The Canadian Country Music Association Awards 2017

WINNERS CROWNED DURING CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT, THE 2017 CCMA AWARDS

CCMA 2017 Awards & Country Music Week EVENTS reviewed

In Brief:

2017 CCMA Award winners

APPLE MUSIC FANS' CHOICE AWARD: Dean Brody 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: SIDE EFFECTS - Dallas Smith

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Meghan Patrick

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Brett Kissel 

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR: The Road Hammers 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Autograph - Dallas Smith 

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: I Didn't Fall In Love With Your Hair - Brett Kissel  

SIRIUSXM RISING STAR: Meghan Patrick

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) celebrated an evening of glitz and glamour at its second of three awards ceremonies being held this weekend in Saskatoon, SK.

The 2017 CCMA Awards Show, was broadcast from the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Sunday, September 10 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC.

Twenty awards were bestowed at the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards, including inductions into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the presentation of two CCMA Awards of Achievement.

The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) announced the final nominees in thirty-four (34) CCMA Award categories back on July 12^th. , eight (8) of which will be presented during the 2017 CCMA Awards Show, to be broadcast from the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Sunday, September 10 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC.

Going into the awards first-time nominees, the James Barker Band have an impressive five nominations: Album of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year, Rising Star, Single of the Year and Video of the Year. Lead singer, James Barker, was also nominated for Songwriters of the Year (presented by ole) alongside Gavin Slate, Travis Wood and Donovan Woods for the James Barker Band single, "Chills".

Dean Brody had five nominations in the categories of Apple Music Fans' Choice, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Songwriter of the Year (presented by ole) for his single, "Time". Brett Kissel also boasted five nods including Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Interactive Artist of the Year, as well as Songwriters of the Year (presented by ole) with Ted Hewitt and Phil O'Donnell for his single, "Cool With That".

Dallas Smith had four nominations in the categories of Apple Music Fans' Choice, Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year. Bagging three nominations each were High Valley: Apple Music Fans Choice, Album of the Year and Group or Duo of the Year and Meghan Patrick: Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star.

CCMA 2017 Presenters: Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle presented on the 2017 CCMA Awards Show as did Lindsay Ell, who was nominated for Female Artist of the Year. Canadian broadcast icon Ron MacLean, SiriusXM Rising Star Award nominee, JoJo Mason, and three-time reigning CCMA Female Artist of the Year, Jess Moskaluke, also presented.

GRAMMY-nominated, Nashville country artist Eric Paslay was in Saskatoon to present, as was Aaron Pritchett, who was up for two CCMA Awards this year.

Deric Ruttan, who just celebrated his fourth No. 1 U.S. country single for co-writing Jason Aldean's "Any Ol' Barstool" and Tebey, who just scored his first No. 1 U.S. single for his co-write on Justin Moore's "Somebody Else Will" each presented as well. Saskatchewan Roughriders Kevin Glenn and Brendon LaBatte added some home province pride to the line-up.

Special international guest, country superstar and judge of The Voice, Blake Shelton, presented the coveted Apple Music Fans' Choice Award alongside this year's CCMA Ultimate Fan Experience™ contest winner, Scott Sykes. Sykes was one of over one thousand fans who submitted a video and written answers explaining why he was Canada's biggest Canadian country music fan.

Eight CCMA Awards were presented on the 2017 CCMA Awards Show, including the Apple Music Fans' Choice Award. This prestigious award, voted on by country music fans, was stacked with powerhouse CANCON male artists: Gord Bamford, Dean Brody, Chad Brownlee, High Valley and Dallas Smith.

Fourteen memorable performances were prepared for the 2017 CCMA Awards Show by Gord Bamford joined by Jim Cuddy, Dean Brody with Shevy Price, Chad Brownlee, Tim Hicks, High Valley, James Barker Band, Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, Dallas Smith, The Washboard Union and international guests, Blake Shelton and Brett Young.

Leading up to the awards, CBC Music offered exclusive CCMA Award content including artist interviews.

If you missed the 2017 CCMA Official Awards, you can watch it (and the preshow) in full at www.cbcmusic.ca or below via YouTube

Watch the 2017 CCMA Awards, start to finish, with performances by Blake Shelton, High Valley, Meghan Patrick, Jess Moskaluke and plenty more.

