Juno Awards 2026 Best Moments: Joni Mitchell Sings, Rush Reunites, Drake Pays Tribute to Nelly Furtado

Pre-Junos, the greatest excitement around this year’s broadcast came with news that Mitchell would attend in person to accept her lifetime achievement award, with noted Canadian artists led by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell on hand to pay tribute by performing such Mitchell classics as “Case Of You,” “Both Sides Now” and “Big Yellow Taxi.” The finale saw all the performers join in on the classic, including Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, The Beaches, Alessia Cara, Sofia Camara members of Arkells, Billy Talent and more.

Then, Joni herself joined in for the final notes “and put up a parking lot” to major applause. That segment closed out the two-hour show, living up to expectations. Mitchell was introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and she was visibly touched by the honor. “I’m so glad to be back in Canada,” she said, praising Carney multiple times. “I live in the States, and we know what’s happening here.” The broadcast kicked off with a bang, and a surprise one at that.

With minimal intro, hard rock global superstars Rush made their first-ever Junos appearance,...