TLDR: Mae Martin has been announced as the host of the 2026 JUNO Awards, bringing their wit and perspective to Canada’s biggest night in music.
Canada’s biggest night in music is leaning into personality, presence, and purpose. With the 55th Annual JUNO Awards set to take over Hamilton this spring, the broadcast is shaping up to be less about tradition for tradition’s sake and more about spotlighting artists — and voices — who reflect where Canadian culture actually is right now. The early announcements signal a ceremony that understands its moment: part celebration, part reflection, and fully aware of its role in shaping the country’s musical narrative.
That tone is set immediately with the choice of host. Mae Martin brings a rare combination of sharp wit, cultural fluency, and emotional intelligence to the JUNOS stage — the kind of host who doesn’t just keep the show moving, but understands the subtext of the room. Pair that with major honours for global star Daniel Caesar, a humanitarian nod to Billy Talent, and a performance lineup that stretches from arena-ready names to deeply rooted community voices, and the 2026 JUNO Awards are positioning themselves as both a national showcase and a statement about what Canadian music values right now.
Below is the full press release from CARAS and CBC, outlining this year’s host, special award recipients, performers, and JUNO Week programming in detail.
Mae Martin to Host The 2026 JUNO Awards
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC today announced this year’s host and additional special award recipients taking part in the 55th Annual JUNO Awards, live from TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario and broadcasting/streaming nationwide on CBC and CBC Gem.
Acclaimed comedian, actor, singer-songwriter, podcast host, and writer Mae Martin will host Canada’s Biggest Night in Music. Mae brings their signature wit and celebrated voice to the JUNOS stage following a standout period across comedy, music, television and cultural commentary. Known for blending humour with insight, Mae adds a fresh and distinctive perspective to the 2026 Broadcast.
Martin says, “I’m unbelievably honoured to be hosting The JUNOS this year. Canada’s biggest night in music! No pressure, just decades of iconic artists. The JUNOS have always been about celebrating artists who are bold, genre-defying, and unafraid to be a little weird, so I’ll try to embody those qualities as your host! Getting to celebrate Canadian artists on this scale feels so thrilling and a little surreal. Thanks to The JUNOS for trusting me with this!”
Multi-platinum global star Daniel Caesar will be honoured with the International Achievement Award and will also take the JUNOS stage for a special performance. Daniel Caesar’s International Achievement Award recognizes his global impact as one of Canada’s most influential contemporary artists. With chart-topping releases, international touring, and worldwide acclaim, Caesar continues to elevate Canadian music on the global stage.
William Prince will also take The JUNO Awards stage, bringing his powerful songwriting and unmistakable voice to the 55th Annual JUNO Awards. Known for his deeply personal storytelling and roots influenced sound, Prince has become one of Canada’s most respected contemporary artists, earning critical acclaim and multiple JUNO Awards for his work.
Celebrating outstanding contributions both on and off the stage at the JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada on Saturday, March 28, Billy Talent will be recognized with the Humanitarian Award, honouring the band’s long standing commitment to philanthropy and community impact. Industry leaders, the late Alexander Mair, Sandy Pandya and Vinny Cinquemani will each receive the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award Presented by Slaight Music, recognizing their significant and lasting influence on the Canadian music industry.
In addition to the Broadcast announcements, the first round of performers has been revealed for JUNOfest Presented by CBC, the multi-venue festival that transforms the host city into a hub for live Canadian music throughout JUNO Week. Artists announced include Amelia Maxwell, Ammoye, Bells Larsen, Billianne, Burs, Cam Kahin, Carrie Clark, Computer, cootie catcher, Dumb Crush, Ebril, Falls for the Elderly, Feura, GRAE, Ivy Gardens, JayWood, Jordan Astra, Kali Horse, Katie Tupper, Lindsay Schoolcraft, LU KALA, Mattie Leon, Myst Milano, Nicolette & The Nobodies, poolblood, Puma June, Rachel Bobbitt, Ralph Nyoni, Shawnee Kish, Silverstein, Sister Ray, Status/Non-Status, Superstar Crush, Tedy and Ten Minute Detour.
Several of the artists announced for JUNOfest Presented by CBC have strong ties to the Hamilton music community, including Ralph Nyoni, Superstar Crush, Ivy Gardens, Burs, Carrie Clark, Mattie Leon, Ten Minute Detour, Nicolette & The Nobodies and Silverstein, marking a hometown moment for many performers during JUNO Week in Hamilton.
Additional performers, presenters and JUNO Week programming will be announced in the coming months.
The 55th Annual JUNO Awards, produced by Insight Productions (A Blue Ant Studios Company), will air live across Canada at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and stream globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and on CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
For more information, visit junoawards.ca, and for tickets to Canada’s Biggest Night in Music visit ticketmaster.ca/junos.
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