This year’s awards also include the new Francophone Artist of the Year award. The honor will be given to a Francophone act (solo, duo, or group) that has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the current eligibility period. Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire and Salebarbes are the inagural group of nominees.
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, which includes Noeline Hoffman, Zach McPhee, Sacha, Tony Stevens and Cameron Whitcomb, and the Fans’ Choice Award, with nominees Jade Eagleson, High Valley, Brett Kissel, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, Dallas Smith and Cameron Whitcomb, will be fan voted by Canadian country music fans. Votes can be cast here.
The 2025 CCMA Awards will also feature performances from Madeline Merlo and Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha and Restless Road, Dallas Smith and Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James and Cameron Whitcomb, with more to be announced soon.
2025 CCMA Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Jade Eagleson
MacKenzie Porter
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb
Ford F-150® Album of the Year
All Night Longer – Matt Lang
Bruce County (From The Beginning) – Owen Riegling
Going Home – Tyler Joe Miller
Golden Child – Meghan Patrick
Let Your Horses Run – The Album – Brett Kissel
Fans’ Choice presented by Bud Light
Jade Eagleson
High Valley
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Cameron Whitcomb
Female Artist of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Madeline Merlo
Jess Moskaluke
MacKenzie Porter
Sacha
Francophone Artist of the Year
Francis Degrandpré
Fred Dionne
Sara Dufour
Vince Lemire
Salebarbes
Group or Duo of the Year
High Valley
James Barker Band
The Reklaws
Tim & The Glory Boys
The Washboard Union
Musical Collaboration of the Year
“Broken Heart Thing” – Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch
“Do It Anyway” – Jade Eagleson feat. Jake Worthington
“Stoned Alone” (feat. Caitlyn Smith) – Meghan Patrick, Caitlyn Smith
“Want This Beer” – Josh Ross feat. Julia Michaels
“Won’t Forget” – Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson
“Your Mama Would Hate Me” – Dean Brody, James Barker Band
Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock
Noeline Hofmann
Zach Mcphee
Sacha
Tony Stevens
Cameron Whitcomb
Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre
Chandler – Wyatt C. Louis
One More Dollar To Go – Jake Vaadeland
Purple Gas – Noeline Hofmann
Story To Tell – Riley Taylor
To The River – Kyle McKearney
Single of the Year
“I Grew Up On A Farm” – The Reklaws
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Moonshines” – Owen Riegling
“Single Again” – Josh Ross
“Quitter” – Cameron Whitcomb
Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN
Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens – “I’m Gonna Love You” (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
Ryan Beatty, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Leven Kali, Raphael Saadiq, Shawntoni Ajanae Nichols – “BODYGUARD” (Artist: Beyoncé)
Ben Cottrill, David Schaeman, Nolan Sipe, Cameron Whitcomb – “Quitter” (Artist: Cameron Whitcomb)
Zach Crowell, Lalo Guzman, James McNair, Madeline Merlo, Michael Tyler – “Broken Heart Thing” (Artist: Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch)
Owen Riegling, Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack – “Moonshines” (Artist: Owen Riegling)
Video of the Year
“Hey Mom I Made It” – Sacha
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Life for Me” – Jess Moskaluke
“Ride It Out” – Alli Walker
“Single Again” – Josh Ross
MUSICIAN AWARDS
Bass Player of the Year
Lisa Dodd
Lisa Jacobs
Ben Miller
Brandi Sidoryk
Holt Stuart-Hitchcox
Drummer of the Year
Matt Atkins
Flavio Cirillo
Rich DaSilva
Brendan Lyons
Joseph Poulin
Greg Williamson
Fiddle Player of the Year
Linsey Beckett
Tyler Beckett
Denis Dufresne
Jesse Grandmont
Catherine Robertson
Guitar Player of the Year presented by PRS Guitars
Chris Bray
Russell Broom
Ryan Davidson
Marcus Ramsay
Brennan Wall
Keyboard Player of the Year
Ben Cottrill
Matt Koebel
Brendon Schmidt
Brendan Waters
Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
Denis Dufresne
Johnny Gasparic
Shane Guse
Tyler Vollrath
Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Michael Eckert
Bruce Hoffman
Matt McKay
Kevin Neal
Marcus Ramsay
RADIO AWARDS
Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
CFCW (Edmonton, AB)
CHKX-FM (Hamilton ON)
CISN-FM (Edmonton, AB)
CJJR-FM (Vancouver, BC)
CKKL-FM (Ottawa, ON)
Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market)
CFCH-FM (North Bay, ON)
CHAT-FM (Medicine Hat, AB)
CHCQ-FM (Belleville, ON)
CICX-FM (Orillia, ON)
CIGV-FM (Kelowna, BC)
INDUSTRY AWARDS
Booking Agency of the Year
Action Entertainment Collaborative
Fame Group Agency
The Feldman Agency
Invictus Entertainment Group
Paquin Entertainment Group
Country Club of the Year
Cook County Saloon (Edmonton, AB)
King Eddy (Calgary, AB)
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall (Calgary, AB)
Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year
Big Valley Jamboree (Camrose, AB)
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)
Calgary Stampede (Calgary, AB)
Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Cavendish, PEI)
LASSO Montréal (Montréal, QC)
Country Music Program, Special, or Digital Feature of the Year
Heartstrings & Honky Tonks (CFCW, Silverplow Productions & Design Co.)
