SASKATOON, Sask. — The nation's biggest country music stars descended on Saskatoon on Sept. 19, as the 50th edition of the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) returned to the Paris of the Prairies for the third time.
Before the usual glitz and glamour of every awards night, Country Music Week kicked off with a free live concert on Sept. 15, featuring local artist Josh Stumpf, while Thrive Dance Studio brought the crowd to its feet for some line dancing.
Live performances, CCMA songwriters unplugged and the CCMA Legends shows took place at various venues in the city over the next three days.
Youngster Sully Burrows received the first award of the night, Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year, and the 19-year-old was still visibly surprised to earn the recognition after graduating high school two years ago.
“I didn't expect it, so getting recognized is an amazing feeling. I think it's definitely been very nerve-racking, getting a chance to do all these things this week,” said the Parry Sound, Ont., native who signed a record label when he was just 17.
“It's been very busy, but a lot of fun getting to spend time with artists that I haven't met before, but also old friends, so it's been great to just spend time with them. And yeah, it was definitely nerve-racking, walking into this. But it feels great to come out with an award.”
A day before the awards ceremony, music executive Ron Kitchener was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Fame. He was a 14-time CCMA Manager of the Year and three-time Industry Person of the Year.
“I’ve been in the industry for years, so it is good to have the acknowledgement … This is a powerful moment and a powerful time. [Also] watching some of the young artists taking those next steps, the CCMA certainly can always be a stepping stone,” said Kitchener.
Cameron Whitcomb was named Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year, while his album The Hard Way won Ford F-150 Album of the Year, making him the big winner of the night.
James Barker Band, the CMMA's hosts, won Fans' Choice and Group or Duo of the Year. Thelma & James, made up of Canadian singer Mackenzie Porter and her husband, U.S. singer-songwriter Jake Etheridge, won Video of the Year for "Parking Lot Prayers".
Other winners included Meghan Patrick for Female Artist of the Year, Nate Haller and Tenille Townes for "Backfire" (Musical Collaboration of the Year), and Josh Ross for "Hate How You Look" as Single of the Year.
