Comedian Mae Martin has been announced as the host for the 55th annual Juno Awards by the event organizers. Following their successful hosting stint at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 and the premiere of their show “Wayward” on Netflix last year, Martin will be the first solo comedian to host the ceremony since Russell Peters in 2009.
Reflecting on their journey, Martin shared memories of visiting a radio show at the age of 13 and feeling nervous, contrasting it with their current state of being less anxious at age 38. They expressed their hope of feeling relaxed and comfortable when hosting the show in Toronto on March 29, just two years after receiving their first Juno nomination for comedy album of the year.
This announcement comes after a series of repeat hosts for the Juno Awards, with Michael Bublé hosting last year for the third time, Nelly Furtado hosting for the second time in 2024, and Simu Liu hosting two consecutive ceremonies prior to that.
Martin aims to create a laid-back and lively atmosphere for the event, likening it to the energy of a live music show. The lineup for the show includes performances by R&B/soul artist Daniel Caesar, who will also receive the international achievement award, and folk/roots musician William Prince. Additionally, Arkells and The Beaches from Hamilton and Toronto, respectively, are set to perform. The event will also honor Joni Mitchell with a lifetime achievement award and induct Nelly Furtado into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
The Canadian awards scene is experiencing a shift, with a renewed focus on the value and uniqueness of Canadian artistic expression, partly influenced by tensions in the Canada-U.S. trade relationship. The 2025 Juno Awards notably showcased Canadian pride, with Anne Murray and others emphasizing the country’s cultural identity and artistic contributions.
Martin’s involvement in the Juno Awards marks a positive outlook on Canadian artistry, reflecting on the success of their projects and the sense of pride in celebrating Canadian creativity. They highlighted the global appeal of Canadian content and the unity within the artistic community.
The 55th Juno Awards will introduce some category changes, including the addition of the Latin music recording of the year award and updated eligibility requirements for rap categories to support Canadian talent and the hip-hop community’s growth. The event is scheduled for March 29 at the newly renovated TD Coliseum in Hamilton and will be broadcast live on various CBC platforms.