A Kane Brown Christmas Special (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
A Kissel Country Christmas (Brett Kissel, Abbey White)
On the Porch with Front Porch Music (Front Porch Music)
Pure Country Top 50 Countdown (iHeartRadio Canada)
Country Personality(ies) of the Year
Dan Davidson & Stella Stevens (CFCW)
Tracy Lynn (CFWC-FM)
Jason McCoy (CICX-FM)
Sam McDaid (CIKZ-FM)
Paul McGuire (CFXJ-FM)
Management Company of the Year
The Core Entertainment
MDM Artist Management Services
RLive Management
Starseed Entertainment
Willing Entertainment
Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA
Anthem Entertainment Group
Big Loud Publishing
Sony Music Canada Publishing
Universal Music Publishing Group
Warner Chappell Music Canada
Record Company of the Year
Big Loud Records
Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.
Starseed Records
Universal Music Canada
Willing Records
Industry Person of the Year
Justin Clark (Big Loud Records)
Warren Copnick (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)
Joelle Proulx (Agence Ranch)
Kevin White (Universal Music Canada)
Creative Team or Designer of the Year
Design Team: Robert Adam, Bryan Francisco, Brandynn L.P, Alyssa Gibson (Doutone Studio) – Single: “Bailing Twine” (Artist: Robert Adam)
Design Team: Austin Chaffe – 3 Pack Single: All The Time, If I Drink Enough, One Beer Away (Artist: The Reklaws), EP: Outliving (For Mom)(Artist: The Reklaws), Single: “Worth The Double” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Silverado-si-do” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Race To The Bottom” (Artist: Nate Haller), Single: “Drive” (Artist: Nate Haller), Brand Identity: Country Rising, Promotional Material: Lucknow’s Music In The Fields
Design Team: Stephane Lamontagne, JF Galipeau – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Design Team: Kyle McKearney, Jeff Ojeda, Roberta Landreth – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Tomorrow” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Hold On Goodbye” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Fight This Fire” (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Design Team: Connor Scheffler, Andrew Parry – Single: “Life For Me” (Artist: Jess Moskaluke)
Recording Studio of the Year
80A Studios (Toronto, ON)
Manicdown Studios (Vancouver, BC)
MCC Recording Studio (Calgary, AB)
OCL Studios (Chestermere, AB)
Revolution Recording (Toronto, ON)
Record Producer(s) of the Year
Russell Broom, Kyle McKearney – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Danick Dupelle – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Karen Kosowski – Single: “First Time Living” (feat. Gretchen Wilson)(Artist: Alli Walker), Single: “Whether You Love Me or Not” (Artist: Meghan Patrick)
Joey Moi – Album: Quit!! (Artist: HARDY)
Dan Swinimer – Single: “He’s The One” (Artist: Savannah Jade), Single: “When I Hear That Song” (Artist: Tony Stevens)
Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year
Amazon Music
Apple Music
SiriusXM Canada
Spotify Canada Inc.
Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Paul Biro (Sakamoto Agency)
Jim Cressman (Invictus Entertainment Group)
Brooke Dunford (Republic Live)
Adam Oppenheim (Stampede Entertainment Inc.)
