. I love you all very much.”
“Also, Elon Musk is a piece of garbage,” he added, leaving the stage with a zinger and roaring applause.
Inaugural awards
A couple of new titles went out as the JUNO Awards continue to recognize more and more Canadian talent. This includes the first-ever South Asian Music Recording of the Year, which was awarded to Punjabi music legend AP Dhillon.
Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer Lowell took home the first Songwriter of the Year (Non-Performer) title for their work with The Beaches and Beyoncé.
Finally, we come to a new award that spans a lifetime of creativity. Retired pop-country artist Anne Murray remains the most awarded artist in JUNOS history, and she was honoured with the inaugural JUNOS Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Arts Centre.
Final goodbyes
This year’s ceremony saw tons of exciting performances by a range of artists, including Peach Pit, bbno$, Maestro Fresh Wes, and Sum 41. The latter were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte.
However, it was also Sum 41’s last time ever playing as a band, as the pop-punk icons are officially disbanding after over 25 years.
Sushi, JJ Bean, and more sushi
When it comes to Vancouver’s dining scene, the stars of the JUNO Awards are partial to the classics: sushi, ramen, and JJ Bean — and we certainly can’t blame them one bit. Sum 41 even says our city’s sushi “rivals that of Japan!”
Among a host of spots to get some love on the carpet are a couple of standouts earning praise from multiple artists, namely Sushivan (2566 Granville St.) and JJ Bean.
Other artist faves include the following:
- Ramen Danbo (multiple locations) – Peach Pit
- Dovetail (1079 Mainland St.) – Jamie Fine
- Belaggio Cafe (773 Hornby St.) – Jamie Fine
- Tasty Indian Bistro (Multiple locations) – Chani Nattan
- Jagga Sweets (9277 120 St. Delta) – Chani Nattan
- Mon Pitou Cafe (1387 West 7th Ave.) – Sum 41
- Greenhorn Cafe (944 Nicola St.) – Sum 41
Vancouver’s clean air
When asked about their favourite things to do when they visit Vancouver, Pop Album of the Year nominee Jamie Fine recognized the city’s clean air.
“I like to breathe here,” they shared in an interview with Daily Hive. “I feel like the oxygen here is classy. The vibe of this city is that people move a little slower in a healthy way, and I adopt that mentality when I’m here.”
What was your favourite moment of the 2025 JUNO Awards?
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