Hello, fellow music fan!

It’s nearly time: the 2025 Juno Awards are a week away, and everyone at CBC Music has been readying for the big weekend so that we can bring you constant coverage over the bustling four days of events.

Not sure how to watch? We’ve got you covered. In Vancouver and trying to figure out what to attend in person? We also have something for that. For folks in Surrey: there’s a free music festival just for you. Want to brush up on the nominees? Might we suggest Q’s interview with Nobro, “one of Canada’s best punk bands.”

And in case you really love to plan ahead: the 2026 Juno Awards host city was announced, and it’s heading back to Ontario. 

Ranking the 20 best singles of the year in Junos history

In honour of the Juno Awards, the CBC Music Top 20 has ranked the 20 best songs to have ever won the Juno Award for single of the year. Over the years, winners have included everyone from Bachman–Turner Overdrive to the Barenaked Ladies, Nelly Furtado to Nickelback, Terry Jacks to Tate McRae, and the all-time leader in overall Juno wins, Anne Murray. 

To see who made our list, and which song ranks No. 1, click on the headline or listen to the show now.

Dylan Sinclair gives a silky spin to In My Blood by Shawn Mendes

For our third Juno Session, Juno winner Dylan Sinclair chose to cover In My Blood by Shawn Mendes, who took home the Juno for songwriter of the year in 2019. Sinclair is fond of the song's lyrics, because they're "very relatable and easy to connect with." 

This artist was dropped by her label — then went on to release one of the best albums of the year

In 2023, Palestinian Canadian artist Nemahsis was dropped by her label and told she couldn't be marketed. Now, she's a first-time Juno nominee in three categories: breakthrough artist, alternative album and songwriter of the year.

Patrick Watson and Charlotte Cardin's sublime duet, and 4 more songs you need to hear this week

Charlotte Cardin last partnered with fellow Montrealer Patrick Watson for the song Next to You, off her 2023 album, 99 Nights, and this time they've gathered for Watson's new project. Gordon in the Willows is the second single from an upcoming album, and on it Cardin’s voice and Watson's piano lace together like old friends finding each other after years apart. The sublime duet is one of this week’s must-hear songs — along with four more.

Remembering Roberta Flack, Angie Stone and Roy Ayers

It’s already been a big year for losses, and this week Marvin’s Room pays tribute to three R&B greats who are no longer with us: Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers and Angie Stone.

East Coast Music Association says boycott may hurt award show, citing 'family feud' with members

In this week’s update on the East Coast Music Association: board chairperson Michelle Eagles told the Canadian Press that recent turmoil has left its leadership working to mend ties with members while also preparing for this year's awards and conference, which take place in May. 

"I'll be blunt — it is putting us at risk right now for our future," Eagles said.

The nearly forgotten story of Calgary blues legend Ellen McIlwaine

Born in Nashville and raised in Japan, Ellen McIlwaine played with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter and Taj Mahal before ultimately settling down in Calgary where she worked as a school bus driver in the last decade of her life. Now, she's finally receiving her rightful place in music history through director Alfonso Maiorana's new documentary, Goddess of Slide. Maiorana joins Tom Power to talk about McIlwaine's remarkable life and legacy.

Thanks so much for joining us for this issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.