Music

The 50th Juno Awards to be held in Toronto May 2021

The 2021 Juno Awards were originally set to take place in March.

While they are 'certainly going to be different, we still intend on celebrating,' says president Allan Reid

The 2021 Juno Awards were originally set to take place in March. (Ryan Bolton)

The Juno Awards will be returning to where it all began for its 50th anniversary, which will be held in Toronto on May 16, 2021.

"It's been a decade since the Junos returned to Toronto and while this 50th anniversary celebration is certainly going to be different, we still intend on celebrating all of the artists who unite our country through their music," said Allan Reid, president and CEO, CARAS/the Juno Awards and MusiCounts.

To mark the occasion, three new award statuettes were also unveiled, all inspired by the late Shirley Elford, whose handcrafted trophies were awarded between 2000 and 2010. A gold version will be awarded to all award winners, a silver version will go to Special Award recipients and a gold and silver version will go to Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees.

"It is more important now than ever that we recognize our amazing artists, industry professionals and emerging talent – while continuing to showcase the strength and unity of our vibrant culture sector," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "Our government is proud to support CARAS with a $1 million investment and excited to welcome the Juno Awards back to Ontario in 2021."

Music education charity MusiCounts will also be awarding $1.5 million dollars worth of instruments and equipment to schools and community organizations across Canada as part of the 50th anniversary commemorations.

The 50th annual Juno Awards will broadcast on May 16, 2021, on CBC, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, the free CBC Gem streaming service in Canada and globally at www.cbcmusic.ca/junos.