Denise Ross (Live Nation Entertainment)
Video Director of the Year
Gord Bamford, Codi McIvor – “Just Getting’ Started” (Artist: Gord Bamford)
Alexandre Blais, Alexandre Charron – “He’s the One” (Artist: Savannah Jade)
Ben Knechtel – “Outliving” (Artist: The Reklaws), “Remind Me Again” (Artist: Zach McPhee), “Youth” (Artist: Sully Burrows)
Travis Nesbitt – “Won’t Forget” (Artist: Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson)
Alex P. Smith – “You Didn’t Hear It From Me” (Artist: James Barker Band)
Innovative Campaign of the Year presented by TD
Wheels of Steel- A Cross Canada Journey on the Open Rails (Cameron Nickerson)
Golden Child: The Making of (Meghan Patrick)
SOUTHERN DRAW(L) The Broadway Interviews (Paige Penney and W/FRNDS)
Outliving (For Mom) EP Launch Campaign (The Reklaws, Starseed Entertainment)
“Ride It Out” – A Cultural Moment, Not Just a Song (Alli Walker)
MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row Date, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with exciting announcements, major signings, and landmark deals across Nashville’s music industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow announced that its 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This year, the celebration of female executives shaping the music business will be held at a new location, the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville.
In a return to familiar territory, Grammy Award-winning trio The Band Perry has signed with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, rejoining the Big Machine Label Group family where their rise to stardom began. The band also announced a new management partnership with Make Wake Artists, under the guidance of Shelby Marvel, Sophia Sansone and Chris Kappy.
Songwriter and producer Mark Holman, known for his impactful work across country and rock, has entered a new publishing agreement with Big Loud Publishing in conjunction with Ern’s Cadillac Music.
Meanwhile, in a major catalog acquisition move, Jonas Catalog Holdings 1—managed by Jonas Group Entertainment Holdings, has acquired a substantial portion of The Jonas Brothers‘ music catalog. The deal includes their full Happiness Begins and The Album releases, as well as fan favorites like “Like It’s Christmas” and “Remember This.”
The members of Restless Road are each making individual waves in the publishing world. Zach Beeken has signed a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution. Garrett Nichols joins Curb | Word Music Publishing, and Colton Pack has signed with Edgehill Music Publishing.
Singer-songwriter Thomas Edwards has officially signed with Warner Music Nashville, and Big Machine Music has brought songwriter Cameron Walker into its fold with an exclusive co-publishing agreement.
Additionally, Evie Grace Fowler has joined Black River Publishing as Creative Coordinator.
In the live entertainment space, Mark Dinerstein Consulting and JPB Partners have acquired the Nashville-based full-service venue group Marathon Live from Founder Josh Billue. Dinerstein will now lead as CEO, while Billue transitions into the role of Chief Development Officer. Marathon Live’s portfolio spans six key venues including Marathon Music Works in Nashville, The Truman in Kansas City, The Signal in Chattanooga, The Hall in Little Rock, The Hawthorn in St. Louis, and FIVE in Jacksonville.
Quartz Hill Records has added country artist Matt Cooper to its roster. Meanwhile, Ascend Music has signed Americana/rock duo Marfa, composed of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, as the first act under the newly announced Big Machine Label Group imprint in partnership with Joel Klaiman.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs reclaim the No. 1 spot with “Backup Plan.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Dylan Gossett Lets The Songs Lead On Self-Made Debut Album ‘Westward’ [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkDylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson
Dylan Gossett’s debut album, Westward, doesn’t chase a moment. It reflects two years of life in motion.
Gossett debuted in 2023 with his breakthrough single “Coal,” which has now passed half a billion streams. Over the last two years, he has toured the globe while building a fierce fanbase, notably selling upwards of 72,000 headline tickets in 2024 alone. Somewhere between the days spent in greenrooms and nights on buses, Gossett built a record shaped by motion and rooted in the real-life in-between moments.
“The album wraps up exactly what these last two years have been, and what’s important in my life,” Gossett tells MusicRow.
Across the 17 self-written and produced tracks, he explores themes of love, faith, family and chasing dreams, but each one was built from stories he has lived.
“For my debut record, I wanted it to be [solo-written]. When an artist means the songs they sing and it is their own words, I think that is part of the artistry.”
That connection to his stories is especially clear on “Smell Of Rain,” an acoustic tune inspired by he and his wife’s first anniversary.
