The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has officially announced the nominees for the 2026 JUNO Awards, setting the stage for a landmark year that celebrates both global Canadian superstars and the next generation of breakout talent.
Leading the nominations are Justin Bieber and Tate McRae, who each earn a career-high six nominations — the most either artist has received in a single JUNOS season. Close behind, The Weeknd and breakout country artist Cameron Whitcomb follow with five nominations apiece, marking a major JUNOS debut for Whitcomb.
Altogether, the 2026 JUNO Awards recognize 248 nominations across 47 categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of Canada’s music landscape. Winners will be announced in Hamilton, Ontario, with The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada taking place on Saturday, March 28, followed by the live broadcast from TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, airing nationwide on CBC and CBC Gem, and streaming globally via CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Career-High Moments and Breakout Success
Justin Bieber’s six nominations add to an already historic JUNOS career, bringing his total to 32 nominations, including recognition for Single of the Year. Tate McRae also reaches a new career peak, building on a year defined by global chart success, international touring, and continued artistic evolution.
For Cameron Whitcomb, the 2026 nominations represent a defining breakthrough moment. Fresh off wins at the Canadian Country Music Awards, the rising artist earns nods in major categories including Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, and TD JUNO Fan Choice.
Meanwhile, The Weeknd continues to extend one of the most celebrated legacies in JUNOS history, earning five additional nominations and reinforcing his standing as one of Canada’s most influential global artists.
A Historic New Category
This year also marks a major milestone for the JUNO Awards with the introduction of Latin Music Recording of the Year, a new category recognizing the growing influence of Latin music within Canada’s cultural landscape. The inaugural nominees include Alex Cuba, Lido Pimienta, Andy Rubal, Isabella Lovestory, and Mario Puglia, highlighting a wide spectrum of sounds shaping the genre today.
Honouring Legacy and Community
The 2026 JUNO Awards also celebrate legacy artists and hometown recognition as the show returns to Hamilton. Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Daniel Lanois earns a nomination for Album Artwork of the Year, while fellow Hamilton natives, including Josh Ross and Brendan Murphy of Counterparts, receive multiple nods.
Beyond the stage, CARAS also announced the nominees for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, honouring educators whose impact continues to shape the future of Canadian music.
With 65 artists making their JUNOS debut this year, the 2026 nominations reflect a defining moment of both continuity and emergence — where global icons, rising stars, and new genres share the spotlight.
For the full list of nominees and additional details, visit the official JUNO Awards website.
Featured Images: The JUNO Awards
