Christian musicians are grappling with the news that the Juno Awards have placed the Christian/Gospel Album of the Year category on hiatus.
The change is part of a broader restructuring that sees four categories paused for the 2024 awards, though organizers have Canada's largest music awards have yet to explain the reasoning.
“You can be known for hit songs, but at the end of the day, I want to serve people well. And this feels like a huge opportunity to do that.”
Jordan St. Cyr, a Juno-winning artist, expressed disappointment but saw the decision as a “call to action” for Christian musicians to "raise the bar" and create music that “reflects an amazing God.
“It kind of sucks,” St. Cyr said. “But I think this is a shot in the arm for us. It's an opportunity to step up and create great music that glorifies God.”
Jordan Janzen, lead vocalist of The Color, also expressed dismay but viewed the pause as a chance for growth.
“Though we’re losing a national platform, it doesn’t mean Christian music loses its voice,” Janzen said. The Color has won two Juno Awards in recent years.
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Janzen pointed to the GMA Covenant Awards, which still feature numerous Christian music categories. He said the Covenant Awards will remain an important gathering for the Canadian Christian music community.
Both St. Cyr and Janzen emphasized the value of collaboration within the Christian music scene. “A great song requires community,” St. Cyr explained, adding that this is an opportunity to dig deeper and refine their craft.
While the future of the Juno category remains uncertain, these artists see this moment as a challenge to rise above and keep pushing forward. “You can be known for hit songs, but at the end of the day, I want to serve people well,” St. Cyr said. “And this feels like a huge opportunity to do that.”