SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association, has unveiled the eight semi-finalists in the 2026 Top of the Country competition, spotlighting a new wave of homegrown country talent from coast to coast.
Following a national search, the selected artists will move into the next phase of the competition, recording original tracks in studio sessions in Toronto or Vancouver.
Canadians will then vote to determine three finalists, with the eventual winner taking home the $25,000 grand prize this fall.
2026 Top of the Country Semi-Finalists
- Blue Ridge Band — Lévis, QC
- Ben Chase — St. Louis, PEI
- Morgan Griffiths — Abbotsford, BC
- Morgan Klaiber — Medicine Hat, AB
- Shawnee Kish — Edmonton, AB
- Nicolette & The Nobodies — Hamilton, ON
- Catie St.Germain — Winnipeg, MB
- Josh Stumpf — Prince Albert, SK
The eight artists represent seven provinces and mark the next step in a program designed to elevate emerging Canadian country voices on a national stage.
“This stage of the competition marks an important milestone for these artists as they are recognized among the top emerging country talent in Canada,” said Michelle Mearns, SVP of Programming & Operations at SiriusXM Canada, noting the program’s role in opening doors to new audiences and major performance opportunities.
What happens next
After public voting determines the finalists, the top three artists will perform at major music events in Canada and the United States, including festival appearances in Montréal and Nashville. The competition will culminate at Country Music Week 2026 in Saskatoon, where the winner will be crowned live on stage.
CCMA President Amy Jeninga said the initiative continues to play a key role in the organization’s mission to champion Canadian country music and create meaningful performance opportunities for emerging artists nationwide.
Supporting the next generation of Canadian country
Top of the Country remains a cornerstone of SiriusXM Canada’s efforts to promote Canadian music through national exposure, industry development opportunities, and financial support. For many past participants, the competition has served as a launchpad to festival stages, expanded radio play, and broader industry recognition.
Fans can learn more about the semi-finalists and participate in upcoming voting at the competition’s official website.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
- Front Porch
