ALANIS TO ARKELLS: Hamilton’s iconic JUNO Awards moments

By Meredith MacLeodMar 3, 2026

Hamilton has hosted Canada's Biggest Night in Music six times and has been centre stage for some historical highlights.

With six previous hosting gigs, Hamilton has played a starring role in JUNOS history. From Alanis Morissette’s record-breaking sweep to unforgettable nights with Céline Dion and The Tragically Hip, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of our proud JUNOS hosting highlights.

The JUNO Awards Go Public – March 26, 1995
Venue: Copps Coliseum

Hosts: Cathy Jones, Rick Mercer, Greg Thomey, and Mary Walsh

Hamilton brought the JUNOS to the people! The awards had been an industry-only, by-invitation event since its launch in 1970. But for the 25th anniversary, fans got to experience the awards for the first time, live in Copps Coliseum. Canadian legends and rising stars shared the spotlight: The Tragically Hip were named Entertainer of the Year and Group of the Year, Jann Arden won Female Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year, Neil Young took Male Vocalist, and Susan Aglukark earned Best New Solo Artist. Moist stole the Best New Group title, kicking off Hamilton’s long tradition of music celebration.

Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip at the first JUNOS in Hamilton in 1995.

Alanis Dominates – March 10, 1996
Venue: Copps Coliseum

Host: Anne Murray
Alanis Morissette made history, sweeping five awards for Jagged Little Pill. She won Album of the Year, Single of the Year (“You Oughta Know”), Female Vocalist, Songwriter, and Rock Album. Blue Rodeo, Deborah Cox, Jerry Alfred & the Medicine Beat, and Ghetto Concept also lit up the stage. Hamilton again proved it could host a night of global music excitement.

Homegrown Greatness – March 9, 1997
Venue: Copps Coliseum

Host: Jann Arden
Céline Dion and The Tragically Hip ruled the night, alongside Alanis Morissette’s win for Single of the Year (“Ironic”) and Songwriter of the Year with Glen Ballard. Bryan Adams took Male Vocalist, Terri Clark won Best New Solo Artist, and local boys The Killjoys grabbed Best New Group. Hamilton’s stage shone bright for Canada’s musical powerhouses.

Barenaked and Brilliant – March 7, 1999
Venue: Copps Coliseum

Host: Mike Bullard

Barenaked Ladies earned Single of the Year for “One Week,” while Céline Dion won Album of the Year (Let’s Talk About Love) and Female Vocalist. Jim Cuddy claimed Male Vocalist, Melanie Doane took Best New Solo Artist, Johnny Favourite Swing Orchestra snagged Best New Group, and Bryan Adams was Songwriter of the Year. Laughter, energy, and musical pride filled Hamilton’s arena.

Nelly Shines – March 4, 2001
Venue: Copps Coliseum

Host: Rick Mercer

Nelly Furtado dominated with four awards, including Best Single (“I’m Like a Bird”) and New Solo Artist. Barenaked Ladies took Best Album (Maroon), Neil Young won Best Male Artist, and Jann Arden earned Best Female Artist. Rap and R&B/Soul categories celebrated Swollen Members and Jacksoul. This Hamilton edition marked the JUNOS’ last visit here for 14 years.

The Homecoming – March 15, 2015
Venue: FirstOntario Centre

Hamilton’s music scene shone with a mix of breakthrough and legendary artists. Kiesza won three awards, Magic! claimed Single of the Year (“Rude”), The Weeknd earned Artist of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording, Leonard Cohen’s Popular Problems was Album of the Year, and local sons Arkells took Rock Album and Group of the Year. They also performed a standout version of “Come to Light,” accompanied by acclaimed conductor Boris Brott and the National Academy Orchestra. Fan favourites included Michael Bublé, Deadmau5, Alanis Morissette, Sam Roberts Band, Lights, and Shawn Mendes. That's also the year that Hamilton's host committee organized intimate pop-up concerts across the region with acts like Elliott Brood, Tokyo Police Club, and Jeremy Fisher.

The Comeback Continues – March 26 to 29, 2026
Venue: Newly renovated TD Coliseum

Host: Mae Martin

The JUNOS are coming back to Hamilton for the seventh time, bringing Canada's Biggest Night in Music to the new TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29. Hosted by Mae Martin, there will be electrifying performances from some of the country's biggest names, including Arkells, The Beaches, Daniel Caesar, William Prince, Sarah McLachlan, Allison Russell, and more! Plus, don't miss special appearances by Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joni Mitchell and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Nelly Furtado. This year, JUNO Week will include live music across the city with events like JUNOfest, Songwriter's Circle, Comedy Show, and tons more.