The 2026 CCMA Awards nominations have been announced, and it's a star-studded lineup! This year's event, taking place at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon on September 19th, promises to be a celebration of the best in Canadian country music. With a diverse range of artists and categories, the awards showcase the talent and creativity that make the genre so beloved. Here's a breakdown of the nominations and some insights into what makes this year's contenders stand out.
A Duopoly of Dominance
Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb lead the pack with seven nominations each. Ross is up for Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year, and Video of the Year. Whitcomb follows closely behind with nominations in similar categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, and the prestigious Alternative Country Album of the Year. Their nominations highlight their versatility and impact on the industry.
Grouping Together
James Barker Band, Thelma & James, and Tenille Townes are also making waves with five nominations each. Barker Band is up for Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, Group or Duo of the Year, and Single of the Year. Thelma & James are nominated for Ford F-150 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 is recognized for Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Alternative Country Album of the Year, Musical Collaboration of the Year, and Songwriter(s) of the Year. These nominations underscore the group's and individual's artistic growth and influence.
Rising Stars and Veterans
Owen Riegling and Morgan Griffiths are among the rising stars with four and three nominations, respectively. Riegling's nominations include Entertainer of the Year, Ford F-150 Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, and Male Artist of the Year. Griffiths, a first-time nominee, is up for Fans' Choice, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, and Single of the Year. Nate Haller, Brett Kissel, and Meghan Patrick also have multiple nominations, showcasing the depth of talent in the Canadian country music scene. These nominations provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to shine.
Francophone Recognition
The 2026 CCMA Awards introduce a new category, Francophone Artist of the Year, presented by Spotify. This category celebrates exceptional Francophone acts that have made significant contributions to the genre. The nominees are Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Gab Forest, Vince Lemire, and Laurence St-Martin. This addition highlights the importance of promoting and recognizing French-language talent within the country music landscape.
Country Music Week and Beyond
Country Music Week 2026, which kicks off in Saskatoon on September 16th, will be a celebration of country music's magic and its homegrown stars. The CCMA Awards on September 19th will feature performances from Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, and local Saskatchewan talents like Tenille Arts, Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk, and Jess Moskaluke. The event promises to be a star-studded affair, bringing together fans and artists for an unforgettable experience.
In my opinion, the 2026 CCMA Awards nominations showcase the incredible diversity and talent within the Canadian country music scene. From established veterans to rising stars, the nominations highlight the genre's ability to evolve and captivate audiences. The introduction of the Francophone Artist of the Year category is a welcome addition, promoting inclusivity and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Canadian country music. As the awards approach, I'm excited to see the magic unfold and witness the talent take center stage.
