2025 was a defining year for Canadian country music …
From major festival expansions and career-changing wins to deeply personal artist moments and the loss of a true legend, the stories that resonated most reflected just how connected fans are to this community.
At Front Porch Music, we’re lucky to share these moments with you in real time.
As we do every year, we’re looking back at the most-read Canadian country music news stories of 2025, based on Front Porch Music website analytics and reader engagement.
These are the stories Canadian country fans couldn’t stop reading.
1. Boots and Hearts West: Everything We Know About the Edmonton Festival
For the first time in its history, Boots and Hearts officially headed outside Ontario, and Canadian country fans took notice in a big way.
The announcement of Boots and Hearts West, set to debut in Edmonton in August 2026, marked a major shift for one of Canada’s most iconic festivals. With Republic Live and OEG Sports & Entertainment bringing the event to ICE District’s Fan Park, the expansion signalled the growing national reach of the festival and the strength of country music culture in Western Canada.
RELATED: Read the full story about Boots and Hearts heading out west to Edmonton …
From lineup details to ticket information, this story became the most visited article on Front Porch Music in 2025, showing just how invested fans are in the future of live country music across the country.
2. The Reklaws’ Jenna Walker Announces Pregnancy on Stage at Rock the Park
Few moments in 2025 felt as joyful and genuinely unexpected as Jenna Walker’s on-stage announcement at Rock the Park.
RELATED: Read the full story and watch the moment Jenna told the crowd she was pregnant …
Mid-set, Jenna revealed she was expecting her first child, turning around to show “I’m pregnant” written on the back of her shirt. The crowd erupted, and the moment quickly spread far beyond the festival grounds.
The Reklaws have long shared their lives openly with fans, and this milestone moment struck a chord. It was personal, celebratory, and completely authentic, which helped make it one of the most-read stories of the year.
3. mastered.: The Business of Music Podcast Launches
Education and access became a major talking point in 2025, and the launch of mastered., a business-focused podcast mini-series from the hosts of On The Porch with Front Porch Music, reflected that shift.
Designed as a crash course in the realities of the music industry, the series featured experts from across the Canadian music landscape discussing everything from labels and booking shows to social media and A&R. The strong response showed a clear appetite for transparent conversations about how the industry really works, especially among emerging artists and industry hopefuls.
Listen To The Full Series
4. Brett Kissel and His Wife Announce Their Divorce
One of the most talked-about stories of the year came from one of Canadian country’s most recognizable names.
Brett Kissel and his wife, Cecilia, shared a joint statement announcing their decision to end their marriage after nearly 15 years. The message emphasized mutual respect, thoughtful reflection, and their commitment to co-parenting their four children.
Handled with care and honesty, the announcement resonated with fans who have followed Brett’s career closely.
The response highlighted the deep connection audiences feel to artists beyond the music.
5. Country Rising Crowns Its 2025 Winner: Mac Rumbolt
The Country Rising talent search once again proved its ability to change lives.
RELATED: Read about the contest and learn more about Mac here …
Nova Scotia’s Mac Rumbolt was named the 2025 winner, earning a record deal, cash prize, artist development support, and the opportunity to open for The Reklaws at The Kee to Bala. His story of resilience, including turning to music after a life-altering accident, deeply resonated with readers.
Stories like this continue to remind fans why investing in emerging talent matters and why programs like Country Rising play such a vital role in the Canadian country ecosystem.
Listen to our Conversation With Mac: He Joined Us For His First Podcast Appearance
6. The Nominees for the 2025 CCMA Awards
Awards season remains one of the biggest traffic drivers every year, and 2025 was no exception.
With the CCMA Awards lighting up Kelowna for the first time, fans flocked to see which artists were leading the nominations. From Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb to Jade Eagleson, Madeline Merlo, and The Reklaws, the list reflected both established stars and the next generation of Canadian country.
The announcement also carried extra excitement for Front Porch Music, with On The Porch with Front Porch Music earning a CCMA nomination of its own.
Listen To The Episode We Recorded At The CCMA Awards
7. School House Wins the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase
Winning the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase has become one of the most significant launchpads in Canadian country music, and in 2025, School House took home the top prize.
Along with cash, development opportunities, and a future performance slot at the festival, the win placed them in a lineage that includes artists like Josh Ross, Owen Riegling, and James Barker Band.
Readers consistently gravitate toward stories that spotlight artists at the very beginning of something big, and this one was no exception.
8. Dick Damron, Canadian Country Music Legend, Dies at 91
The Canadian country community paused in March to remember one of its pioneers.
RELATED: Read the full story of Dick Damron’s death …
Dick Damron’s passing marked the loss of a songwriter, performer, and trailblazer whose career spanned six decades. With dozens of charting singles, multiple CCMA honours, and an enduring influence on the genre, Damron’s legacy runs deep.
The response to this story reflected a shared appreciation for the artists who built the foundation Canadian country music stands on today.
9. The Lineup for the 2025 Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Festival lineup announcements always spark excitement, and Cavendish Beach Music Festival’s reveal was no different.
RELATED: See the full lineup for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival …
With HARDY, Tucker Wetmore, and Cody Johnson set to headline in PEI, fans eagerly clicked through for full lineup details, dates, and artist breakdowns. As one of the most anticipated summer events in the country, CBMF once again proved its place as a must-watch festival for Canadian country fans.
A Wrap on Canadian Country Music in 2025
From massive festival news to intimate personal moments, the stories that defined 2025 show just how invested Canadian country fans are in every layer of the scene.
These moments weren’t just headlines. They were conversations, celebrations, and reflections shared across stages, screens, and communities. As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear. Canadian country music continues to grow, evolve, and connect in powerful ways.
And we’ll be right here on the porch, covering every step of the journey.
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.