“We had our first headline show in Dublin [that week] and we went to a town outside of the city and stayed the whole night. We were up on a hill seeing the ocean and got to go into an old cobblestone tavern. We were singing songs all night with the locals—it’s just a night I’ll never forget.”
One song came easier than the rest for Gossett. “There’s a song called ‘Snake Eyes’ on the record that is one of my favorites writing wise. It’s a big metaphor for a relationship and gambling. I woke up one morning, grabbed my guitar and wrote that song from start to finish in 20 minutes, which does not always happen,” he says with a laugh.
“Back 40,” on the other hand, took multiple tries in the studio before it felt right. “I’ve tried multiple producers and tried producing it by myself—I just couldn’t get it to work. Then we started playing it live and found its sound.”
Among the tracks, “Tired of Running” stands out as one of his favorites. “It’s just different from anything I’ve ever made. It’s like two songs in one and was a big idea that we made come to light.”
The Austin native undeniably leaned into his Texas roots as he wrote the record. “I don’t think you can understand what being a Texan is unless you are one,” he says. “I never want to leave. Texas runs deep in my blood and it’s a deeply connected part of me and my family.”
The production, like the writing, was entirely built by Gossett. Although he has been making tracks on GarageBand since elementary school, the decision to produce his own record wasn’t necessarily intentional. “I tried out other very talented producers, but it never felt like a perfect fit for the album … It was a snap decision for me to produce it. I made ‘Tree Birds’ and it felt great,” he says. “I truly believe that, love it or hate it, it is exactly how I wanted it to sound. That’s a good feeling and I’m very proud.”
With Westward finally in the fans’ hands, Gossett is excited to see how this new chapter lands in a live setting.
“Both the [previously released] singles have felt really good on the road, but ‘Back 40’ is one we always used to play. People have been asking for it for a while, so hopefully we delivered on the studio recording.”
Looking forward, his plans are clear: touring the new album and getting more music out soon. “We’re doing all new production [this fall]—more lights, bigger stages and louder music,” he quips. “I’m working on a lot of cool music for the end of the year, so we’ll have some new stuff rolling out before too long.”
As for what he hopes people take from this chapter, he just wants the album to land the way it was meant to. “I hope it just feels like a breath of fresh air, not like anything they’ve heard before.”
Wildflower Entertainment Group Launches Backstage Access Presents: Heartland
/by Lorie HollabaughBackstage Access Presents: Heartland, a three-night, all-inclusive VIP escape into the heart and soul of farm land and country music, is set to take place Aug. 28-30 in eastern Iowa.
Heartland is the inaugural event from Wildflower Entertainment Group, a new venture founded by industry veteran Bobbii Jacobs, and will feature performances by Drew Baldridge, Annie Bosko, Garrett Bradford, Carter Faith, Erin Grand, Jenna Paulette, Kenya Reese, Cooper Riley, Adam Wainwright and Xo Lex.
Celebrating the state’s proud agricultural legacy, the event honors the region’s role as stewards of the land, with programming that reflects the values, grit and storytelling rooted in America’s heartland and exists to honor the stories, culture and people who form the backbone of rural America.
Wildflower Entertainment Group is supporting mental health initiatives for farmers and ranchers in Iowa, and this collaboration aims to connect those in need with existing mental health programs, recognizing the profound impact of mental health challenges within rural communities. Entertainers involved in Heartland have personal connections to these challenges, some having witnessed firsthand the silent battles fought by farmers and ranchers. Their commitment to this cause drives the event’s mission to raise awareness and support for rural mental health.
Backstage Access Presents is a boutique event series that reimagines how listeners connect with music. Focused on VIP experiences, live event production, and creative consultation, the series curates intimate, genre-spanning performances in unexpected and emotionally resonant settings. Each event invites guests into a deeply personal atmosphere where music, storytelling and setting come together to create unforgettable moments beyond the traditional stage.
Christian Conant Promoted To Sr. Director A&R At Prescription Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughChristian Conant. Photo: Taylor C Jones
Christian Conant has been promoted to Senior Director, A&R at Prescription Songs.
Conant landed at Prescription Songs in September of 2019 where he rose up the ranks to A&R Manager in 2022. The Akron, Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2015 and got his start working in digital marketing before finding his calling on the road tour managing various artists including Mitchell Tenpenny and The Band Camino. Post touring, he found himself working in the publishing/A&R department of Riser House Entertainment prior to landing at Prescription Songs.
