Country music stars Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb secure the highest number of nominations for the Country Music Association Awards
The Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMA) are set to return on September 13, 2025, with a star-studded event at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia. This year, the spotlight is on two prominent artists - Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb - who have each earned an impressive six nominations, making them the leading contenders [1][2][4].
Josh Ross, a Burlington, Ontario native, is no stranger to CCMA success. He already boasts four CCMA trophies and was the leading winner at last year's celebration [3]. His nominations this year include Fans' Choice Award, Male Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Single of the Year, among others [1][4].
Cameron Whitcomb, a first-time nominee and performer on the broadcast, hails from Nanaimo, British Columbia. His nominations include Single of the Year for his upbeat confessional track "Quitter," a song about his struggles with addiction and sobriety [5]. Whitcomb's journey began three years ago when he placed in the Top 20 finalists on "American Idol" [6].
Other notable nominees include Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, each with five nominations, and Jade Eagleson with four nominations [1][4]. Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, and Sacha each have three nominations [1][4].
The awards ceremony will be hosted by comedian Tom Green and will be broadcast live on CTV [1][4]. In addition to the performances by Madeline Merlo, Sacha, and Thelma & James (MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge), fans can expect electrifying performances from High Valley, Tyler Joe Miller, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws, Dallas Smith, Jade Eagleson, Brett Kissel, Owen Riegling, Josh Ross, and Cameron Whitcomb [1].
A new addition to this year's awards is a francophone artist of the year category, aimed at recognising homegrown country talents whose music is primarily sung in French. The inaugural award's nominees are Francis Degrandpre, Fred Dionne, Sara Dufour, Vince Lemire, and Salebarbes [2].
The Canadian Press first reported this news on July 17, 2025. Tune in on September 13 to witness who will take home the coveted CCMA trophies.
[1] - The Canadian Press, "CCMA Awards 2025: Ross and Whitcomb Lead Nominees with Six Nods Each," July 17, 2025. [2] - The Canadian Press, "New Francophone Artist of the Year Category Introduced at CCMA Awards," July 17, 2025. [3] - The Canadian Press, "Josh Ross Tops CCMA Winners," September 14, 2024. [4] - Canadian Country Music Association, "CCMA Awards 2025 Nominees," July 17, 2025. [5] - The Canadian Press, "Cameron Whitcomb's 'Quitter' Tackles Addiction and Sobriety," June 1, 2025. [6] - The Canadian Press, "Cameron Whitcomb Makes Top 20 on American Idol," May 1, 2022.
Josh Ross's nominations for the CCMA Awards 2025 include categories like Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year, showcasing his versatility in music. Cameron Whitcomb, a first-time nominee, was spotted in the Top 20 finalists on American Idol and is recognized for his upbeat, confessional track "Quitter," which addresses his struggles with addiction and sobriety, incorporating music into the narrative of his personal journey.
