The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC have unveiled the first major announcements ahead of JUNO Week 2026, set to take over Hamilton, Ontario this March.
Award-winning comedian, writer, musician, and cultural commentator Mae Martin will host the 55th Annual JUNO Awards, airing live on March 29, 2026, from TD Coliseum. Known for blending sharp humour with emotional depth, Martin brings a fresh energy to Canada’s biggest night in music.
“The JUNOS have always been about celebrating artists who are bold, genre-defying, and unafraid to be a little weird,” Martin shared. “I’ll try to embody those qualities as your host.”
Daniel Caesar Honoured with International Achievement Award
Multi-platinum global star Daniel Caesar will receive the International Achievement Award, recognizing his worldwide impact and continued elevation of Canadian music on the global stage. Caesar will also deliver a special performance during the broadcast.
From the era-defining Freudian to chart-topping collaborations like Peaches and his latest album Son of Spergy, Caesar’s influence spans continents, genres, and generations.
William Prince Joins the Broadcast Stage
Two-time JUNO Award winner William Prince is also confirmed to perform during the ceremony. Known for his soul-stirring songwriting and deeply personal storytelling, Prince continues to build one of the most respected catalogues in contemporary Canadian music.
Billy Talent Receives Humanitarian Award
Iconic rock band Billy Talent will be recognized with the Humanitarian Award at the JUNO Awards Gala. The honour celebrates the band’s decades-long commitment to philanthropy, community support, and social impact — from benefit concerts to sustained partnerships with organizations such as War Child and MS Canada.
Walt Grealis Special Achievement Awards
This year’s Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award recipients include Alexander Mair, Sandy Pandya, and Vinny Cinquemani, each honoured for their lasting influence on Canada’s music ecosystem — spanning artist development, management, live touring, and industry infrastructure.
JUNOfest Lineup Revealed
The first wave of performers for JUNOfest Presented by CBC has also been announced, transforming Hamilton into a multi-venue live music hub throughout JUNO Week. The lineup includes LU KALA, JayWood, Silverstein, Katie Tupper, Sister Ray, Ammoye, and many more — with several artists proudly representing Hamilton’s local music scene.
Additional performers, presenters, and JUNO Week programming will be announced in the coming months.
The 55th Annual JUNO Awards will broadcast live across CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Music, and CBC Listen at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with global streaming via CBC Music platforms.
For more information, visit junoawards.ca.
Featured Image: Mae Martin
