HAMILTON — Most of the prestigious Juno Awards trophies are set to be contested tonight, with notable artists such as The Weeknd, Tate McRae, and Justin Bieber leading the nominations. However, despite their significant nominations, none of these high-profile artists are expected to attend the ceremonies.

Tate McRae and Justin Bieber both boast impressive six nominations each, competing in major categories including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Single of the Year. This puts them directly against one another across several key categories, during an industry gala taking place in Hamilton.

McRae has been nominated for her album “So Close to What” and her catchy Y2K-inspired single “Sports Car." Bieber, on the other hand, is competing with his latest LP titled “Swag II” and his reflective lo-fi track “Daisies.” The competition is intense, showcasing the talents of both artists in a range of prestigious categories.

Following closely is The Weeknd, who has garnered five nominations, including Album of the Year for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and Single of the Year for “Cry For Me.” As one of the most awarded artists in Juno history, he currently holds 22 trophies, just two short of the record 24 held by Anne Murray. Tonight presents an opportunity for The Weeknd to potentially take the lead in Juno accolades.

A significant highlight of this year’s nominations is country newcomer Cameron Whitcomb, who has made a splash with five nominations of his own. His debut album “The Hard Way” and the single “Options” have earned him nominations in key categories including Album of the Year and Single of the Year, along with Best Country Album, Breakthrough Artist, and the Fan Choice Award. The latter will be presented during the televised ceremony on Sunday.

The event will be hosted by comedian Mae Martin and promises to deliver exciting performances from Whitcomb, R&B sensation Daniel Caesar, and Hamilton rock band Arkells. Notably, the show will also feature a rare public appearance by music legend Joni Mitchell as she accepts a lifetime achievement award. Additionally, a tribute will be paid to Nelly Furtado, who is being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, further elevating the evening's significance.

It has been confirmed that The Weeknd, McRae, and Bieber are all expected to miss the celebratory events, creating an atmosphere of intrigue regarding the award outcomes without their physical presence.

This year’s nominations have also introduced an exciting new category: Latin Music Recording of the Year. The inaugural nominees in this category include Alex Cuba, Lido Pimienta, Andy Rubal, Isabella Lovestory, and Mario Puglia, reflecting the growing diversity and recognition of Latin music within the Canadian music industry.

The Juno Awards ceremony promises not only to celebrate the achievements of Canadian artists but also to highlight the evolution of the music scene in the country with its inclusive nomination categories. With the show set to unfold shortly, anticipation builds around who will take home the coveted awards during this hallmark event in Canada's music calendar.