2017 CCMA Award Nominees & Winners announced Sunday evening (Sept 10, 2017)

APPLE MUSIC FANS' CHOICE AWARD:

Gord Bamford, Dean Brody * WINNER *, Chad Brownlee, High Valley, Dallas Smith

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:

BEAUTIFUL FREAKSHOW - Dean Brody

DEAR LIFE - High Valley

GAME ON - James Barker Band

GRACE & GRIT - Meghan Patrick

SIDE EFFECTS - Dallas Smith * WINNER *

Dallas Smith >> was thrilled to win Album of the Year for his "SIDE EFFECTS" at this year's CCMA Awards! 

Dallas Smith was thrilled to win Album of the Year for his "Side Effects" at this year's #CCMAAwards!
Posted by Canadian Country Music Association on Thursday, 14 September 2017

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

Alee, Lindsay Ell, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, Meghan Patrick * WINNER *

.@MegPatrickMusic is the #CCMAawards 2017 Female Artist of the Year! Congrats on your big win! pic.twitter.com/Bluew20f6I

— CCMA (@CCMAofficial) 10 September 2017

.@MegPatrickMusic wins Female Artist of the Year! @CCMAofficial @ctvsaskatoon #yxe #sask #CCMA2017 pic.twitter.com/MZyWuhY7sB

— Mark Villani (@CTVMarkVillani) 11 September 2017

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: ***TIE in this category

Gord Bamford, Chad Brownlee, Tim Hicks, Brett Kissel * WINNER *, Aaron Pritchett, Dallas Smith

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR:

Cold Creek County, High Valley, James Barker Band, The Road Hammers * WINNER *, The Washboard Union

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: Autograph - Dallas Smith 

Autograph - Dallas Smith * WINNER *; Cool With That - Brett Kissel; Lawn Chair Lazy - James Barker Band; Take Me Home - Jess Moskaluke; Time - Dean Brody

VIDEO OF THE YEAR: I Didn't Fall In Love With Your Hair - Brett Kissel  

Chills - James Barker Band; I Didn't Fall In Love With Your Hair - Brett Kissel * WINNER *; That's When You Know - Chris Buck Band feat. Kira Isabella; Time - Dean Brody; When A Momma's Boy Meets A Daddy's Girl - Aaron Pritchett

Brett Kissel was humbled and amazed when he took home this year's Video of the Year award for his song "I Didn't Fall In Love With Your Hair"! - Facebook Video

SIRIUSXM RISING STAR:

Dan Davidson, Aaron Goodvin, James Barker Band, JoJo Mason, Meghan Patrick * WINNER *

2017 CCMA Award winners announced Saturday evening (Sept 9, 2017):

2017 CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

ARTIST INDUCTEE: Paul Brandt

STAN KLEES BUILDER AWARD - BUILDER INDUCTEE: L. Harvey Gold 

CCMA AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT

SLAIGHT MUSIC HUMANITARIAN AWARD: Country 105 Caring For Kids Radiothon

 Leonard T. Rambeau International Award: Franck Boucheraud

ARTIST AWARDS 

CCMA DISCOVERY AWARD (presented by Country 107.3): Kalsey Kulyk 

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR:

The Lovelocks, Jessica Mitchell, Lindi Ortega, JJ Shiplett, The Washboard Union * WINNER *,

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (presented by ole):

James Barker, Gavin Slate, Travis Wood, Donovan Woods | Song: Chills (Performed By: James Barker Band)

Ted Hewitt, Brett Kissel, Phil O'Donnell | Song: Cool With That (Performed By: Brett Kissel)

Clayton Bellamy, Dan Davidson | Song: Found (Performed By: Dan Davidson)

Dean Brody | Song: Time (Performed By: Dean Brody) * WINNER *

Patricia Conroy, Jessica Mitchell, David Thomson | Song: Workin' On Whiskey (Performed By: Jessica Mitchell)

INTERACTIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Brett Kissel

Shae Dupuy; Tim Hicks; Hunter Brothers; Brett Kissel * WINNER *; Wes Mack

MUSICIAN AWARDS

GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR (presented by Cithara Guitars):

Derek Caven; Ryan Davidson; Matt McKay * WINNER *; Darren Savard; Brennan Wall

KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Scott Galloway; Mike Little; Bart McKay * WINNER *; Carly McKillip

SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

Denis Dufresne – Banjo * WINNER *; Shane Guse – Mandolin; Tyler Vollrath - Mandolin 

RADIO AWARDS

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET): CKRY FM - Calgary, AB 

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM OR SMALL MARKET): CHCQ FM - Belleville, ON 

INDUSTRY AWARDS 

MUSIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF THE YEAR:

Ole * WINNER *; Royalty Music Publishing Inc.; Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada; Universal Music Publishing Canada; Warner/Chappell Music Canada

RECORD COMPANY OF THE YEAR: Warner Music Canada

MDM Recordings Inc.; ole red dot; Open Road Recordings Inc.; Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.; Warner Music Canada * WINNER *

RECORD COMPANY PERSON OF THE YEAR: Mike Denney - MDM Recordings Inc. 

RON SAKAMOTO TALENT BUYER OR PROMOTER OF THE YEAR: Jim Cressman - Invictus Entertainment Group

TOP SELLING ALBUM OF THE YEAR: RIPCORD - Keith Urban  

TOP SELLING CANADIAN ALBUM OF THE YEAR presented by Music Canada: SIDE EFFECTS - Dallas Smith 

TOP SELLING CANADIAN SINGLE OF THE YEAR (presented by ACTRA RACS): Bush Party - Dean Brody

SOURCE: Complete list of 2017 CCMA AWARD NOMINEES www.ccma.org

SOURCE: Complete list of 2017 CCMA AWARD WINNERS www.ccma.org

The CCMA Awards are voted upon by the membership* in a 3-stage ballot process; during the first of which, potential Candidates who have released product within the eligibility period and meet the criteria outlined in the Rules & Regulations, are brought forward for consideration and nominated by the voting membership through a 'write-in' ballot. The Second Ballot presents the top ten eligible contenders, as verified by the Awards and Balloting Committee, who have received the most votes in each category to be voted upon for the Third (and final) Ballot, which contains the top five contenders in each category, who become the final five nominees. Read more and Rules & Regulations at www.ccma.org

It was a night of repeat wins for artist award categories as part of the ceremony. Brett Kissel took home the CCMA Award for Interactive Artist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time.

The Washboard Union won Roots Artist or Group of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Dean Brody took home Songwriter of the Year, as he did last year, this year for his single, "Time".

RIPCORD by Keith Urban was named Top Selling Album of the Year.

SIDE EFFECTS by Dallas Smith won Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year (presented by Music Canada)

"Bush Party" by Dean Brody took home Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year (presented by ACTRA RACS). 

Meaghan Patrick also had a great night, winning both Female Artist of the Year and the SiriusXM Rising Star Award

CCMA 2017 Fashion

Alee (Website)  – The 2017 CCMA Female Artist Of The Year nominee  singer-songwriter and recording artist stunned on the John Deere green carpet. She wore a black plunging sleeveless dsquared2 floor length gown with a high slit showing plenty of leg! She added strappy Steve Madden open gold heels and Elizabeth Lyn jewelry to complete her CCMA winning look – 😍 Instagram Image

Alee

Lindsay Ell – The 28-year old “Waiting On You” Calgary born singer-songwriter and 2017 CCMA Female Artist Of The Year nominee was there as a presenter. She in introduced Brett Young on the live broadcast.

She looked stylish in a royal blue ANAZ round neck sleeveless prom dress which had side panels and a nude lining with a sweep train. She rocked beachy ombré hair | Styling (Genaro Maldo/ GiGi Celebrity Stylist) | Fashion Stylist (Cherie Kilchrist)

Lindsay Ell

Lovelocks

Lovelocks - The duo (Zoe Neuman & Ali Raney) looked a picture on the John Deere green carpet. 

Zoe wore a revealing strapless mermaid style dress with an embroidered overlay. Ali donned a dark sleeveless spaghetti strap floral number with a sheer floor length overlay from Shop Honey (Website)

Earlier in the week they were pictured (Instagram) at the CCMA Gala event wearing dark blue lace strapless Gianna and Tango numbers from Studio Fitzroy (www.shopfitzroy.com)

Meghan Patrick – The multi-nominated Bowmanville, Ontario “Grace & Grit” singer-songwriter walked the John Deere Green Carpet in a plunging cutout Stephan Caras haute couture dress with an attached see-through floral overlay | Styling (Julianne Costigan). She also wore this for a MODALINA Magazine photoshoot.

