HAMILTON — Tate McRae says she’s “Canada down” — and the country’s evidently pretty down with her too, as she led all winners at the Junos Awards industry gala on Saturday.
However, the Calgary-born pop star did not attend the ceremony, nor did she provide a video message or written statement acknowledging the wins.
The absenteeism turned out to be a theme of the evening as several winners, as well as top nominees Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, no-showed at the Hamilton ceremony where most of the awards were handed out.
McRae took home four of the night’s biggest prizes, including artist of the year, single of the year for “Sports Car” and album of the year for “So Close To What,” along with pop album of the year for the same project.
The singer, who sent a text statement after being the top winner at last year’s Junos, is now the clear front-runner heading into Sunday’s televised ceremony.
In February, McRae drew backlash for appearing in an NBC Olympics ad highlighting Team USA, with social media users expressing disappointment with her for promoting American athletes instead of ones from her home country.
She appeared to address the uproar on Instagram by sharing a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag with the caption “…y’all know I’m Canada down.”
Also on Saturday, country newcomer Cameron Whitcomb, another leading contender, claimed country album of the year for “The Hard Way,” while Oshawa, Ont.-raised artist Daniel Caesar earned songwriter of the year honours.
Neither Caesar nor Whitcomb was on hand to accept their trophies, though both are slated to perform at Sunday’s event.
Ottawa hitmaker Cirkut, born Henry Walter, won the Jack Richardson producer of the year award, while Bieber collaborator Tobias Jesso Jr. claimed songwriter of the year. Neither was in the building to take home their hardware.
Toronto-born artist SadBoi pocketed rap album/EP of the year for “Dry Cry.” Speaking with reporters backstage, she reflected on the narrative that Canadian artists need to leave the country to succeed.
“I’m proudly Canadian. And I love being Canadian, but I think it’s important in general, no matter what you do, to just travel just to experience life,” said SadBoi, who relocated to Atlanta and signed with U.S. label Love Renaissance.
“I think leaving for a little bit and just traveling and just creating and working with other producers, it’s broadened my love for music in different genres. But I also think it’s important to know where you came from.”
The trophy for rap single of the year went to Tobi, Saukrates and Jully Black for “Who’s Driving You?”
While accepting the award, Black took issue with the show’s producers cutting their speech short by playing music over them.
“Fade that music all the way back down,” she insisted before calling for more support for homegrown artists.
“For everybody in here, there is absolutely no retirement in purpose. Continue to support the arts. We need the funding, as you all know.”
Rock album of the year went to Toronto’s The Beaches for “No Hard Feelings.” Asked in the press room why they make a point to attend the Junos each year despite their global success, the band insisted the awards show is especially significant to them.
“The Junos truly is the highlight of our year every year. It’s always so much fun and there are so many friends here,” said drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel.
“It’s just so amazing to be immersed in the Canadian music scene. We do have the privilege of getting to travel all over the world, but we’ll never feel as supported and loved as we do in Canada.”
The awards also marked the debut of the Latin music recording of the year category, with Alex Cuba taking the inaugural prize for “Índole.”
Cuba wasn’t present to accept his award.
More major awards, including group of the year and the fan choice award, will be handed out during Sunday’s broadcast, hosted by comedian Mae Martin. The show will also see Joni Mitchell accept a lifetime achievement award, while Nelly Furtado is set to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.
Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
