Kelowna, B.C., stepped into the spotlight on Saturday, September 13, as the 43rd annual Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMA Awards) took place and what a night it was full of electric performances, meaningful wins, and a real celebration of Canada’s country music community.
The show was hosted by Canadian icon and comedian Tom Green, whose energy and humour helped carry the evening through memorable moments. The awards ceremony came at the tail end of Country Music Week 2025 (running September 10–13), a series of showcases, events, and performances that turned Kelowna into a country-music hub.
On the performance front, the night featured some of Canada’s biggest new and established names. Artists like Cameron Whitcomb, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, Dallas Smith with Alexandra Kay, Sacha with Restless Road, Thelma & James, Jade Eagleson, Meghan Patrick, and Josh Ross all took the stage, giving powerful displays of what country music in Canada is capable of.
Ross stole much of the night’s spotlight, he was named Entertainer of the Year, and also took home Single of the Year for Single Again. For him, it wasn’t just another trophy: the win marked a momentous achievement in what’s already been a fast-rising trajectory: “Single Again is my first song that broke international borders, and I'm so grateful for that” he said during his acceptance speech.
Rising B.C. star Whitcomb also had a banner night. He won both Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year and the Fans’ Choice Award confirming that he’s one to watch this year. “Thank you for keeping me sober. Thank you for saving my life,” Whitcomb said as he accepted the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award acknowledging just how much his journey and his fans have meant to him.
From heartfelt tributes to show stopping sets, the night balanced big emotions with big energy. Whether it was rising stars having their moment, legends getting their flowers, the 2025 CCMAs night had an overwhelming sense of celebration, not just for what country music has been, but for where it’s boldly headed next.
Full List of 2025 CCMA Awards Winners
Entertainer of the Year — Josh Ross
Album of the Year — Bruce County (From The Beginning) — Owen Riegling
Fans’ Choice Award — Cameron Whitcomb
Female Artist of the Year — MacKenzie Porter
Group or Duo of the Year — James Barker Band
Male Artist of the Year — Jade Eagleson
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year — Cameron Whitcomb
Alternative Country Album of the Year — One More Dollar To Go — Jake Vaadeland
Single of the Year — Single Again - Josh Ross
Songwriter(s) of the Year — Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens — I’m Gonna Love You (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)
Video of the Year — Single Again - Josh Ross
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
