The 2017 Juno Awards are taking place on Sunday, April 2nd, airing on CTV – who will perform live, and who will accept a Juno Award of their own? Here are the top 12 Canadian musicians to watch at this year’s Junos.
A Tribe Called Red
One of the first performers announced for this year’s broadcast of the Junos, A Tribe Called Red, an electronic music group, released We Are the Halluci Nation to critical praise this year.
Ruth B
Another confirmed performer for the Junos, Ruth B, who has three Juno Award nominations, is being recognized for Breakthrough Artist of the Year as well as Songwriter of the Year.
Alessia Cara
Following up on her win for 2016 Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Cara has three Juno noms this time around. Will she win for Artist of the Year this year?
The Strumbellas
The Strumbellas are battling The Tragically Hip, Billy Talent and Tegan & Sara for Group of the Year. The powerful band brings “wheat field harmonies and arena-ready thunder to every show” (Juno Awards).
Drake
Obviously this list wouldn’t be complete without our golden boy of hip-hop. Drake is nominated for Single of the Year (for his hit “One Dance” featuring Wizkid & Kyla), Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year (for Views).
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, who picked up five Juno nods, is getting accolades for his most recent album Illuminate, which includes the hit track “Treat You Better.”
The Weeknd
From releasing hit songs to putting out city-cool fashion collections (with H&M), everything that The Weeknd touches turns to gold.
Jazz Cartier
This is the first time musician Jazz Cartier has been nominated for a Juno – in addition to being recognized in the Breakthrough Artist of the Year category, he’s also nominated for Rap Recording of the Year.
The Zolas
Nominated for Breakthrough Group of the Year, this could be the year that The Zolas hit your radar.
Weaves
It may be the first time you hear about Weaves, but it surely won’t be the last. They’re nominated for Alternative Album of the Year.
Sarah McLachlan
Throughout McLachlan’s remarkable career, she has received 29 nominations and won 10 Juno awards. Nominated this year for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year, McLachlan is also being honoured with an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during the awards broadcast on CTV.
Arkells
Four-time Juno award winner Arkells are nominated for two awards this year, including Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. The band is returning to the stage as performers for the second time, previously performing at The 2015 Juno Awards in their hometown of Hamilton, ON.