“We’re super excited to see Christian step into this new role,” says Chris Martignago, VP of A&R Nashville. “His hard work, great ear for talent, and passion for music have made a sincere impact at Prescription Songs. In a place like Nashville, it’s all about teamwork and creativity, and Christian really brings both to every conversation he’s a part of. Can’t wait for this next step in his career here!”
“I’m so thankful to Luke and the team for their continued belief in what we’re building here in Nashville,” shares Conant. “It’s such an honor to work alongside this incredible roster of creatives.”
Conant, who is based out of the company’s Nashville office, looks after a diverse roster of artists, songwriters and producers including Maggie Rose, Fly By Midnight, Joy Oladokun, Zella Day, Nick Bailey, Brett Truitt, Anderson East and Ryder Johnson.
CMHOFM Opens ‘Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails’ Exhibit
/by Madison HahnenLainey Willson at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last night (July 17), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted the opening of its newest exhibit, “Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails.”
The new exhibit, which is officially open to the public today (July 18), runs through Wilson’s life starting with her time growing up on her family’s Baskin, Louisiana farm to her rise as an international country star.
In addition to the exhibit, the CMHOFM will host a Songwriter Session tomorrow (July 19) in the Ford Theatre. Wilson’s trusted collaborators, Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious will explore some of Wilson’s biggest hits.
The exhibit will be open until June 2026 and is included with museum admission. Advance reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found here.
Sam Barber Sets New EP ‘Music For The Soul’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Barber. Photo: Outlaw Foundry
Sam Barber has dropped a new track, “Home Tonight,” from his upcoming new EP, Music for the Soul, due out Aug. 1 via Atlantic Records.
Produced by Grammy-winner Ryan Hewitt (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan) and Joe Becker, the EP includes the soul-baring anthem, “Man of the Year,” available everywhere now, alongside a live performance video streaming now on YouTube.
Music for the Soul begins an unforgettable new chapter for Barber following the breakout success of his 2024 debut album, Restless Mind, a 28-song collection highlighted by smash singles like the double-Platinum “Straight and Narrow,” “Better Year” (featured on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone) and “Indigo (feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has racked up over 300 million global streams, earning Platinum certification in Australia and double Platinum certification in Canada while spending 14 weeks and counting among the upper reaches of country radio airplay charts and reaching the top 40 on Billboard’s overall Hot 100.
Barber is currently celebrating Music for the Soul on his “North American Tour,” which runs through December.
Music for the Soul Track List:
1. “Music for the Soul”
2. “Dust and Smoke”
3. “Nowhere Fast”
4. “Same Sad Shit”
5. “Home Tonight”
6. “Ain’t Dead Yet”
7. “Man of the Year”
CCMA Unveils 2025 CCMA Awards Nominees
/by Madison HahnenJosh Ross & Cameron Whitcomb
The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has revealed the nominees for its 2025 CCMA Awards. The awards show will take place on Sept. 13 from Prospera Place in Kelowna. Hosted by Tom Green, the broadcast will stream live at 8 p.m. EST on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app, with next day streaming available on Crave.
Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb lead this year’s nominations with six each. Ross is up for Fans’ Choice Award, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Video of the Year (“Single Again”), Single of the Year (“Single Again”) and Musical Collaboration of the Year (“Want This Beer” feat. Julia Michaels). Whitcomb’s nominations include Fans’ Choice Award, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter(s) of the Year (“Quitter”) and Single of the Year (“Quitter”).
Coming with five nominations each are Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, while Jade Eagleson notches four. Those with three nominations each are Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws and Sacha.
This year’s awards also include the new Francophone Artist of the Year award. The honor will be given to a Francophone act (solo, duo, or group) that has demonstrated exceptional achievements within the current eligibility period. Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire and Salebarbes are the inagural group of nominees.
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, which includes Noeline Hoffman, Zach McPhee, Sacha, Tony Stevens and Cameron Whitcomb, and the Fans’ Choice Award, with nominees Jade Eagleson, High Valley, Brett Kissel, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, Dallas Smith and Cameron Whitcomb, will be fan voted by Canadian country music fans. Votes can be cast here.
