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mgk, bbno$, Dan + Shay & More: Best Moments from NXNE 2026
From Daniel Caesar's heartfelt tribute to his managers, Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans, at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch to Vinny Cinquemani and Riley O’Connor being inducted into Billboard Canada’s first-ever Hall of Fame at Billboard Canada Power Players to a surprise moment from Canada's hottest band Angine de Poitrine, it was a major week of highlights for both the music industry and music fans.
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From bbno$’s red-hot underplay show at Drake Underground to mgk’s raging Lost Americana afterparty at Hotel X, the city was abuzz from June 10-14.
Here are the highlights of NXNE 2026.
mgk Brings Rockstar Energy to Billboard Canada THE STAGE
mgk didn't just close out NXNE at Billboard Canada THE STAGE on Sunday night (June 14). He blew the roof right off it. The global superstar delivered an unforgettable, high-octane late-night performance at Hotel X’s rooftop bar in downtown Toronto following his nearby sold-out show at RBC Amphitheatre on his Lost Americana tour.
It was a celebratory night for the "multi-genre king," who appeared on the cover of Billboard Canada in a vulnerable and wide-ranging interview about his last few years and return to blog era hip-hop. Fans were treated to limited-run print issues of the magazine, and mgk signed many of them for the audience. "Thank you Billboard for putting a real rockstar on the cover," he said.
mgk tore into his rap-rock firestarter "FIX UR FACE." Not content with just rocking the stage, he latched his legs around the venue's rafters, hanging mid-air while performing. The crowd went into such a frenzy that he immediately brought it back, playing the track twice in a row. He hung off the front of the stage to get as close to the audience as possible as fans scaled pillars to shout the lyrics back at him. mgk called them the MVPs of the night, especially one guy who did the whole thing barefoot. It felt like Woodstock 99.
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From hip-hop to pop-punk, country and emo, the artist born Colson Baker has shown he can do it all, but he kept the energy high on this night. It was all about adrenaline, aura and getting as close to his diehard Canadian fans as possible. They matched his energy beat by beat.
As he told Billboard Canada, mgk is all about having fun right now. On Blog Era Boyz with Wiz Khalifa, he's regained a feeling with "no stakes" and "nothing to lose." You could tell he was in that mindset at NXNE as he brought a chaotic rock and roll energy that made the show feel like a fever dream. It was an instantly legendary show that those in attendance will remember for a long, long time.
bbno$ at Drake Underground for Billboard Canada Presents THE STAGE at NXNE Gabriel Di Sante
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bbno$ Takes NXNE to the Disco
Fresh off gracing the cover of Billboard Canada and playing his biggest-ever headline show at RBC Amphitheatre, bbno$ took NXNE back in time, returning to the Drake Underground for a special Billboard Canada THE STAGE show limited to 200 superfans. He and DJ Noche revamped his usual set into a night at the disco, combining his own hits like "Check" and "It Boy" with dance classics like “Funkytown,” “YMCA,” and much more. From rap to dance-pop to Brazilian funk, there was no shortage of energy from one of Canada's most viral artists. Zany, internet-inspired visuals featuring Sonic the Hedgehog and other colourful characters flashed behind him throughout the night.
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The rapper fed off the audience’s energy, briefly performing from within the crowd only to still be stunned by their enthusiasm upon removing his in-ears and realizing how loud the room was. He also remembered debuting his track “Lalala” at the Drake Underground during his 2018 show when it was still unreleased, before it went viral and became his breakout hit.
Energized, the Vancouver rapper promised the crowd that he’d gift everyone in the room free tickets to his next Toronto show, before continuing to capture the crowd by interacting with fans, inviting them onstage to play a song from the DJ booth and giving away a special fish cookbook. He truly took in the intimate setting, talking with fans one-on-one, high-fiving as many people as he could and acknowledging the lively atmosphere as rainbow lights illuminated the ceiling. After a brief rest in the green room, he came back out to get in on the late night party with his fans.
200 people or 20,000, bbno$’s unique charisma can capture any size room.
Dan + Shay perform at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at the Opera House in Toronto on June 14, 2026. Gabriel Di Sante
Dan + Shay Dazzle an Intimate Crowd at The Opera House
It was quite a weekend for hitmaking American country duo Dan + Shay. It began on Friday when they sang the U.S. national anthem at the opening ceremony of the World Cup and concluded on Sunday night (June 14) with a triumphant Billboard Canada THE STAGE performance at the Opera House at NXNE in Toronto.
