Country music stars Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb lead the nominations for the upcoming Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Both artists received seven nominations each and will compete in various categories such as entertainer of the year, album of the year, fans’ choice, male artist of the year, and single of the year.
Following closely behind are James Barker Band, Thelma & James, and Tenille Townes, each with five nominations. Ross, a native of Burlington, Ontario, recently achieved his second consecutive U.S. country radio No. 1 hit with “Hate How You Look,” making him the first Canadian solo male artist in over five decades to achieve back-to-back chart-topping singles.
Whitcomb, hailing from Nanaimo, British Columbia, had a remarkable year, winning Juno Awards for breakthrough artist of the year and country album of the year for his debut album, “The Hard Way.” The Country Music Week is set to commence on September 16 in Saskatoon, culminating in the awards show on September 19.
The list of performers announced includes Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Tenille Arts, Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk, and Jess Moskaluke. James Barker Band, originating from Woodville, Ontario, is nominated in multiple categories, including entertainer of the year and album of the year.
Thelma & James, comprising Alberta-born country star MacKenzie Porter and Nashville singer-songwriter Jake Etheridge, secured nominations for album of the year, group or duo of the year, alternative country album of the year, video of the year, and songwriter(s) of the year. Townes, a native of Grande Prairie, Alberta, is a contender for female artist of the year and other categories.
Owen Riegling, from Mildmay, Ontario, received four nominations, including entertainer of the year and male artist of the year. The CCMA also revealed the nominees for the francophone artist of the year award, with Francis Degrandpre, Fred Dionne, Gab Forest, Vince Lemire, and Laurence St-Martin in contention.
In total, 192 artists and industry professionals are up for awards. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for the fans’ choice award and breakthrough artist or group of the year.