Comedian Mae Martin has been selected as the host for the upcoming 55th annual Juno Awards, as confirmed by the event organizers. Following their successful hosting of the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards and the premiere of the Netflix hit show “Wayward,” Martin will be the first solo comedian to lead the ceremony since Russell Peters in 2009.
Expressing their excitement, Martin reflected on their journey from appearing on a radio show at the age of 13 to now hosting the prestigious event at 38. Set to grace the stage in Hamilton on March 29, Martin, a multi-talented Toronto native, will bring their unique flair to the Juno Awards, having received their first nomination two years ago for comedy album of the year.
The announcement of Martin as the host follows a series of repeat hosts at the Juno Awards, with Michael Bublé, Nelly Furtado, and Simu Liu taking on the role in recent years. Martin aims to create a relaxed and lively atmosphere for the event, likening it to the energy of a live music show.
The star-studded lineup for the awards includes performances by R&B/soul artist Daniel Caesar, who will also be honored with the international achievement award, and folk/roots singer-songwriter William Prince. Additionally, hometown favorites Arkells from Hamilton and Toronto’s the Beaches are set to perform. The legendary Joni Mitchell will receive a lifetime achievement award, and Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Martin’s hosting gig comes at a significant moment in the Canadian entertainment landscape, marked by a renewed focus on the country’s artistic contributions in the face of external pressures. The 2025 Juno Awards notably showcased Canadian pride in response to political tensions, with Anne Murray and other artists emphasizing the nation’s cultural sovereignty.
With a positive outlook on Canadian art, Martin believes in the global appeal of homegrown content, citing the success of their own projects as a source of national pride. The upcoming Juno Awards will feature new category changes, including the introduction of the Latin music recording of the year award and updated eligibility criteria for rap categories to support Canadian talent.
Scheduled to take place at the recently renovated TD Coliseum in Hamilton on March 29, the 55th Juno Awards will be broadcast live on various CBC platforms, including CBC-TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, and CBC Music’s YouTube Channel. The event promises to be a celebration of Canadian talent and creativity.
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