The stunning red carpet at the 2026 Junos in 12 photos

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the 55th Juno Awards, Nelly Furtado graced the evening in a stunning red-and-black brocade strapless gown designed by Indigenous Canadian designer Lesley Hampton. The dress, featuring a full skirt and a structured bodice, was accented with gold jewelry—a cuff bracelet and earrings—which added a regal warmth to the ensemble. The Victoria-based singer, who announced she is taking a break from live performances, concluded her red carpet appearance with the poise of an artist who has nothing left to prove, but everything to celebrate.

The evening’s surprise guest, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, walked the Junos’ orange carpet with typical political restraint. Dressed in a black velvet suit and gray tie, the statesman blended seamlessly into the musical atmosphere without looking out of place. He had the honor of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Joni Mitchell during the ceremony. His presence at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton was hailed as a strong show of support for the Canadian music industry, and he reminded the audience that Canada is the third-largest music exporter in the world.

Grammy winner Alessia Cara opted for understated elegance on the orange carpet at the 2026 Junos. The Brampton-born singer, who performed on stage during the ceremony as part of the tribute to Nelly Furtado, chose a navy blue one-shoulder gown that elegantly accentuated her figure. Black heels and delicate silver earrings completed the look. A minimalist choice that stood in contrast to the excitement of the carpet, but proved that you can make a lasting impression without overdoing it.

Jordan Miller, Leandra Earl, Kylie Miller, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel—the four members of The Beaches—have proven that a band can have a strong stage presence without looking uniform. From left to right: a long, marbled-print dress with a slit, a brown leather jacket and sunglasses for a low-key look, a cream-colored strapless mini-dress with ruffles and black platform heels, and a long metallic gray latex dress. Winners of the Juno Award for Best Group for the third consecutive year—a record for an all-female group—they embodied on this orange carpet the same electric energy that has propelled them to the top for years.

Canadian hockey icon Sarah Nurse has proven that she shines just as brightly off the ice. The Olympic gold medalist opted for a two-piece dress with an asymmetrical neckline adorned with gold rhinestones in a gradient ranging from bronze to champagne, contrasting with a long black gathered skirt. With gold bracelets on her wrists and understated rings on her fingers, she exuded a relaxed and radiant elegance. Her appearance at the Junos showcased a fame that extends far beyond the sports arena, making her one of the most unifying Canadian figures of her generation.

Hosting the 55th Juno Awards, comedian Mae Martin—who uses the pronouns they/them—chose a midnight blue tuxedo with satin lapels, buttoned over a pale blue open-collar shirt, worn without a tie. Simple, impeccable, slightly androgynous: the look perfectly captured Martin’s spirit, the first comedian to host the Junos since Russell Peters in 2017. On stage, their sensitive humor and unflinching Canadian pride struck a chord throughout the evening.

Quebec singer Viviane Audet brought her own unique touch of whimsy to the orange carpet. Her green-and-black floral-print A-line mini-dress, with square straps and a bubble-style puffed skirt, exuded a bohemian and playful energy. The black lace mittens added an unexpected rock-and-roll edge, while the heeled ankle boots anchored the look in a more urban style. The nominee chose originality over convention, delivering one of the most personal and endearing outfits of the evening.

Priyanka, the winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 1, didn’t just make a cameo appearance on the Juno Awards’ orange carpet. The drag queen, singer, and TV personality turned heads in a bright orange ensemble—a structured crop top with voluminous, crystal-embellished sleeves paired with a matching long skirt—complete with long brown leather gloves that reached her shoulders. Red lipstick prints painted on her abdomen and a belly button piercing completed the look. Nominated for a Juno Award in the Best Adult Contemporary Artist category, Priyanka didn’t need a trophy to steal the show that night.

A legend of Canadian music, Sarah McLachlan chose a look that was both sensual and nostalgic for the red carpet. Her long black dress with spaghetti straps, featuring a velvety floral pattern and a V-neckline, exuded 1990s minimalism with timeless elegance. Winner of the Juno Award for Best Contemporary Adult Album for *Better Broken* at Saturday’s gala, she truly stood out on stage with a moving tribute to Joni Mitchell, accompanied by Allison Russell. A radiant presence, from the red carpet through to the final notes of the evening.

The star of the evening, Joni Mitchell—a 19-time Juno nominee and recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award—made a rare public appearance in Canada, commanding the room with her magnetic presence. Dressed in a long black velvet gown embroidered with circular motifs shimmering in shades of green and orange, her head covered by a dark scarf adorned with a red embellishment, she held a black cane with supreme grace. Her stone necklaces and dangling earrings completed a look of total visual richness. At 81, Mitchell remains an absolute icon, both in music and style.

Singer and choreographer Shawn Desman made a memorable appearance at the Junos alongside his partner, who clearly stole the show in a red strapless gown with a wide draped skirt and a daring slit, accessorized with a red crystal-embellished clutch and matching heeled sandals. Shawn, dressed in a simple black suit, let his partner take center stage. The Toronto-based artist, known for his hits from the early 2000s, remains a key figure in the Canadian music scene, and his presence at the ceremony served as a reminder of the breadth of a career that defined an entire generation.

Valérie Roberts turned heads on the orange carpet at the Junos in a bold rock-glam look. The Quebec-based content creator and personality opted for a black mini-dress with lace details, layered under a long, oversized gray wool coat that created a striking contrast between the garment’s masculine structure and the dress’s femininity. Black heart-patterned tights, bow-adorned heels, and a cascade of silver jewelry around her neck completed the ensemble. Her tattoos, visible on her legs, blended naturally into a perfectly executed personal aesthetic.