The 2020 JUNO Awards Cancelled Over Coronavirus Threat

In the wake of the ever-evolving threat of the coronavirus pandemic, it has been announced that the JUNO awards have been cancelled.

The announcement of the cancellation came Thursday morning (March 12th, 2020) from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), the organizers of the event, in a joint statement with the City of Saskatoon and the province of Saskatchewan. This is big news for the biggest event in Canadian music.

“We are devastated to cancel this national celebration of music, but at this time of global uncertainty, the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians must stand at the forefront of any decisions that impact our communities,” CARAS said in a statement.

“We know this is the right decision based on the information we currently have and are continuing to receive. The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly and we urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials.”

Events were set to get started Thursday night, and run all the way through until the main event Sunday night.

Official Announcement About The 2020 JUNO Award Cancellation

The 2020 JUNO Awards have been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/eVvT3KUT8D
— The JUNO Awards (@TheJUNOAwards) March 12, 2020

Artists React to the Cancellation of the 2020 JUNO Awards

The JUNO Awards always provides a great opportunity for Canadian musicians to get together and connect with one another. Not only is it a time to honour and recognize the great accomplishments from some of Canada’s best in the industry, but it’s also a time for artists to unwind and get to know one another. It’s where a lot of collaborations get started.

The news of the cancellation came as a surprise and disappointment to so many artists. Canadian country artists have started to react online.

The Hunter Brothers were set to open the festivities Thursday night and were road tripping to the venue when they heard of the cancellation. “To say we weren’t disappointed would be a lie because it is something we’ve been so excited about,” J.J. Hunter said. “Growing up in small-town Saskatchewan, knowing that they were being held here in our home province, knowing that we got to be a part of them… we have been excited for a long time,” Hunter said.

JUNO Awards Host Alessia Cara Reacts to the JUNO Awards Cancellation

View this post on Instagram

@thejunoawards 🙁
A post shared by ALESSIA CARA (@alessiasmusic) on Mar 12, 2020 at 9:22am PDT

Meghan Patrick Reacts to the JUNOs Cancelling Their Events

View this post on Instagram

So sad and disappointing. I applaud @thejunoawards for making the very difficult decision to put our health first, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little heartbroken about this amazing night for Canadian music getting cancelled. I’ve dreamed about performing at the Juno’s for a long time, and we had such a cool performance planned for you guys ? My condolences go out to the Juno’s committee, the volunteers, and all the artists and nominees who worked so hard and invested so much into this weekend… hopefully this nightmare can end soon and there will be an opportunity to reschedule. Be safe, wash your hands, love you all ?
A post shared by Meghan Patrick (@megpatrickmusic) on Mar 12, 2020 at 10:12am PDT

Dallas Smith’s Reaction to The JUNOs Being Cancelled

View this post on Instagram

? for the city of Saskatoon, all the organizers, volunteers and fans. I know as an artist, performing on the Junos was such an incredible boost to ??‘s awareness of who I am and what I do. Was so thankful for that opportunity. Really hope this can be made up somehow, so those very deserving artists still get to take the national stage and show all of ?? as well.
A post shared by Dallas Smith (@dallassmithmusic) on Mar 12, 2020 at 2:46pm PDT

So many artists, and fans are disappointed in the cancellation of Canada’s biggest event for music. As news develops, we will continue to update you all from the safety of the Front Porch. In the meantime, be sure to wash your hands and be safe!

Front Porch

In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.