Tate McRae continues Junos reign with four big wins, despite not attending ceremony

By Canadian Press on March 28, 2026.

HAMILTON — Tate McRae led all winners at the Junos Awards industry gala on Saturday.

The Calgary-born pop star 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.

However, McRae did not attend the ceremony, nor did she provide a video message or written statement acknowledging the wins.

McRae, 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.

Her wins came against heavy competition from Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, who entered the weekend among the most-nominated artists but were shut out of the top categories at the gala, which handed out the bulk of this year’s awards.

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.

Elsewhere on Saturday, country newcomer Cameron Whitcomb, another leading contender, didn’t break through in the marquee races but claimed country album of the year for “The Hard Way.” 



Oshawa, Ont.-raised artist Daniel Caesar earned songwriter of the year honours, while Toronto singer Melanie Fiona won traditional R&B/soul recording of the year for “Say Yes.”

Neither Caesar nor Whitcomb was on hand to accept their trophies, though both are slated to perform at Sunday’s event.

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.”

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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.

Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press