Neil Pond
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:44 pm GMT
At this year’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards, held in Edmonton on September 14, 2024, Josh Ross captured the spotlight by winning both the Single of the Year and Male Artist of the Year awards. The 28-year-old former college football player turned soulful country singer earned these accolades for his moving ballad “Trouble,” which reflects the emotional journey he faced when relocating to Nashville to pursue his music career.
Highlights from the 2024 CCMA Awards
Ross’s win marks a significant achievement in his career, especially as he is also nominated for the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. The awards, which celebrated Canada’s thriving country music scene, featured several standout performances and memorable moments, beginning with American co-host Thomas Rhett being humorously recognized as an honorary Canadian by Edmonton Oilers players Corey Perry and Leon Draisaitl.
Rhett, who shared the stage with fellow co-host MacKenzie Porter, donned an Oilers jersey gifted by the NHL players, a fitting tribute to the vibrant Alberta culture.
A Celebration of Canadian Talent
The show not only honored established artists but also spotlighted rising stars. Owen Riegling, a singer-songwriter from Ontario, received the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, highlighting the continued growth and evolution of Canadian country music talent.
MacKenzie Porter, a well-respected name in the industry from Medicine Hat, Alberta, took home the award for Female Artist of the Year, breaking Tenille Townes’ remarkable five-year winning streak. This win marks Porter’s first CCMA award after being nominated seven times over the past decade. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the hard work required to succeed as a woman in country music and expressed gratitude to her fellow artists and her newborn daughter.
Special Performances and Nostalgic Moments
One of the evening’s highlights was the highly anticipated return of k.d. lang and the Reclines. This marked the first collaboration between the iconic Alberta singer and her band in 35 years, coinciding with lang’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The emotional resonance of her performance was palpable, celebrating a historic moment in Canada’s music legacy.
The CCMA Awards returned to Edmonton for the first time since 2014, with the previous events held in Hamilton and Calgary. The location change marked a significant moment for the city and the country music community alike, showcasing Alberta’s rich cultural tapestry.
A Look Ahead
Following the success of the 2024 awards, many artists, including Ross and Porter, are looking forward to future projects and potential collaborations. Ross, reflecting on his experiences over the past year, emphasized his personal and professional growth, indicating that he has evolved significantly as an artist since he last attended the awards. This sense of progress underscores the dynamic nature of the country music scene in Canada and the talent that continues to emerge.
As the country music community looks ahead to the next award season, the growth of these artists will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. For continued updates and more information on the latest in Canadian music, visit CCMA’s official website.
The 2024 Canadian Country Music Association Awards was a big celebration of talent and the strong community in Canada’s country music. Artists like Josh Ross and MacKenzie Porter took the spotlight, showing how much support there is for both new and well-known musicians. This means that country music in Canada will keep on growing and shining in the future!
