Drake Honors Nelly Furtado at the 2026 Juno Awards

During the 2026 Juno Awards held on March 29, Drake delivered a heartfelt tribute to Nelly Furtado as she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In a pre-recorded video, Drake referred to Furtado as “our North Star,” highlighting her influence on his career and the broader Canadian music scene. He praised her ability to transcend genres, stating, “There were no ceilings, there were no walls, there were no boundaries.” Furtado, visibly moved, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her pride in being a Canadian artist and acknowledging the support she received from the Black music community throughout her career.

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While Drake's tribute was largely celebratory, he also took the opportunity to address his long-standing grievances with the Junos. He referenced the 2011 awards ceremony where he was snubbed despite multiple nominations, stating, “To the Junos, because you are honoring one of my dear friends tonight, I will spare you.” He specifically mentioned the six awards given to Shad that year, which he felt overshadowed his own album, *Take Care*. This remark sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his honesty while others criticized him for revisiting old grievances.

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In her acceptance speech, Furtado reflected on her journey as an artist, stating, “Canada’s a dream. I’m literally a product of the Canadian dream.” She thanked the Black artists who supported her early in her career, acknowledging their role in her success. Furtado's induction was celebrated with a medley of her hits performed by various artists, including Alessia Cara and Tanya Tagaq, further solidifying her legacy in Canadian music.

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The 2026 Juno Awards, hosted by comedian Mae Martin, featured a mix of performances and awards, with Tate McRae emerging as the biggest winner of the night, taking home four awards, including Album of the Year for *So Close to What*. Joni Mitchell was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, performing alongside other Canadian artists in a tribute to her extensive career. The event was marked by a sense of pride in Canadian identity, contrasting with previous years that included more political commentary.

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Drake's comments about the Junos received a divided response. Some fans appreciated his candidness, while others felt it detracted from the celebration of Furtado. Critics pointed out that revisiting past grievances might overshadow the achievements being honored that night.

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Following the Juno Awards, both Drake and Furtado are expected to continue their musical endeavors, with Drake teasing the release of his upcoming album, *Iceman*. Furtado, who recently released new music, may also build on the momentum from her Hall of Fame induction.

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• “You were our North Star. The proof that it was possible. The Portuguese princess who could go from spitting 16s with Swollen Members to dropping ‘Maneater’ and ‘Promiscuous’ with Timbaland. There were no ceilings, there were no walls, there were no boundaries.” — Drake

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• “Canada’s a dream. I’m literally a product of the Canadian dream. Literally, growing up and feeling like I saw people I could relate with on TV, listening to it. Because Canada’s always cared about art. Canada’s always cared about culture. I’m a product of that.” — Nelly Furtado

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• “To the Junos, because you are honoring one of my dear friends tonight, I will spare you,” — Drake

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The 2026 Juno Awards not only celebrated Nelly Furtado's contributions to music but also highlighted the complex relationship between artists and award shows, encapsulated in Drake's poignant tribute and his unresolved grievances.

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