Meghan Patrick

Later for her live performance and press photos she changed into an eye-popping revealing sexy white 3-piece Zoff Ranieri lace kimono (Facebook Image) adding jewellery (Raffi) Fashion Stylist (Julianne Costigan)

Get the look at www.lulus.com & www.missguidedus.com

Meghan Patrick

Early in the week attending the CCMA Industry Lunch & Awards she donned a show-stopping long sleeve navy Emerie Dress In Navy “By For Love And Lemons” lace dress from Studio Fitzroy (Shopfitzroy.com) which accentuates the waist and back. It has an open back with snap-up back sash | Styling (Julianne Costigan) | Jewellry (Raffi Jewellers)

Madeline Merlo – The 23-year Maple Ridge, British Columbia country pop singer-songwriter and CCMA 2017 Female Artist Of The Year wore a flimsy/ floaty spaghetti strap plunging sleeveless floor length red tie waist gown adding open sandals | Makeup (Holly Decker). Get the look with this Unforgettable Affair Red Sleeveless Plunge V Neck Convertible Tie Waist Maxi Dress at www.indiexo.com

Madeline Merlo

When she performed " Motel Flamingo" she wore a cute flower print crop top & high waist shorts custom combo piece by Jordan de Ruiter | Styled by Talia BrownTalia | Makeup (Holly Decker)

CCMA 2017 Country Music Week EVENTS Saskatoon, SK 
(7-10 September 2017)

CCMA SONGWRITERS' SERIES THURSDAY

Session 1 - Thursday September 7, 1:00 - 3:30pm

Hosted by Kenny Hess

Tenille Arts, Livy Jeanne, David Leask, The Washboard Union, Madeline Merlo, Beamer Wigley, Dan Swinimer

CCMA INDUSTRY OPENING RECEPTION 6:00-8:00PM INDUSTRY ONLY Presented by Sakamoto Agency and Gold & Gold Productions

TCU Place, Stage of the Sid Buckwold Theatre

Kicking off Canadian country music's biggest week was the CCMA Industry Opening Reception. This networking event sets the pace for the events to come, as long-time and newly proclaimed country music enthusiasts, and everyone in between, reunite and connect over an evening of drinks, snacks, laughs and of course, country music!

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH Showcase Thursday September 7, 2017H

Where: Radisson Hotel, 405 Twentieth Street East, Saskatoon, SK

When: Thursday September 7th Starting at 1 PM

Barbara Doran, Stephanie Rose, Connor Wilson, Rachel Layne, Steve Pointmeier, Jeremy Dallas, Amanda Jordan, Beamer Wigley, Abby Stewart, Lauren Mayell, Rich Cloke

CCMA DISCOVERY SHOWCASE 8:00-10:00PM Presented by Stingray Music

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

TCU Place, Grand Salon  

The six 2017 CCMA Discovery Program finalists come together one last time, as each performs separately and vies for the attention of a secret panel of judges who are onsite to decide this year's CCMA Discovery Award winner (presented at Saturday's private industry event, the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards). The finalists, who were selected through a rigorous, nationwide jury selection process, first met at their CCMA Music Industry Discovery Week. During this week, they learned, in-depth, about the music business and artist development through industry-led information sessions and seminars, performance and vocal coaching, styling, media training, etc. Their showcase during PotashCorp Country Music Week is the culmination of their efforts.

Showcase Host & Performer: Beverley Mahood

2017 CCMA Discovery Showcase Performers: 

Danielle Bourjeaurd, Jesse Gold, Kalsey Kulyk, Steph La Rochelle, Shylo Sharity, Sons of Daughters,

Special Guest & 2016 CCMA Discovery Award Winner: Eric Ethridge

Danielle Bourjeaurd posted on Instagram: Huge thank you to the CCMA Discovery Program for such an amazing experience! It was so inspiring to be in the company of such talent & top music industry professionals. Special thanks to this babe @beverleymahood who's been an great inspiration & huge supporter. ❤️ya girl! Can't wait to work with you! 

Beverley Mahood (L) & Danielle Bourjeaurd (R)

Events for Friday September 8th.

