Junos 2026 Highlights: From Rush’s Surprise Act to Drake’s Nelly Furtado Tribute, Best Moments From Canada’s Biggest Musical Night

The 2026 Juno Awards delivered a night of nostalgia and record-breaking wins on Sunday, headlined by the unexpected return of prog-rock legends Rush and a rare appearance by Drake. Hosted by comedian Mae Martin at the TD Coliseum, the ceremony balanced high-energy performances with emotional tributes to Canadian icons. 2025 Juno Awards Winners: Tate McRae Dominates With 4 Wins; Punjabi Singer AP Dhillon Takes Home Inaugural South Asian Music Recording Honour – Check Full List!.

Juno Awards 2026 Top Moments

While the evening celebrated the future of the industry with big wins for Tate McRae, it was the presence of legacy acts that defined the event's most talked-about moments. Here's looking at some of the top moments from the musical award gala.

Rush Returns with a New Chapter at Junos 2026

In what was perhaps the night’s biggest surprise, Toronto legends Rush opened the ceremony with their first awards show performance since 1978. Surviving members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson performed "Finding My Way" from their 1974 debut album, signalling a "second coming" for the band.

The performance introduced German drummer Anika Nilles, who stepped in for the late Neil Peart. Lee noted backstage that while Peart is "irreplaceable," the legendary drummer would likely have given a "thumbs up" to the choice, adding that the music continues to live on beyond tragedy.

Rush Play Live With New Drummer at Junos 2026 Anika Nilles - Watch Video

Drake Honours Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado was officially inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, an honour punctuated by a surprise video tribute from Drake. It marked the rapper’s first appearance of any kind at the Junos since 2011, a year he famously referenced during his speech by jokingly reminding the Academy of his previous snubs.

Drake praised Furtado for "showing us what was possible and what a Canadian artist could be." The induction was followed by a career-spanning medley of Furtado’s hits performed by Alessia Cara, Jully Black, and Shawn Desman, which moved the "I'm Like a Bird" singer to tears.

Drake Inducts Nelly Furtado into Canadian Music Hall of Fame - Watch Video

Joni Mitchell’s Lifetime Achievement

Folk icon Joni Mitchell received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The 82-year-old songwriter was given a standing ovation as she sat alongside the Prime Minister in the front row."Joni's music didn't just provide the soundtrack to our lives; she shifted culture," Carney remarked during the presentation. In a brief and joyful acceptance, Mitchell expressed her happiness at being back in Canada to receive the honour.

Tate McRae Sweeps the Major Categories at Junos 2026

While legacy acts took the spotlight, Calgary’s Tate McRae dominated the trophy count. Despite being a "no-show" at the ceremony, McRae won four major awards: Artist of the Year, Single of the Year for "Sports Car," Album of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year for So Close To What. The sweep solidifies McRae’s position as Canada’s current leading pop export, matching the six nominations held by fellow superstar Justin Bieber. Tate McRae Savagely REACTS to Lip-Sync Claims After Viral Moment During Arizona Concert, Shares Old Clip Showcasing Her Insane Live Vocals (Watch Videos).

The Beaches’ Historic Hat Trick

Toronto-based rock band The Beaches made Juno history by winning Group of the Year for the third consecutive year. They are the first all-female band to achieve this milestone. The group’s acceptance speech provided a moment of levity, with guitarist Leandra Earl jokingly thanking an ex-partner for inspiring the hit "Lesbian of the Year," noting that the song was "clearly good enough" to take home the prize.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 31, 2026 01:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).