Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb Lead 2026 CCMA Awards with Seven Nominations Each as Saskatoon Prepares to Host
Country hitmaker Josh Ross and breakout star Cameron Whitcomb are the leading nominees for the 2026 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, with seven nods each. The awards will be handed out on Saturday, September 19, at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Both artists are nominated in major categories including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year. Ross is nominated for his single ‘Single Again,’ while Whitcomb is nominated for his song ‘Options,’ which deals with the temptation to relapse into alcohol addiction.
Neither Ross nor Whitcomb is expected to attend the ceremony in person. Whitcomb, a Nanaimo, British Columbia native, has other commitments, according to the Canadian Press.
James Barker Band to Host and Perform
The James Barker Band has been selected to host the 2026 CCMA Awards. The Ontario group is also nominated in five categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Group or Duo of the Year.
The band said in a statement that hosting the show is a special opportunity. ‘We’ve grown up watching this show and have been lucky enough to make so many great memories at the CCMAs over the years, so getting the chance to host and celebrate Canadian country music from the other side of the stage is pretty special,’ the band said.
The James Barker Band is composed of James Barker, Connor Stephen, Taylor Abram, and Bobby Martin. They have more than 413 million global streams and six number-one singles on Canadian country radio.
Dolly Parton Tribute Planned
The ceremony will include a musical tribute to American country icon Dolly Parton, who died of cancer last month at the age of 80. Sacha, Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, and Brett Kissel will perform the tribute.
Performances will also include Dean Brody, Owen Riegling, The Strumbellas, Tenille Arts, the Hunter Brothers, and Jess Moskaluke. Additional performers include Nate Haller, High Valley, Thelma & James, Tenille Townes, The Reklaws, Kalsey Kulyk, and Jade Eagleson.
The show will air exclusively on CTV and Crave starting at 8 p.m. ET.
SiriusXM Top of the Country Winner Announced
Blue Ridge Band was named the winner of the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition during a live finale in Saskatoon on September 16. The band received a $25,000 grand prize. Runners-up Shawnee Kish and Morgan Griffiths each received $10,000.
The competition is part of SiriusXM Canada’s partnership with the CCMA and is in its eighth year. The finale was broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio channel.
‘This competition has definitely been one for the books,’ Blue Ridge Band said. ‘Being part of this program and competing alongside such talented Canadian artists has been a highlight of my career so far.’
Country Music Week and Economic Impact
Country Music Week 2026 runs from September 16 to 19 in Saskatoon. The event is expected to attract more than 16,000 visitors and generate over $9 million in economic impact for the city.
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said the event is having a significant effect on local businesses. ‘The hotels are full. The restaurants are full,’ Block said during an appearance on The Evan Bray Show. ‘We have the CCMAs here, and we have a big gala, and we have a big award show.’
The CCMA Legends Tour, featuring Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Charlie Major, Jason McCoy, and Michelle Wright, has been traveling across Saskatchewan in the days leading up to the awards. The tour culminated with the official CCMA Legends Show on September 17.
Saskatchewan Artists Nominated
Several Saskatchewan artists are nominated for 2026 CCMA Awards. Jess Moskaluke, originally from Langenburg, is nominated for Female Artist of the Year. Josh Stumpf of Prince Albert is nominated for Fans’ Choice and Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year.
Saskatoon’s Bart McKay is nominated for Record Producer of the Year. Yorkton-based radio station GX94 is nominated for Station of the Year in the Small/Medium Market category.
Ron Kitchener, president of Open Road Music, is being inducted into the CCMA Hall of Fame. Kitchener said the current climate is favorable for Canadian country artists. ‘You have a massive amount of people doing their own thing without the barriers that we used to have,’ Kitchener said.
The 2026 CCMA Awards will be presented on September 19 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CTV and streamed on Crave.
