Comedian Mae Martin has been announced as the host for the 55th annual Juno Awards. This significant event is scheduled to take place in Hamilton on March 29, 2026. The announcement was made by the event’s organizers on Thursday morning.
Mae Martin: A Trailblazer in Hosting
Mae Martin will become the first solo comedian to host the Junos since Russell Peters in 2009. Martin is known for their work as a comedian, actor, writer, and musician. Their recent achievements include hosting the Canadian Screen Awards and the successful Netflix show, “Wayward.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Martin expressed excitement about returning to the Canadian stage. “I remember coming here when I was 13 to be on a radio show and how nervous I was,” Martin shared in an interview. “I hope the audience gets a little raucous.”
Performance Highlights
The 2026 Juno Awards will feature several notable performances. R&B/soul artist Daniel Caesar will receive the International Achievement Award and take the stage. Other performers include:
- William Prince – Folk/roots singer-songwriter
- Arkells – Rock band from Hamilton
- The Beaches – Toronto-based band
Additionally, legendary musician Joni Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the ceremony.
A New Era for Canadian Music
The upcoming Junos marks a pivotal time for the Canadian music scene. Recent years have seen a shift toward emphasizing Canadian artistic contributions, especially in light of economic challenges and cultural identity. Martin has voiced a message of hope for the future of Canadian art.
“The worse things get around us, the more we rally together,” Martin commented. “It just takes a handful of things to break through and show people that Canadian content has global appeal.”
Category Changes and Nomination Criteria
This year’s Juno Awards will introduce several changes to the categories. For the first time, the award for Latin Music Recording of the Year will be presented. Furthermore, the eligibility requirements for the Rap Album/EP and Rap Single of the Year categories have been updated.
Only vocalists who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents will be eligible for nominations. This change aims to support homegrown talent and promote the vibrant Canadian hip-hop community.
Broadcast Details
The 55th Juno Awards will air live at 8 p.m. ET on March 29, 2026. Viewers can watch the ceremony on:
- CBC TV
- CBC Gem
- CBC Radio One
- CBC Music
- YouTube Channel of CBC Music
In conclusion, Mae Martin’s hosting role at the Junos is just one of the many anticipated highlights for this celebration of exceptional Canadian music talent.