The 2025 CCMA Awards will also feature performances from Madeline Merlo and Tyler Joe Miller, Sacha and Restless Road, Dallas Smith and Alexandra Kay, Thelma & James and Cameron Whitcomb, with more to be announced soon.
2025 CCMA Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Jade Eagleson
MacKenzie Porter
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb
Ford F-150® Album of the Year
All Night Longer – Matt Lang
Bruce County (From The Beginning) – Owen Riegling
Going Home – Tyler Joe Miller
Golden Child – Meghan Patrick
Let Your Horses Run – The Album – Brett Kissel
Fans’ Choice presented by Bud Light
Jade Eagleson
High Valley
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Cameron Whitcomb
Female Artist of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Madeline Merlo
Jess Moskaluke
MacKenzie Porter
Sacha
Francophone Artist of the Year
Francis Degrandpré
Fred Dionne
Sara Dufour
Vince Lemire
Salebarbes
Group or Duo of the Year
High Valley
James Barker Band
The Reklaws
Tim & The Glory Boys
The Washboard Union
Musical Collaboration of the Year
“Broken Heart Thing” – Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch
“Do It Anyway” – Jade Eagleson feat. Jake Worthington
“Stoned Alone” (feat. Caitlyn Smith) – Meghan Patrick, Caitlyn Smith
“Want This Beer” – Josh Ross feat. Julia Michaels
“Won’t Forget” – Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson
“Your Mama Would Hate Me” – Dean Brody, James Barker Band
Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson
Brett Kissel
Tyler Joe Miller
Josh Ross
Cameron Whitcomb
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock
Noeline Hofmann
Zach Mcphee
Sacha
Tony Stevens
Cameron Whitcomb
Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre
Chandler – Wyatt C. Louis
One More Dollar To Go – Jake Vaadeland
Purple Gas – Noeline Hofmann
Story To Tell – Riley Taylor
To The River – Kyle McKearney
Single of the Year
“I Grew Up On A Farm” – The Reklaws
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Moonshines” – Owen Riegling
“Single Again” – Josh Ross
“Quitter” – Cameron Whitcomb
Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN
Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens – “I’m Gonna Love You” (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
Ryan Beatty, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Leven Kali, Raphael Saadiq, Shawntoni Ajanae Nichols – “BODYGUARD” (Artist: Beyoncé)
Ben Cottrill, David Schaeman, Nolan Sipe, Cameron Whitcomb – “Quitter” (Artist: Cameron Whitcomb)
Zach Crowell, Lalo Guzman, James McNair, Madeline Merlo, Michael Tyler – “Broken Heart Thing” (Artist: Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch)
Owen Riegling, Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack – “Moonshines” (Artist: Owen Riegling)
Video of the Year
“Hey Mom I Made It” – Sacha
“Let Your Horses Run” – Brett Kissel
“Life for Me” – Jess Moskaluke
“Ride It Out” – Alli Walker
“Single Again” – Josh Ross
MUSICIAN AWARDS
Bass Player of the Year
Lisa Dodd
Lisa Jacobs
Ben Miller
Brandi Sidoryk
Holt Stuart-Hitchcox
Drummer of the Year
Matt Atkins
Flavio Cirillo
Rich DaSilva
Brendan Lyons
Joseph Poulin
Greg Williamson
Fiddle Player of the Year
Linsey Beckett
Tyler Beckett
Denis Dufresne
Jesse Grandmont
Catherine Robertson
Guitar Player of the Year presented by PRS Guitars
Chris Bray
Russell Broom
Ryan Davidson
Marcus Ramsay
Brennan Wall
Keyboard Player of the Year
Ben Cottrill
Matt Koebel
Brendon Schmidt
Brendan Waters
Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
Denis Dufresne
Johnny Gasparic
Shane Guse
Tyler Vollrath
Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Michael Eckert
Bruce Hoffman
Matt McKay
Kevin Neal
Marcus Ramsay
RADIO AWARDS
Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
CFCW (Edmonton, AB)
CHKX-FM (Hamilton ON)
CISN-FM (Edmonton, AB)
CJJR-FM (Vancouver, BC)
CKKL-FM (Ottawa, ON)
Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market)
CFCH-FM (North Bay, ON)
CHAT-FM (Medicine Hat, AB)
CHCQ-FM (Belleville, ON)
CICX-FM (Orillia, ON)
CIGV-FM (Kelowna, BC)
INDUSTRY AWARDS
Booking Agency of the Year
Action Entertainment Collaborative
Fame Group Agency
The Feldman Agency
Invictus Entertainment Group
Paquin Entertainment Group
Country Club of the Year
Cook County Saloon (Edmonton, AB)
King Eddy (Calgary, AB)
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall (Calgary, AB)
Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year
Big Valley Jamboree (Camrose, AB)
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)
Calgary Stampede (Calgary, AB)
Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Cavendish, PEI)
LASSO Montréal (Montréal, QC)
Country Music Program, Special, or Digital Feature of the Year
Heartstrings & Honky Tonks (CFCW, Silverplow Productions & Design Co.)