Given the Grammy-winning pair's status as a genuine arena act, their appearance at the more intimate Opera House gave the show a special air of occasion. Dan + Shay gave it their all, to rapturous response. Accompanied by eye-pleasing visuals on the screen behind and a clear sound mix, they delivered a set that featured their big hits, beginning with ''10,000 Hours,'' their smash collab with Justin Bieber, some newer material and a killer cover.
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A Dan + Shay forte is the delivery of heartfelt and emotionally expressive ballads and that was in evidence here, as on ''From The Ground Up,'' a tune that, like most here, had the crowd singing along. The rich and strong voice of Shay Mooney is also capable of rockin' out, as shown on a set highlight version of The Killers classic, ''Mr. Brightside,'' delivered in part from the floor, in the middle of the audience. Dan Smyers provided crisp guitar and harmony vocals.
Another set highlight was the recent single, ''Say So,'' which they introduced as ''a brand new song that is the most important of our career.'' As explored in a Billboard interview, this heart-wrenching song was inspired by the death by suicide of a close friend and colleague of the duo, Warner Chappell president/CEO Ben Vaughn. Tackling the themes of mental health and depression, the song is having a real impact.
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The show ended on a triumphant note that reflected the mutual love affair of band and audience. For the moving Grammy-winning ballad ''Speechless,'' Dan held up his mike for the crowd to assist vocally and he followed this by declaring that ''this is our favourite venue in the world and Toronto is the coolest city in the world.'' That led into the inevitable choice of ''Tequila,'' the duo's biggest hit, as show closer. Once more, the crowd sang along loudly, then left, suitably sated.
BLOND:ISH Brings a Moment of Zen to NXNE
Superstar DJ BLOND:ISH came straight from her residency in Ibiza to NXNE in Toronto, a city she grew up raving in.
In a special fan event at Billboard Canada THE STAGE on a hot afternoon rooftop session at Hotel X, she gave fans an exclusive first listen of the new music she made in Jamaica, answered audience questions, and then gave each fan a photo and a hug — each a loose requirement for the other.
The music was high energy — including recent single "In Da Jungle," which she revealed sampled the voice of cleaning ladies she met in Jamaica — but the moment was low-key and friendly in the best way. It was a moment of zen amidst a packed weekend of music at NXNE.
SPIN Canada Officially Launches at NXNE with Nemahsis
SPIN Canada officially launched at NXNE, bringing the iconic music magazine to the country. To kick off the new publication's inaugural cover star Nemahsis performed an intimate show at SOUNDSTAGE.
The Palestinian-Canadian artist has been on a hot streak since the release of 2024’s Verbathim, which has earned her praise from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Elton John and awarded her the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s breakthrough songwriter award in 2025.
It was her first set after a hiatus, and her adoring fans hung on every word and sang along to each song. Nemahsis chatted with SPIN Canada’s editor-in-chief — and NXNE founder — Michael Hollett about her finding fellow “freaks,” her forthcoming music releases and her unique upbringing in music, including her decision as a child — unbeknownst to her parents at first — to wear the hijab, and what it means to her as an artist now. She hoped to be a gateway, she said, to young Muslim children discovering music and wanting to express themselves as well.
Jessie Reyez at NXNE 2026.Gabriel Di Sante
Jessie Reyez Surprises Fans with an Intimate Stripped-Down Set at Rolling Stone Canada x adidas Home of Soccer at NXNE
The city was alive this week as NXNE coincided with the first-ever World Cup games in Toronto. The adidas Home of Soccer came to STACKT Market, and Rolling Stone Canada presented a special surprise set by a homegrown star.
Fresh from playing her new song “Illuminate” with Elyanna at the opening World Cup match in Canada, Jessie Reyez delivered an intimate, stripped-down performance that left her fans breathless.
Billboard R&B LIVE at SOUNDSTAGE at NXNEGabriel Di Sante
Billboard R&B LIVE Debuts in Canada at NXNE
Billboard Canada R&B LIVE came to NXNE with some of the brightest new stars of the genre. Avenoir took the stage at SOUNDSTAGE, treating the audience to his sensual brand of R&B. Fresh off being sampled on Drake’s Habibti album, Avenoir also brought out special guests Dylan Sinclair, Pino and more.
