The Junos 2026 red carpet (orange carpet) was not eclipsed by the world’s grandest galas. On March 29, at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Canada’s music stars—and a few surprise guests—took to the runway in looks ranging from classic to daring, once again proving that Canada knows how to make its celebrities shine. A tour through the style moments that defined the night.
Nelly Furtado
Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at this year’s 55th Junos, Nelly Furtado honored the night in a sumptuous red-and-black brocade bustier gown by Indigenous Canadian designer Lesley Hampton. The dress, with a voluminous skirt and a structured bodice, was elevated by golden jewelry—a cuff bracelet and earrings—that brought a regal warmth to the look. The Victoria-born singer, who recently announced a pause on live performances, closed her carpet appearance with the poise of an artist who has nothing left to prove but plenty to celebrate.
Mark Carney
In a surprise turn, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strode the Junos’ orange carpet with political sobriety. Clad in a black velvet suit and a gray tie, the statesman blended into the musical ambiance without missing a beat. He had the honor of presenting the Artistic Achievement Award to Joni Mitchell during the ceremony. His Hamilton appearance was celebrated as a powerful endorsement of Canada’s music industry, underscored by his reminder that Canada ranks as the third-largest music exporter in the world.
Alessia Cara
Grammy-winning Alessia Cara went with understated elegance on the Junos’ orange carpet. The Brampton-born singer, who performed during the ceremony as part of the Nelly Furtado tribute, wore a navy one-shoulder gown that highlighted her silhouette with refined poise. Black heels and slender silver earrings completed the look. A pared-down choice that cut through the carpet’s buzz, proving you can make a statement without going overboard.
The Beaches
Jordan Miller, Leandra Earl, Kylie Miller and Eliza Enman-McDaniel, the four Beaches members, proved a group can own a striking stage identity without uniformity. From left to right: a floor-length patterned gown with a slit, a brown leather jacket and incognito-style sunglasses, a cream strapless mini dress with ruffles and a black platform, and a long dress in metallic gray latex. Emerging as the Juno winners for Best Group for the third consecutive time—an all-female group record—the quartet embodied on the orange carpet the same electric energy that has powered them to the top for years.
Sarah Nurse
Canada’s hockey icon Sarah Nurse proved she shines just as brightly off the ice. The Olympic gold medalist chose a two-piece dress with an asymmetrical neckline adorned with gold crystals in a bronze-to-champagne gradient, paired with a long black ruched skirt. Gold bracelets at the wrists and discreet rings completed a relaxed, luminous elegance. Her Junos appearance underscored a celebrity that extends well beyond the rink, making her one of Canada’s most unifying figures of her generation.
Mae Martin
As the host of the 55th Junos, comedian Mae Martin—who uses they/them pronouns—selected a midnight-blue satin shawl-lapel tuxedo jacket, buttoned over a pale-blue shirt with the collar open and no tie. Simple, flawless, slightly androgynous: the look captured Martin’s spirit, as the first host of the Junos since Russell Peters in 2017. Onstage, their thoughtful humor and proudly Canadian pride landed with every moment of the night.
Viviane Audet
Québec singer Viviane Audet brought a whimsical touch to the orange carpet. Her green-and-black floral print trapeze mini dress, with square straps and a voluminous bubble skirt, exuded a bohemian, playful energy. Black lace fingerless gloves added an unexpected rock edge, while heeled ankle boots grounded the look in a more urban register. The nominee chose originality over convention, delivering one of the night’s most personal and endearing outfits.
Priyanka
Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 winner Priyanka didn’t just walk the Junos’ orange carpet. The drag queen, singer and TV personality exploded in a vivid orange set—structured crop top with voluminous sleeves encrusted with crystals and a matching long skirt, complemented by long brown leather gloves that reached the shoulders. Red lip prints across the abdomen and a navel piercing finished the look. Nominated at the Junos in the Best Contemporary Adult Artist category, Priyanka didn’t need a trophy to steal the spotlight that night.
Sarah McLachlan
Music legend Sarah McLachlan chose a look that was both sultry and nostalgic for the orange carpet. Her long black velvet floral-patterned spaghetti-strapped gown with a plunging V-neck breathed 90s minimalism with timeless elegance. Winner of the Juno for Best Contemporary Album for Better Broken at Saturday’s gala, she stood out most on stage delivering a heart-wreaking tribute to Joni Mitchell, joined by Allison Russell. A radiant presence from the carpet to the final notes of the night.
Joni Mitchell
The night’s absolute star, Joni Mitchell, a 19-time Junos nominee and the 2026 Artistic Achievement Award winner, made a rare public appearance in Canada with magnetic presence. Clad in a long black velvet gown embroidered with round motifs reflecting green and orange hues, her head draped by a dark scarf adorned with a red ornament, she carried a black cane with regal grace. Stone necklaces and dangling earrings completed a look of total visual richness. At 81, Mitchell remains an absolute icon, both musically and in style.
Shawn Desman
Singer and choreographer Shawn Desman made a striking appearance at the Junos alongside his partner, who clearly stole the spotlight in a bold red bustier gown with a draped, high-slit skirt, accented by a crystal-red clutch and matching heels. Shawn, in a sober black suit, let his partner’s glow take center stage. The Toronto artist, known for late-2000s hits, remains a staple figure on Canada’s music scene, and his presence underscored the breadth of a career that shaped a generation.
Valérie Roberts
Valérie Roberts had the Junos orange carpet turning heads with a bold rock-glam look. The Quebec creator and personality leaned into a black lace-detailed mini dress topped with a long gray oversized wool coat that created a striking contrast between the garment’s masculine structure and the dress’s femininity. Black heart-patterned tights, bow-embellished pumps, and a cascade of silver jewelry at the neck completed the ensemble. Her visible leg tattoos fit seamlessly into a personal aesthetic she clearly owns.
