The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) celebrated the artists and industry veterans at the top of Canada’s music scene this evening at the 2024 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada, at the Halifax Convention Centre. The exclusive industry event was co-hosted by Aba Amuquandoh and Damhnait Doyle, featuring electric performances from five Canadian artists and the presentation of 40+ JUNO Awards including the prestigious Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, awarded to Chip Sutherland.
Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae took home her first JUNO Award for Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada and Single of the Year Presented by YouTube for her hit “greedy.” She’s also been nominated for TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award which will be announced during tonight’s Broadcast Awards.
Chip Sutherland, Halifax’s own esteemed industry veteran, entertainment lawyer and artist manager, was awarded the prestigious Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award for his amazing work supporting the success and development of countless Canadian musicians.
The JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada put a spotlight not only on Canadian music veterans, but also its rising stars with 17 awards going to first-time winners: The Beaches (Rock Album of the Year), Tate McRae (Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada, Single of the Year Presented by YouTube), New West (Breakthrough Group of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters), Aysanabee, Co-Songwriters: Ali Willa Milner, Charlie McLean, Derek Hoffman, Sean Sroka, (Songwriter of the Year Presented by SOCAN, Alternative Album of the Year), Colin Stetson (Instrumental Album of the Year), Les Cowboys Fringants & l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (Francophone Album of the Year), Orchestre classique de Montréal, conducted by/dirigé par Jacques Lacombe (Classical Album of the Year). Constantinople (Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble)), Nicole Lizée (Classical Composition of the Year), Blue Moon Marquee (Blues Album of the Year), K-Anthony (Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year), Bambii (Electronic Album of the Year Presented by Nissan), Crypotopsy (Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year), Amanda Marshall (Adult Contemporary Album of the Year), Kyle Brownrigg (Comedy Album of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada), Aqyila (Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year), BLOND:ISH (Underground Dance Single of the Year), Joel Wood (Traditional Indigenous Artist Or Group of the Year)
Nova Scotia-born Feist took home her fourteenth JUNO Award, Adult Alternative Album of the Year Presented by Long & Mcquade Musical Instruments with fellow east coasters The Swinging Belles winning Children’s Album of the Year.
Five electric performances elevated the evening from 2024 Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year Winner Aqyila, 2024 Adult Alternative Album of the Year Presented by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments nominee Begonia, Nova Scotian and 2024 Reggae Recording of the Year nominee Jah’Mila, multi-hyphenated creator Lili-Ann De Francesco and LU KALA, 2024 Single of the Year Presented by YouTube and Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio nominee.
The 2024 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada are available to rewatch on-demand on CBC Gem or CBCMusic.ca/junos.
