Legendary folk singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell made a rare public appearance in Canada at the Juno Awards on Sunday night, where she received a lifetime achievement award.
Canadian-born Mitchell appeared on stage at her country’s music awards ceremony alongside the country’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, whom she praised. “I’m so happy to be back in Canada. This man is a blessing. You guys are so lucky,” she added, as he stood beside her on stage in Hamilton, Ontario.
Mitchell, who lives in Los Angeles, added on a contradictory note: “I live in the United States and you know what happens there.” The legendary musician also recalled being on stage a decade ago when she “had an aneurysm (of the brain), which changed my life. Strangely enough, for the better. I went into a coma, which helped me quit smoking. My house was filled with the most wonderful nurses. I was on the road with men for years and years; and now I live with a house full of women. So my life changed for the better after a disaster like a phoenix.”
For his part, Carney said of Mitchell as his tribute was broadcast nationwide on CBC: “In a career spanning six decades, Johnny mapped Canada. Oh, Canada.” Also on Sunday night, while Junos was awash in Canadian nationalism, the awards show was hosted by Mae Martin, a non-binary comedian and actress who created and stars in the Netflix series. stray The series welcomed her back home to Canada after touring her comedy work in the US
“I feel like I’m with my people, you know, the people who care more about the hockey team I root for then my race… When you come back to Canada after living in the States, it’s like seeing your old friends after being in a toxic relationship that you just got out of,” Martin said as he took some swipes at Americans down south.
Martin also featured fellow Canadian Nelly Furtado while on stage for a video cover of her hit song “Promiscious” which she will rename “Promiscious They/Them”. “Video could be good. I’m wearing a pair of sensible jeans, trying to decide which bathroom to use,” Martin added.
Also at the Junos, Canada’s version of the Grammys, female rock band The Beaches took home the award for group of the year, after winning the same category in 2024 and 2025.
In other awards, singer-songwriter Daniel Cesar took home Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year for “Son of Spergy,” a tune inspired by his father. The Juno Fan Choice Award went to Canadian rapper Alexander Leon Gumuchyan, also known as BBNO$.
At the pre-telecast awards ceremony, Tate McRae, who was not in attendance at the Junos, won album of the year. Very close to whatArtist of the Year, Single of the Year for “Sports Car” and Pop Album of the Year.
Another emotional point came during the Junos when “I’m Like a Bird” singer and Latin Grammy winner Nelly Furtado was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, an honor preceded by a pre-recorded video by Drake.
“Being a woman in the music industry, in any era, is something I have to take my hat off to,” the Canadian star said of Furtado. “Men in this business don’t make it any easier. I think what was most impressive to me was the respect that all the men had when they talked about you.”
This was followed by a series of hits that the Portuguese-Canadian singer performed on stage at the Junos by Alessia Cara, Julie Black, Sean Desman and Tania Tajak. In accepting her career honor, Furtado told the Junos audience: “I’m 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 fully believe in the Canadian dream. I hope you believe in it too.”
In other awards, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year award was given to Raquel McIntosh from Adelaide Hoodless Primary School in Hamilton.
