The JUNO Awards are updating several music categories ahead of the 2027 ceremony, as the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) moves to better reflect changes in the country’s music industry.
The revisions affect rap, electronic and dance, reggae/dancehall, and contemporary Christian/gospel music. CARAS says the changes are part of its annual review of the awards and were developed with Music Advisory Committees and members of the Canadian music community.
In the rap field, the previous Rap Album/EP of the Year and Rap Single of the Year awards will be replaced by Melodic Rap Recording of the Year and Rap Recording of the Year. The academy has not yet detailed how eligibility for the new distinctions will differ from the former categories.
Electronic and dance awards will also be reorganized. Electronic Album of the Year and Dance Recording of the Year are being replaced with Electronic/Dance Album/EP of the Year and Electronic/Dance Single of the Year, bringing the two areas under a shared category structure.
The changes also expand the scope of the reggae award. Reggae Recording of the Year will become Reggae/Dancehall Recording of the Year, recognizing the growing presence of dancehall within the broader Canadian music landscape.
In contemporary Christian and gospel music, the existing Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year will be replaced by Contemporary Christian/Gospel Recording of the Year. The new category will allow singles, albums and EPs to compete.
CARAS says the adjustments are intended to create clearer opportunities for Canadian artists to be recognized as the ways music is produced, released and consumed continue to evolve.
Further eligibility changes are also being introduced in jazz and classical categories, while Beatport will be added to the list of eligible streaming platforms.
The updates will take effect for the 2027 JUNO Awards, continuing the academy’s effort to adapt its recognition programs to Canada’s changing music community.
Submissions for the 2027 JUNO Awards open: September 21, 2026
Final submission deadline: November 5, 2026, 11:59 PM PT I November 6, 2026 2:59 AM ET
The 56th Annual JUNO Awards will be broadcast live from Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Sunday, April 4, 2027. JUNO Week runs from April 1 to 4, 2027.
