Iconic singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell made a rare public appearance at the Juno Awards in Canada, where she received a lifetime achievement award. Canadian-born Mitchell appeared on stage alongside the country’s prime minister, Mark Carney, whom she praised. "I’m so glad to be back in Canada. This man is a blessing. You guys are so fortunate," she added in tribute to Carney while he was at her side on stage in Hamilton, Ontario. Mitchell offered a contrasting note, saying, "I’m living in the States and you know what’s happening there".

Carney, for his part, said of Mitchell during his tribute: "During a career spanning six decades, Joni drew a map of Canada. Oh Canada". This encounter marked a memorable moment at the award ceremony.

Award show host Mae Martin, a non-binary comedian and actor, also shared personal experiences. Martin, creator and star of the Netflix series Wayward, expressed joy at returning to Canada after a comedy tour in the United States. "I just feel like I’m with my people, you know, people who care more about which hockey team I support than which gender I am... Coming back to Canada after living in the U.S. feels like seeing your old friends after you’ve been in a toxic relationship that you just got out of," Martin said. In addition, Martin pitched fellow Canadian Nelly Furtado a video cover of her hit "Promiscuous", which she would retitle "Promiscuous They/Them".

Martin added: "The video could be good. It’s me in sensible jeans, trying to decide which bathroom to use". These statements sparked a debate about identity and society.

The all-women rock band The Beaches took home the prize for best group of the year, after winning in the same category in 2024 and 2025. Cameron Whitcomb, after winning the award for breakthrough artist or group of the year for his debut album, The Hard Way, which contains lyrics about his addiction and recovery, promised to keep working hard and stay sober. In other award presentations, Daniel Caesar, a Toronto singer-songwriter, won the award for best contemporary R&B recording of the year for "Son of Spergy," a song inspired by his father. The Juno Fan Choice Award went to Canadian rapper Alexander Leon Gumuchian, also known professionally as BBNO$.

Tate McCrae, although absent from the Junos, won best album of the year for So Close to What, best artist of the year, best single of the year for "Sports Car", and pop album of the year.

One of the most emotional moments of the Junos was the induction of Nelly Furtado, Latin Grammy winner and singer of "I'm Like a Bird", into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The tribute was preceded by a pre-recorded video by Drake. "Being a woman in the music industry, in any era, is something I have to tip my hat to. The men in this business don’t make it any easier. I think what was most impressive to me is the respect that all the men had when they spoke about you," said the Canadian superstar about Furtado.

The ceremony continued with a series of hits by the Portuguese-Canadian singer-songwriter performed on stage by Alessia Cara, Jully Black, Shawn Desman, and Tanya Tagaq. Upon accepting her career tribute, Furtado told the Juno audience: "I’m just really proud to be Canadian. I live in Canada. I make my music in Canada. And I work with Canadian musicians, songwriters, and producers because I totally believe in the Canadian dream. Please believe in it too".

In other award presentations, Raquel McIntosh from Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School in Hamilton, received the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. This recognition highlights the importance of music education and the impact of educators in the community. This year’s Juno Awards ceremony was a celebration of Canadian music, highlighting both established artists and emerging talents, and addressing issues relevant to contemporary society.

The award ceremony was a reflection of the diversity and talent of the Canadian music scene, honoring artists from different genres and backgrounds, and recognizing their contribution to the country's culture.