Cameron Whitcomb ‘grateful’ to go up against Justin Bieber, Tate McRae at Junos

Cameron Whitcomb performs at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards, in Kelowna, B.C., on Saturday, September 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

TORONTO -- Country newcomer Cameron Whitcomb was lying in bed in Los Angeles, scrolling on his phone when he saw he was nominated for five Juno Awards.

He read his name listed beside Justin Bieber and Tate McRae -- who nabbed a leading six nominations each -- and The Weeknd, who’s also up for five.

“I’m thinking, ‘That’s some competition,’ you know what I’m saying?” he joked.

“Those are some names, you know? I’m just grateful to be alongside them. It’s pretty gnarly. I think it just solidifies it in my folks’ minds ... and a lot of people’s minds. Just like: ‘Damn, I’m there now.”’

Whitcomb will face off against Bieber, McRae and The Weeknd for the fan choice prize, album of the year for his debut “The Hard Way” and single of the year for “Options,” a track about the lure of drugs and alcohol for someone in recovery.

He’s also up for country album of the year and breakthrough artist of the year.

The Nanaimo, B.C.-raised Whitcomb entered the world of music in 2022 when he backflipped his way to the Top 20 of “American Idol,” where the judges praised his energy but urged him to cut back on the physicality of his performances.

After that, he said, he decided to pursue music more seriously, building an audience on social media and writing country songs about his addiction and recovery.

Last September, he won two Canadian Country Music Awards -- breakthrough artist and fan choice -- and days later released his first album.

Meanwhile, Justin Bieber and Tate McRae will face off in all six Junos categories that they’re nominated for, including artist of the year and the fan choice award.

Bieber is up for album of the year for “Swag II” and single of the year for his lo-fi track “Daisies,” while McRae is competing with her album “So Close to What” and the Y2K throwback single “Sports car.”

The Weeknd’s five nominations include album of the year for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and single of the year for “Cry For Me.”

As it stands, the artist born Abel Tesfaye has 22 Junos, second only to Anne Murray’s 24 (not including her two career honours), meaning this year he could become the winningest artist.

Also up for album of the year and country album of the year is Josh Ross for “Later Tonight.” The Burlington, Ont., native is in the running for the fan choice award and single of the year for “Hate How You Look.”

In a new category called Latin music recording of the year, the inaugural nominees are Alex Cuba, Lido Pimienta, Andy Rubal, Isabella Lovestory and Mario Puglia.

The Junos will be handed out at a gala on Saturday, March 28 and during a live broadcast hosted by comedian Mae Martin on Sunday, March 29.

By Nicole Thompson

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2026.