SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA), announced the eight semi-finalists advancing in the 2025 Top of the Country competition. The top eight now head into the studio to record original tracks before the competition heats up. Canadian country fans will have a chance to vote for their favourite artists and help decide on the top three.
Once selected, the finalists will perform on some of Canada’s biggest stages. While the contest offers career-defining opportunities for several talented artists, only one will earn the coveted title of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country champion, along with the $25,000 grand prize.
Meet This Year’s Top 8
- Sully Burrows – Parry Sound, Ontario
- Annika Catharina – Deroche, British Columbia
- Allison Daniels – Quebec City, Quebec
- Noeline Hofmann – Bow Island, Alberta
- Braden Lam – Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Brettyn Rose – Okotoks, Alberta
- Jake Vaadeland – Cut Knife, Saskatchewan
- Mitch Zorn – Kelowna, British Columbia
After Canadians vote for their favourites, the three finalists will embark on a summer of showcase opportunities including performing at Lasso Montréal (August 15-16, 2025) and attending the 2025 CMA Fest in Nashville.
This year’s competition will reach its finale during Country Music Week 2025 in Kelowna in September, where the finalists will perform, and the winner will be announced live on-stage and broadcasted live on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio (ch. 171).
“Year after year, we are amazed by the depth of talent that exists in every corner of this country. Initiatives like Top of the Country play a crucial role in discovering and nurturing emerging artists, giving them the platform they need to grow and succeed,” said Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “This group of semi-finalists represents the next wave of incredible Canadian country talent, and we can’t wait to see them shine as they take this next career-defining step.”
What’s Up For Grabs?
In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, SiriusXM is awarding both runners-up $10,000 and all will receive a SOCAN songwriting camp experience in Nashville following the competition. Top of the Country finalists receive the mentorship opportunity of a lifetime, and a chance to perform in front of some of the best crowds in country music. The Finale will air live on SiriusXM’s new Top of the Country Radio (ch. 171).
Get To Know Some Of The Artists Part of This Year’s Competition
Highlights From Last Year’s Competition
In 2024, Zach McPhee was crowned the 2024 winner of SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition.
At the CCMA Awards in Edmonton, finalists Zach McPhee, Trudy, Robert Adam all took the stage to compete for the title.
Zach Joined Us On The Porch To Talk About This Contest
The night was capped off with a great performance from MacKenzie Porter.
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.