Avenoir at SOUNDSTAGE for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNEGabriel Di Sante
646yf4t refuses to conform to the boundaries of genre, and the rising star, who is Daniel Caesar’s younger brother, played an intimate solo set including a standout OutKast cover. Luna Elle captured the audience with entrancing tracks like “AMPM” and a cover of D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” that got the crowd vibing.
Luna Elle at SOUNDSTAGE for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNEGabriel Di Sante
646yf4t at SOUNDSTAGE for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNEGabriel Di Sante
Sickick and Frank Walker Blur Genres in Billboard Canada LIVE Events
Sickick and Frank Walker played memorable Billboard Canada LIVE events at the brand-new venue SOUNDSTAGE at the W Hotel and showed the power of the venue's sound and vision.
Sickick at SOUNDSTAGE for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNEGabriel Di Sante
Sickick, who's remixed songs for some of the biggest artists in the world, spoke to the crowd about his recent forays into Latin and Punjabi music, his signature masks and his creative process. Then, he ignited the room with his signature future-facing blend of R&B and electronic music.
Frank Walker at SOUNDSTAGE for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNE Gabriel Di Sante
Frank Walker joined Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski, who asked questions submitted by fans before the show. He spoke about the influence of his upbringings in Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University on his music, his upcoming wedding and the difference between big and small stages. He noted this show had the ultimate balance of intimacy and big-screen production given the audio-visual capabilities of SOUNDSTAGE.
He also spoke about the surprising similarities between EDM and country as heard on his recent album Oasis. As if to drive it home, he balanced new songs like the Danielle Bradbery-featuring "Desperado" (which he debuted live for the first time) with remixes of songs by artists like Morgan Wallen and Noah Kahan. If he's building a new niche as the big-stage country DJ, he built a great foundation for it here.
Fionn at the Rivoli for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNEVincent Miller
Fionn Bring Righteous Rage to The Rivoli
Kicking off on the first night of NXNE at The Rivoli on Queen Street West, the Vancouver twin sister duo — Alanna and Brianne — toted their all-female band in glitzy outfits that shone in the venue’s dark lighting. About 10 minutes before they were to take the stage, they unknowingly gave festivalgoers a teaser of their forthcoming set, setting up their instruments, finalizing guitar licks and drum patterns. The male gaze exists as a major antagonist for their seething tracks, which they shatter with their '90s and 2000s-evoking rock anthems.
“Oh my god, it’s so full in here,” said Brianne, surveying the jam-packed space. The siblings donned coordinated guitars and told the crowd they were two days out from the deluxe release of their acclaimed album, Scum. Songs from that record made up most of their set as they belted out lyrics from “Chip Chop” and “I Put My Makeup On,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Canada Modern Rock Airplay chart. They continued to capture the crowd with a cover of The Cranberries’ “Dreams,” in which Brianne mastered the late Dolores O'Riordan’s signature vocals on the track, before transitioning into “Zombie,” another of the Irish band’s biggest hits. It’s fitting for the sisters, who share an Irish ancestry.
Fionn even treated the audience to two unreleased songs, one of which Alanna shared isn’t finished, but she is “really resonating with it, because I’m so fucking done with all the men in power.” With lyrics like “shut your face” and “no one cares anyway,” it’s a masterclass in anti-mansplaining, something the twin sister duo have locked down with “Blow,” their Modern Rock hit that spent three weeks at No. 1. While many of their lyrics are biting and scathing, Fionn are nothing but grateful for their fans who matched their energy throughout the late-night set.
Rolling Stone Canada Future of Music Brings Rising Stars to SOUNDSTAGE
Rolling Stone Canada presented a stacked lineup of up-and-coming artists at SOUNDSTAGE, including a standout set by recent Juno-winner Sadboi, who mixed fashion and charisma with a genre-blending mix of hip-hop, electronic and other influences.
It was a genre-diverse lineup. Baby Nova played a well-crafted blend of folk, pop, country and Lana Del Rey vulgar sophistication. ThxSoMch evoked the ear-splitting sounds of '90s grunge and 2000s pop-punk with pop songcraft and a distinct Gen Z internet sensibility. Hotly-tipped hyperpop/hip-hop artist Sorisa took the stage for a late-night set, and the teen artist brought serious energy while wearing a backpack. If that doesn't say Future of Music, we don't know what does.
