Comedian Mae Martin has been chosen to host the 55th annual Juno Awards, as confirmed by organizers on Thursday. Following their successful hosting of the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024 and the premiere of their Netflix show, “Wayward,” they will be the first solo comedian to host the ceremony since Russell Peters in 2009.
In an interview at CBC News in Toronto, Martin expressed their excitement about hosting and reflected on their teenage nerves when first appearing on a radio show in the city. The Toronto-born multi-talented artist will grace the stage in Hamilton on March 29, just two years after receiving their initial Juno nomination for comedy album of the year.
Martin’s hosting role marks a departure from the trend of repeat hosts at the Junos, with Michael Bublé, Nelly Furtado, and Simu Liu hosting in recent years. Martin aims to create a lively, relaxed atmosphere for the event, echoing the energy of a live music show.
The upcoming show will feature performances by R&B/soul musician Daniel Caesar, who will also be honored with the international achievement award, as well as folk/roots singer-songwriter William Prince. Other performers include Arkells from Hamilton and Toronto’s the Beaches. Additionally, Joni Mitchell will receive a lifetime achievement award, and Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Martin’s hosting stint coincides with a pivotal moment in the Canadian awards scene, marked by a renewed focus on the value and uniqueness of Canadian artistic expressions. The 2025 Juno Awards served as a tribute to Canada’s cultural identity, emphasizing its independence and distinctiveness amidst external pressures.
As Martin prepares to host the 55th Juno Awards, they express optimism about the state of Canadian art, citing recent successes in the industry. Martin believes that showcasing Canadian talent can resonate globally, fostering a sense of national pride and unity.
The event, scheduled for March 29 at the recently renovated TD Coliseum in Hamilton, will introduce new category changes, including the inaugural award for Latin music recording of the year. Eligibility requirements for rap album/EP and rap single of the year have been updated to spotlight Canadian talent in the hip-hop genre.
The 55th Juno Awards ceremony will broadcast live on CBC-TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, and CBC Listen, with a simultaneous stream on CBC Music’s YouTube Channel at 8 p.m. ET.