A Kane Brown Christmas Special (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
A Kissel Country Christmas (Brett Kissel, Abbey White)
On the Porch with Front Porch Music (Front Porch Music)
Pure Country Top 50 Countdown (iHeartRadio Canada)
Country Personality(ies) of the Year
Dan Davidson & Stella Stevens (CFCW)
Tracy Lynn (CFWC-FM)
Jason McCoy (CICX-FM)
Sam McDaid (CIKZ-FM)
Paul McGuire (CFXJ-FM)
Management Company of the Year
The Core Entertainment
MDM Artist Management Services
RLive Management
Starseed Entertainment
Willing Entertainment
Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA
Anthem Entertainment Group
Big Loud Publishing
Sony Music Canada Publishing
Universal Music Publishing Group
Warner Chappell Music Canada
Record Company of the Year
Big Loud Records
Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.
Starseed Records
Universal Music Canada
Willing Records
Industry Person of the Year
Justin Clark (Big Loud Records)
Warren Copnick (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.)
Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)
Joelle Proulx (Agence Ranch)
Kevin White (Universal Music Canada)
Creative Team or Designer of the Year
Design Team: Robert Adam, Bryan Francisco, Brandynn L.P, Alyssa Gibson (Doutone Studio) – Single: “Bailing Twine” (Artist: Robert Adam)
Design Team: Austin Chaffe – 3 Pack Single: All The Time, If I Drink Enough, One Beer Away (Artist: The Reklaws), EP: Outliving (For Mom)(Artist: The Reklaws), Single: “Worth The Double” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Silverado-si-do” (Artist:Jade Eagleson), Single: “Race To The Bottom” (Artist: Nate Haller), Single: “Drive” (Artist: Nate Haller), Brand Identity: Country Rising, Promotional Material: Lucknow’s Music In The Fields
Design Team: Stephane Lamontagne, JF Galipeau – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Design Team: Kyle McKearney, Jeff Ojeda, Roberta Landreth – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Tomorrow” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Hold On Goodbye” (Artist: Kyle McKearney), Single: “Fight This Fire” (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Design Team: Connor Scheffler, Andrew Parry – Single: “Life For Me” (Artist: Jess Moskaluke)
Recording Studio of the Year
80A Studios (Toronto, ON)
Manicdown Studios (Vancouver, BC)
MCC Recording Studio (Calgary, AB)
OCL Studios (Chestermere, AB)
Revolution Recording (Toronto, ON)
Record Producer(s) of the Year
Russell Broom, Kyle McKearney – Album: To The River (Artist: Kyle McKearney)
Danick Dupelle – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)
Karen Kosowski – Single: “First Time Living” (feat. Gretchen Wilson)(Artist: Alli Walker), Single: “Whether You Love Me or Not” (Artist: Meghan Patrick)
Joey Moi – Album: Quit!! (Artist: HARDY)
Dan Swinimer – Single: “He’s The One” (Artist: Savannah Jade), Single: “When I Hear That Song” (Artist: Tony Stevens)
Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year
Amazon Music
Apple Music
SiriusXM Canada
Spotify Canada Inc.
Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Paul Biro (Sakamoto Agency)
Jim Cressman (Invictus Entertainment Group)
Brooke Dunford (Republic Live)
Adam Oppenheim (Stampede Entertainment Inc.)