Loviet Rocks Hard at Her First Toronto Headline Show
Before a word was uttered from Loviet’s mouth, it was clear she was ready to rock. The Nova Scotia-born, Toronto-based singer stepped onto the stage at Drake Underground with a red electric guitar, ultra-ripped fishnet tights and black platform boots that could stomp anyone who crossed the artist, born Natalie MacIntosh. Last week, the rocker told Billboard Canada that the show was her first-ever headlining show in Toronto.
In more ways than one, it was a major night for MacIntosh, who played tracks from her latest EP, Debutante, for the first time. The six-track project flourished on-stage, as MacIntosh confidently strummed her guitar and dominated the microphone with seething lyrics. Less than a month ago, she released “Can You Help Me Out,” an early 2000s-inspired banger that brought her all-star guitar playing to the forefront. It’s clear that her on-stage presence goes hand-in-hand with her killer guitar skillset, something MacIntosh explained is essential to her artistry: “Singing and being on-stage, playing guitar, I feel like that's where I get to connect with what I do, and the audience the most,” she said.
While Loviet loves the stage, the audience loved her right back, as they nodded their heads and jumped up and down at the appropriate times, celebrating the rising act’s latest project in the city that she now calls home.
Adam Rodway Pays Homage to His Hometown
Adam Rodway’s “Runaround” has reached the top 10 on the June 13-dated Billboard Canada CHR/Top 40 Airplay chart. It’s aptly timed with Rodway’s Billboard Canada LIVE show at Dance Cave, marking one of his first-ever headlining performances. While he’s originally from Markham, he has been living in downtown Toronto for a handful of years, which has sonically shaped the music he creates — often spanning multiple genres, from indie to pop to rock.
While his biggest hit leans on pop soundscapes, he showed up to his headline with a mixed bag of tracks that showcased his genre-bending tendencies. That included his newest single, “Matter of Fact,” a rock-infused track featuring drummer London Hudson (son of rock god Slash). Fittingly, Rodway rocked out for his entire set and gave the crowd all the energy he had when he wasn’t sporting an electric guitar or dark sunglasses that oozed aura for the emerging Toronto act.
After spending the better part of the decade releasing music, Rodway is ready for what comes his way: “I started writing songs in high school, and I'm about to be 30 years old,” Rodway told Billboard Canada. “It feels reassuring to know that I'm on the right path. It makes me want to keep doing this and go harder.” He saved the best for last during his set and played “Runaround,” wrapping up a major moment for the independent artist.
Billy Raffoul and Dominique Way Fill the Rivoli with Soul
Billy Raffoul at the Rivoli for Billboard Canada Live at NXNE@DanielPhotography2025
Billy Raffoul’s voice is a time capsule. Taking the stage at the Rivoli, the renowned singer-songwriter captivated the audience with his throaty, bluesy voice which carries a truly old school essence. From his roaring raspiness to his soft harmonies, Raffoul’s stripped-back style commanded the entire room. His storytelling skills were a highlight even outside of his songs, as he had the audience laughing about the many anecdotes he shared about his songs, from joking that his song “Western Skies” won the fan-voted 2021 SOCAN Songwriting Prize because he had a friend who’s “really quick on the computer,” to recounting that his song “Dark Four Door” was named in a Colleen Hoover novel, only to be replaced by a Noah Kahan song in the book’s film adaptation. Raffoul enlivened the entire room with just his voice and his guitar, showing how powerful a good song truly is.
Dominique Way at the Rivoli for Billboard Canada LIVE at NXNE@DanielPhotography2025
Dominique Way was a special guest, delivering a soothing performance of her stripped-back indie pop style that marked her return to the stage for her first show after a brief hiatus. The Barrie, Ontario native sat on a stool, guitar in hand, rocking a purple hoodie and headphones as she harmonized with her keyboard player, debuting her recent single "Smoke Jumper," which she prefaced as a song about friendship and dedicated to her best friend Emily in the crowd, and took the crowd back in time with her debut single, the understated acoustic ballad "Your Problems Are Mine." She also previewed upcoming music from her upcoming Who Could Not Be Broken EP on Cult Nation (the label home of Charlotte Cardin), including an upbeat folk number where she exclaimed "Yeehaw!" mid-song and invited the crowd to two-step.
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