The Canadian Country Music Awards were live last night at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton and music fans and artists alike celebrated the biggest night in Canadian country music.
With performances from stars like Keith Urban, Brett Kissel and Lindsay Ell, the awards offered Canadians a chance to get up close and personal with their favourite artists.
Notable had a chance to travel with an exclusive group of VIPs for a pre-show concert and green room experience before the awards. This group of Notable100 fans were then front and centre stage to take in the awards and we’ve rounded up the Top 5 Best Moments from the CCMAs.
An Opening Hommage to Shania Twain
It was clear from the beginning that the 2018 CCMAs were all about the ladies. With Jess Moskaluke opening the show alongside Madeline Merlo and Kira Isabella – the next generation of country music females did an energetic mash up of Shania’s biggest hits. The performance seemingly couldn’t of been better when Shania herself joined the trio and the crowd was there for it. It set the show off on the right note and was a great way to introduce host and CCMA Generation Award winner, Shania Twain.
Mason Ramsey
The Walmart Yodel boy is still on the go, finding himself at his first awards show in Canada. Backstage he had his whole family with him for support and he nailed his signature Hank Williams song, “Hey Good Lookin’” for the crowd. When we asked what people’s favourite part of the evening was, Mason’s name was mentioned countless times which is no surprise as this little charmer has plenty of talent to keep fans happy for years to come.
Brett Kissel and Serena Ryder
Coming fresh off his duet with Bebe Rexha at the MMVAs, Brett Kissel has planted himself firmly in the mainstream Canadian music scene. It is clear that Brett is prime for the next level of stardom and the fans are supporting him too. Showing all signs of a true performer, he came out on stage showcasing talent, personality and good old Canadian country. Surprising the audience with a duet featuring Serena Ryder was the icing on the cake and it’ll be interesting to see where his career goes next.
The Canadian Country Music Fans
If there was one thing that was undeniable at the awards last night, it was that Canadian country music fans are loyal AF. Waiting 5+ hours beside the red carpet to watch their favourite performers pass by and sign autographs, to bouncing around in their seats and screaming louder than your ears should handle – the fans made last evening’s show everything that a proper celebration should be.
Women Dominating the Canadian Country Music Scene
It was clear from the beginning of the show that women are taking over Canadian country music. With women dominating the album of the year category and Jess Moskaluke eventually winning the category, to Terri Clark being inducted into the Hall of Fame and Shania Twain being presented the Generation Award, it was brilliant to see women being so strongly embraced by the Canadian country community and rising to the occasion. It also helps that these ladies could sing bringing all the right notes, energy and guitar shreds to the stage, and unapologetically proving that they deserve all the credit they received last night.
