Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Canada’s best country stars have gathered in Saskatoon for the Canadian Country Music Awards, underway at the SaskTel Centre.
Hopeful winners and performers have walked the red carpet and attended the awards show for the culmination of Saskatoon’s Country Music Week.
Among the nominations Saskatchewan brings, Jess Moskaluke, originally from Langenburg, was up for both Female Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for her single, I Ain’t Country.
Though she’s going home without any hardware, Moskaluke was surprised on stage with the announcement of her Grand Ole Opry debut to come in March.
“If there is ever one stage, and one moment that I am truly present for, I really hope it’s that one.”– Jess Moskaluke on going to the Grand Ole Opry
When speaking about the moment after the awards, Moskaluke cried, calling it a dream come true.
“It really is the kind of thing you dream about since you were a little girl, and you really don’t think you’re ever going to get it,” said Moskaluke. “If there is ever one stage, and one moment that I am truly present for, I really hope it’s that one.”
When asked about what’s coming next, Moskaluke says she will be releasing new music next year, and continue to write more songs.
“Immediately I really need a glass of champagne and a big bowl of popcorn.”
Nineteen-year-old Sully Burrows from Parry Sound, Ont., has been named the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. He says he did not see it coming at all.
“I got a gift from somewhere, and those opportunities kind of came out of it,” said Burrows. “I knew coming out of high school that music was what I wanted to do, and for it to happen this fast … surreal for sure.”
Saskatchewan country artists are taking centre stage at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Saskatoon, at a time when global streams for the genre are booming.
Prince Albert’s 23-year-old Josh Stumpf was nominated for Fans’ Choice and Breakthrough Artist of the Year, beaten out by The James Barker Band and Sully Burrow, respectively.
More Saskatchewan representation hit the stage with performances from the Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk, and Tenille Arts.
No Saskatchewan artists took home a CCMA award, but both Jess Moskaluke and Kalsey Kulyk have announced they will soon be playing at The Grand Ole Opry.
Referred to as Canada’s biggest night in country music, this awards show marks the first return of the CCMAs to Saskatoon in nine years.