Session 2 - Friday September 8, 4:30 - 7:00pm

4:30 p.m. set Hosted by Jason Blaine                      

Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers, Raquel Cole, The Lovelocks

5:45 p.m. set Buck Twenty, Chris Henderson, Gavin Slate, Travis Woo

CCMA SEMINAR SERIES: WORKSHOP ONE 10:00-11:30AM INDUSTRY ONLYGet Your "IT" Together with Tamara Beatty Presented by Re:Sound

TCU Place, Gallery AB

What does it take to go from the practice room to a stage where 40 million viewers are watching? What are the things that really count when it comes to standing out in a sea of amazing singers, artists, songwriters and performers? It all comes down to knowing how to craft a performance that allows you to translate to your audience and make them 'feel'. It's one thing to sing and play well, but an entirely different thing to create a "pin-drop" or "show-stop" performance, craft a vocal line that makes you stand out like no one else, or create moments based on unique qualities that essentially make up your brand. Tamara Beatty, voice coach of 25 years, entering her 10th season as a Voice Coach Consultant on the Emmy Award-winning show, The Voice, works behind the scenes to mine out these "IT" factors and make quick adjustments that allow singers to make the biggest impact possible. Join her for this live coaching event where she will use tips and tricks to transform performances on the spot. Anyone in the audience can volunteer and have the opportunity to work with her on stage. Bring tracks (downloaded - no streaming please) or your instrument and be prepared to sing a verse and chorus of your song. Guitar and piano will be provided. Several singers will get a chance to sing. It's never too late to Get Your "IT" Together.

CCMA INDUSTRY LUNCH & AWARDS 11:30AM-1:30PM 

INDUSTRY ONLY

Presented by Nielsen

TCU Place, Grand Salon   

2017 Canadian Country Music Awards: Dinner & Gala (69 Photos) - Facebook Gallery

So this happened with @juliahaggarty @twinkennedy @LeannePearson last weekend at @CCMAofficial #galaawardsdinner #countrygirls #fancy💃 pic.twitter.com/wBtGLcxKId

— Elyse Saunders (@Elyse_Saunders) 14 September 2017

The CCMA Industry Lunch & Awards recognizes some of Canada's most influential music industry professionals, spanning specialties from radio and festivals to video directors, producers and management. This event highlights and recognizes those who work to promote country music, day in and day out, all year round.

Featured Performances by: 

Chris Buck Band, Aaron Goodvin, Hunter Brothers, Andrew Hyatt, Leaving Thomas, PETRIC

CCMA LEGENDS SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO YESTERDAY AND TODAY 7:30-9:30PM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Presented by Today's Best Country 105 CJVR

TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre 

CCMA Legends Show: A Tribute to Yesterday & Today; as this once-in-a-lifetime event pays tribute to Canadian country hits of the past by pairing some of Canada's most cherished country artists, including Hall of Fame inductees, with rising and current stars of the industry.

Hosted by Deric Ruttan and Today's Best Country 105 CJVR. 

Featuring performances by: 

Paul Brandt, Lisa Brokop, Patricia Conroy, Hunter Brothers, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Mallory Johnson, Madeline Merlo
Jimmy Rankin, Deric Ruttan, Ian Tyson, The Washboard Union

CCMA ROCK'N COUNTRY CABARET 9:00PM-1:30AM OPEN TO THE PUBLICCo-Presented by 92.9 The Bull and Prairieland Park

Location Prairieland Park
A well-known event to Saskatchewan is the cabaret. Billed as a night for the 19+ crowd party night, this event featured some of Canadian country music's current and rising stars, performing their favourite rock covers and their own originals.

Featuring performances by:

Brody Siebert, Tenille Arts, The Johner Brothers, Meghan Patrick, Jason Blaine, The Road Hammers, Tim Hicks, Chad Brownlee

Hosted by 92.9 The Bull

About the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA): 
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of PotashCorp Country Music Week and the 2017 CCMA Awards Show include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund”, Radio Starmaker Fund, the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, Tourism Saskatchewan and Tourism Saskatoon. Produced with the participation of the Bell Fund. 

 About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. We are Canada’s trusted source of news, information and Canadian entertainment. Deeply rooted in communities all across the country, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also provide international news and information from a uniquely Canadian perspective. In 2017, CBC/Radio-Canada will be at the heart of the celebrations and conversations with special 2017-themed multiplatform programming and events across Canada.

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