Denise Ross (Live Nation Entertainment)
Video Director of the Year
Gord Bamford, Codi McIvor – “Just Getting’ Started” (Artist: Gord Bamford)
Alexandre Blais, Alexandre Charron – “He’s the One” (Artist: Savannah Jade)
Ben Knechtel – “Outliving” (Artist: The Reklaws), “Remind Me Again” (Artist: Zach McPhee), “Youth” (Artist: Sully Burrows)
Travis Nesbitt – “Won’t Forget” (Artist: Dan Davidson, Tim Hicks & Max Jackson)
Alex P. Smith – “You Didn’t Hear It From Me” (Artist: James Barker Band)
Innovative Campaign of the Year presented by TD
Wheels of Steel- A Cross Canada Journey on the Open Rails (Cameron Nickerson)
Golden Child: The Making of (Meghan Patrick)
SOUTHERN DRAW(L) The Broadway Interviews (Paige Penney and W/FRNDS)
Outliving (For Mom) EP Launch Campaign (The Reklaws, Starseed Entertainment)
“Ride It Out” – A Cultural Moment, Not Just a Song (Alli Walker)
Miranda Lambert & Parker McCollum To Host Central Texas Flood Aid Benefit
/by Madison HahnenMiranda Lambert and Parker McCollum have teamed up to host “Band Together Texas,” a benefit concert for The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas Community Foundation, both leading ongoing flood relief efforts in Texas. The show will take place on Aug. 17 at the Moody Center in Austin.
“One of the things I love about both our artist community and our community in Texas is that we show up for one another, especially in times of such great need like folks in my home state are facing after the flood,” shares Lambert. “There is so much devastation and loss, yet what’s given me hope are the stories of those that have come to the aid of so many. That’s what we want to do with Band Together: Texans helping Texas. We hope it is a night that helps with healing while raising awareness and funds for The Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation.”
The benefit concert will feature performances from Lambert, McCollum, Ryan Bingham, Wade Bowen, Kelly Clarkson, Ronnie Dunn, Dylan Gossett, Jack Ingram, Cody Johnson, Lyle Lovett, Lukas Nelson, Jon Randall and Randy Rogers Band.
Actors Matthew McConaughey and Dennis Quaid, former UT Longhorns coach Mack Brown and players Emmanual Acho, Colt McCoy and Vince Young, MLB legend Roger Clemens and television host Chris Harrison will also make special appearances throughout the event.
In addition to the performances and appearances, there will be tributes to first responders and flood victims, with personal stories being shared on stage.
“The flooding in the Hill Country of Texas is truly heartbreaking,” adds McCollum. “This place and these people are my community. There is a long road ahead rebuilding and even though so many families are facing the unimaginable, we’re Texas strong. Miranda is inspiring in both her music and how big her heart is, and I’m honored to be joining her for this benefit concert to support our fellow Texans and share a night of healing through music.”
Tickets will go on sale to public July 25 at 10 a.m. CST. Fans can also register for pre-sale access here until July 21 at 5 p.m. CST.
Partners for “Band Together Texas” include H-E-B, Kendra Scott, Poncho Outdoors, Tecovas and Whataburger.
Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs Return To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs; Photo: masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman reclaims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week alongside Luke Combs with their song, “Backup Plan.”
The track was released as the second single from Zimmerman’s upcoming, second studio album Different Night Same Rodeo, and was written by Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood and Tucker Beathard.
Zimmerman is currently headlining his “New to Country Summer Tour,” which kicked off June 6 in Indianapolis and continues through Sept. 13 in Laughlin, Nevada. The trek features support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge.
“Backup Plan” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Sony Music Nashville Signs Ian Harrison
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): OTRmgmt’s Zach Beebe; Sony Music Nashville’s Margaret Tomlin and Ken Robold; Ian Harrison; SMN’s Taylor Lindsey and Lexi Stringer. Photo: Adam Davis
Pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison has signed with Sony Music Nashville.
“So blessed to be a part of the Sony Nashville team,” Harrison shares. “I’m thankful that I’m surrounded by a group that truly believes in the music!”
An Ohio native, Harrison moved to Nashville after college, blending his folk, pop, country and rock inspirations into his work. Harrison’s first release on the label, “Not The One,” which he wrote with Daniel Agee and Nick Wayne, is out now.
“‘Not The One’ is all about knowing your worth in a relationship where the effort put in isn’t being reciprocated on both sides – where someone that keeps coming back, which forces you to be the bigger person every time, but you already gave it everything you had,” says Harrison. “The feelings you may have had for that person are dead and gone, and they can’t restore that bridge that’s been burnt.”
Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME with publishing through Warner Chappell.