Latest news with #HighValley
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Country singer Josh Ross, ‘American Idol' star Cameron Whitcomb lead CCMA Awards noms
TORONTO - Breakout country singer Josh Ross and 'American Idol' star Cameron Whitcomb are the leading nominees headed into the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. The CCMA announced on Thursday that both musicians secured six nods each, and would face off in the fans' choice, male artist, entertainer and single of the year categories. They're trailed by Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, who both nabbed five nominations, while Jade Eagleson picked up four. Ross, a Burlington, Ont. native who lives in Nashville, already has four CCMA trophies and led the winners at last year's celebration. He most recently captured attention after declaring that the United States was 'the best' country in the world at a music festival in Indiana. Whitcomb, who grew up in Nanaimo, B.C., is a first-time nominee and performer on the broadcast. The 22-year-old catapulted to fame after he stunned 'American Idol' judges three years ago with his backflips and vocal acrobatics. He placed in the Top 20 finalists. His upbeat confessional track 'Quitter' has earned praise for its darkly forthcoming verses about his struggles with addiction and sobriety, a battle he says he's waged since he was 13 years old. 'Quitter' is up single of the year, alongside 'I Grew Up on a Farm' by the Reklaws, 'Let Your Horses Run' by Kissel, 'Moonshines' by Riegling and 'Single Again' by Ross. Whitcomb's newcomer status also landed him among the breakthrough artist or group nominees, with Noeline Hofman, Zach McPhee, Sacha and Tony Stevens. Contenders for the fans' choice award also include High Valley, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Dallas Smith, as well as Eagleson, Kissel, Riegling, Ross and Whitcomb. CCMA organizers have introduced a new francophone artist of the year category to recognize homegrown country talents whose music is primarily sung in French. The inaugural award's nominees are Francis Degrandpré, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire, and Salebarbes. Other performers who've been announced include Madeline Merlo, Sacha, and Thelma & James, the stage name of husband-and-wife duo MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge. Comedian Tom Green will host the awards that air live Sept. 13 from Kelowna, B.C., on CTV and its online platforms. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025.
Global News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
What to expect at the 2025 Saskatoon Exhibition
On Thursday, May 15th, Prairieland Park CEO Dan Keppainen announced exciting new additions to the Saskatoon Exhibition. This year marks the 14oth annual Saskatoon Ex and to celebrate, Keppainen will be hosting the festival for eight days to extend the fun. The kickoff parade will take place on Wednesday, July 30th and the Exhibition will officially begin on Thursday, July 31st and will run until Thursday, Aug. 7th. This year, the Saskatoon Ex has a star-studded lineup of artist at the SaskTel Grandstand. Juno award winners Metric will be kicking off the fair with multi-Platinum group High Valley to follow. Over the Exhibition weekend, Loverboy will hit the stage, followed by the Crash and Bash Demolition Derby. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The last days of the Ex will see the Grammy-nominated band Smash Mouth, CCMA winner Corb Lund and pop icons TLC. Story continues below advertisement But that is not all — over at the adult-only Kickin' Horse Saloon, seven artists are set to take the stage over the Ex. First off is Steven Page from The Barenaked Ladies, then Canadian country-rock band The Road Hammers. Vocalist Lee Aaron will take the stage on Saturday, followed by hard rock band Danko Jones on Monday. Closing out the final days of the Ex will be The Washboard Union, Sass Jordan and Bif Naked. Keppainen shared that this year, 100 per cent of the rides will be supplied by North America Midway Entertainment. This means more seats on rides to shorten wait times and a bigger selection of rides to choose from for the thrill seekers. Fan favourite food vendors will also be back this year, alongside new concessionaires from all over Canada. Last year, the Saskatoon Ex saw around 200,000 guests; this year, Prairieland is predicting that attendance will go up by 30 to 50,000 people. Unfortunately, due to all the exciting new features to this year's Ex, admission prices will be going up. Keppainen did not share how much of an increase we will be seeing. To find out more information check out the video above.
