Joni Mitchell’s Homecoming and The Weeknd’s Record Bid at the 2026 Juno Awards in Hamilton

The 2026 Juno Awards will take place over two nights at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, celebrating Canada’s top musical talent. The headline story is Joni Mitchell’s rare public appearance in her home country to accept the Juno Lifetime Achievement Award. Born in Alberta and raised in Saskatchewan, Mitchell last attended the Junos in 1981 when she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell will perform in her honour, though whether Mitchell sings depends on her health.

The Weeknd has a chance to become the all-time winningest Juno artist. Anne Murray currently holds the record with 24 Junos, while The Weeknd has 22 and is nominated for five more this year. Even two wins would tie Murray, and three would break the record. However, The Weeknd has not attended the ceremony since 2016, and other major nominees including Justin Bieber and Tate McRae are also expected to skip the event.

Only four awards will be announced during the Sunday broadcast, including Fan Choice and Album of the Year, while the remaining 43 awards are presented at a gala livestreamed on CBC Music. Comedian Mae Martin will host the Sunday show, with performers including Arkells, The Beaches, and Daniel Caesar, who receives a special international achievement award.

Nelly Furtado is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, with Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, and Tanya Tagaq performing a medley of her songs. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Cameron Whitcomb, Canada’s answer to Benson Boone, is the only top-nominated artist expected to attend, competing for Fan Choice against Bieber, McRae, and The Weeknd.