Canadian music royalty will take center stage this spring as Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell Set to Honor Joni Mitchell With Special Tribute Performance at the 2026 Juno Awards. The heartfelt performance will celebrate one of the most influential songwriters of all time during the nationally televised ceremony airing live on Sunday, March 29, at 8 p.m. ET across Canada on CBC TV and CBC Gem, and globally via CBC Music’s YouTube channel.
A Night Dedicated to a Canadian Icon
Music legend Joni Mitchell will receive the prestigious lifetime achievement award at the 2026 ceremony, presented by the National Arts Centre. Over the course of her extraordinary career, Mitchell has earned five Juno Awards, including her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1981 — a recognition that cemented her status as a national treasure.
Now 82, Mitchell continues to add milestones to her remarkable legacy. Earlier this month, she secured her 11th Grammy Award, sharing the honor for Best Historical Album with Patrick Milligan for Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976–1980). Though the trophy was presented during the Premiere Ceremony, host Trevor Noah made a point of celebrating her achievement during the live broadcast.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Mitchell’s connection to the Grammy stage deepened in 2024 when she delivered her long-awaited Grammy performance debut, offering a moving rendition of “Both Sides, Now.” She was joined by an ensemble of acclaimed artists including Brandi Carlile and Jacob Collier, along with Russell and other collaborators — a powerful testament to her cross-generational influence.
Her recent accolades add to a lifetime of honors. Mitchell received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021 and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2023. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1997 and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2002 — affirmations of a career that reshaped modern songwriting.
Celebrated Artists Take the Stage
Leading the tribute are two of Canada’s most respected artists. Sarah McLachlan, 58, boasts 12 Juno Awards and is once again nominated this year for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for Better Broken. Her emotive songwriting and unmistakable voice make her a fitting choice to honor Mitchell’s legacy.
Joining her is Allison Russell, 44, a two-time Juno winner recognized for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for Outside Child (2022) and Music Video of the Year for “Demons” (2024). Russell’s artistry and deep reverence for Mitchell promise a tribute filled with authenticity and emotional depth.
Star-Studded Lineup and Historic Hosting Moment
The 2026 Juno Awards will also showcase performances from five-time nominee Cameron Whitcomb, as well as previously announced acts including Arkells, The Beaches and William Prince.
The ceremony will take place at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, and will be hosted by comedian Mae Martin. Martin’s hosting marks a historic milestone, as they become the first non-binary person to lead the Juno Awards broadcast and the first comedian to host since Russell Peters.
Additional Honors at the 2026 Junos
The evening will also celebrate other major achievements within Canadian music. Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, while Daniel Caesar will receive the Juno International Achievement Award.
The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award will be presented to Sandy Pandya of ArtHaus, Vinny Cinquemani of Paquin Entertainment and Alexander Mair of Attic Records. Meanwhile, rock group Billy Talent will be honored with the Juno Humanitarian Award.
With an emotional tribute, historic milestones and a lineup packed with celebrated artists, the 2026 Juno Awards promise to be a night that honors Canada’s rich musical legacy — and shines a spotlight on the enduring brilliance of Joni Mitchell.