VANCOUVER — Michael Bublé delivered a heartfelt dose of Canadian pride at the Juno Awards on Sunday, kicking off the event with a speech that set a distinctly patriotic tone. The Vancouver-born crooner proudly declared his love for his homeland, making it clear that Canadians, especially in the arts, are firmly rooted in their national identity.
“We are the greatest nation on Earth,” Bublé proclaimed during his opening monologue. “And we are not for sale.” His words resonated deeply, echoing the growing sentiment of Canadian musicians who took the opportunity to embrace their roots.
East Coast music legend Anne Murray was another key figure who proudly waved the Canadian flag. The retired singer accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award, donning a sequined red hockey jersey emblazoned with “Canada” across the front. She reflected on her early career, revealing that she had been urged to relocate to music hubs like New York or Los Angeles. But for Murray, Canada always felt like home, a safe haven.
“I just couldn’t do it,” she explained. “I knew instinctively I needed a place to go, to escape when my work was done. Canada is my safe haven. My safety blanket. My light at the end of the tunnel — it still is.”
Backstage, Murray elaborated on her bold choice of attire. The jersey, suggested by a friend, was a statement in itself. With the addition of her Order of Canada pin, Murray felt she didn’t even need to speak to convey her message. “All I have to do is wear this,” she said. “It says it all.”
The evening wasn’t just about sentimental tributes to Canada’s role in the music industry. Several other artists made political statements that leaned heavily into national pride. bbno$, a social media sensation and rapper who took home the Fan Choice award, began his acceptance speech with a bit of a jab at U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk. “Elon Musk is a piece of garbage,” bbno$ declared, referencing Musk’s ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The controversial statement was met with agreement from Arkells’ frontman, Max Kerman, who later voiced his own support for the sentiment.
Josh Ross, who won Country Album of the Year for Complicated, offered a more subtle, but equally poignant, message. From the stage, he called for a return to Canadian values, saying, “I think it’s time to get back to our Canadian roots and remember that friends are better than enemies.”
Of course, not every moment of the night was about politics. Bublé’s own patriotic opening was preceded by a vibrant medley of his hits, where he was joined by an eclectic mix of artists, including Maestro Fresh Wes, Elisapie, and Roxane Bruneau. The group performed Bublé’s iconic songs in different languages, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of Home, which united them all in an emotional finale.
The Junos broadcast capped off a weekend celebrating Canadian music. On Saturday, Tate McRae took home four awards, including Album, Artist, and Single of the Year, emerging as one of the evening’s top winners. Sunday’s broadcast saw Toronto-based band The Beaches named Group of the Year, while Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis earned the coveted Breakthrough Artist award after also winning Alternative Album of the Year for her debut Verbathim.
“I’ve been wearing a hijab for over 20 years,” Nemahsis shared on the broadcast. “All I ever wanted was to turn on Family Channel or YTV and just see somebody who looks like me. I didn’t think it would take this long.”
In one of the night’s most poignant moments, pop-punk band Sum 41, who were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, delivered a high-energy performance that revisited their most iconic hits, including Fat Lip and In Too Deep. For the band, the Junos marked the end of an era, as they completed their farewell tour. Lead singer Deryck Whibley noted, “This moment is surreal for us because we’re not really an award show band. We’ve always just focused on being our best, not paying attention to anyone else. Well, except for Iron Maiden, of course.”
Boi-1da, the internationally renowned producer behind hits for Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, also received the International Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, he shared his appreciation for the people who helped him along the way, especially his longtime friend and collaborator Drake. “Drake’s my brother,” Boi-1da said backstage, brushing off any rumors of tension between Drake and Lamar. “I’m just showing love because he’s done a lot for me.”
As the night came to a close, it was clear that the Junos were more than just a celebration of Canadian music. They were a bold, unapologetic declaration of national pride, with each artist reaffirming their loyalty to their roots while navigating the complexities of their careers and the global stage. Whether through Bublé’s heartfelt monologue or Anne Murray’s symbolic jersey, the evening was a testament to the enduring spirit of Canadian musicians—and their commitment to staying true to who they are, no matter what the world may throw their way.
