Josh Ross and his whisky-soaked ballad of heartbreak and hope took residence high honours Saturday as okay.d. lang received the band again collectively on the 2024 Canadian Nation Music Affiliation Awards.

Ross, from Burlington, Ont., captured single of the 12 months for “Bother.” The 28-year-old former faculty soccer participant turned nation star additionally took residence male artist of the 12 months and entertainer of the 12 months on the present, held at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

“This music was a surreal music,” Ross mentioned, including it highlights the struggles he felt when transferring to Nashville to pursue his music profession.

Ross mentioned he and his band play roughly 150 reveals yearly and are by no means residence, however mentioned he feels that taking residence entertainer of the 12 months made the laborious work value it.

“I thank each one in all you,” he mentioned.

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Josh Ross wins Entertainer of the 12 months in the course of the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.


THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

On Friday, he additionally received two trade awards for top-selling Canadian single of the 12 months (“Bother”) and top-selling Canadian album of the 12 months (It’s Sophisticated.)

Alberta’s MacKenzie Porter took residence a high prize as feminine artist of the 12 months, ending the five-year run for Tenille Townes.

The win was candy aid for Porter, of Medication Hat, Alta., who had been nominated for the award seven instances within the final decade earlier than capturing her personal lightning in a bottle Saturday.

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She received video of the 12 months for “Chasing Tornadoes,” a toe-tapping salute to the swirling winds of romance set towards the lonely Nevada desert and the intense lights of Las Vegas.

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Porter mentioned it takes plenty of laborious work and hustle to succeed as a feminine within the nation music trade and gave a shout out to her fellow singers and new child daughter.

“I’ve been nominated (for the CCMAs) 28 instances and that is one in all my first wins,” mentioned Porter in her first televised look since having a child.

“So to all of you artists on the market, preserve pushing.”

Porter was up for six awards, tying the highest nomination spot with Jade Eagleson of Bailieboro, Ont. Eagleson took residence album of the 12 months for Do It Anyway.

Porter co-hosted the present with American crooner Thomas Rhett, and together with the music, there was a little bit hockey. Edmonton Oilers gamers Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry got here on stage and dubbed Rhett an honorary Canadian as he donned an Oilers jersey.


Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, left, provides a jersey to host Thomas Rhett in the course of the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.


THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

The spotlight of the evening was lang celebrating her induction into the Canadian Nation Music Corridor of Fame by reelin’ and rockin’ with The Reclines for the primary time in 35 years.

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They carried out “Huge Boned Gal” — from the final album they recorded collectively in 1989 — concerning the gal within the blue gown with the bounce in her step shakin’ and snakin’ on the legion corridor.

Lang embodied the character within the music as she strutted throughout the stage, clad in a blue and inexperienced western-style gown.

“That was a bit of cake,” lang informed reporters after her efficiency. “Good friendships have this capability to erase time. That definitely occurred once we received collectively.”


Okay.D. Lang performs in the course of the CCMA Awards in Edmonton on Saturday, September 14, 2024.


THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Lang, from Consort, Alta., burst onto Edmonton’s music scene within the early Nineteen Eighties with The Reclines, a tribute band to American nation star Patsy Cline.

She informed the group she’s “profoundly grateful” for the experiences she’s had in her profession and thanked Canadians for occurring the journey together with her.

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“I really like you, large time,” mentioned lang.


Click to play video: 'k.d. lang receives Alberta Order of Excellence'


okay.d. lang receives Alberta Order of Excellence


Among the many different winners, the James Barker Band from Woodville, Ont., took residence group of the 12 months and the followers’ alternative award. Throughout their acceptance speech, frontman Barker hinted at new music and a attainable tour in 2025.

Owen Riegling of Mildmay, Ont., additionally received for breakthrough artist of the 12 months and finest songwriting for “Previous Grime Roads.”

Talking on the pink carpet earlier than the awards present, Riegling remembered writing the music 5 years in the past in a single hour and recorded it as a demo.

As soon as he signed with Common Music Canada, they recorded a brand new model.

“It’s had an extended journey, and it’s cool to see it lastly connecting with individuals and reaching individuals,” he mentioned.

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“By no means would have ever guessed I’d find yourself right here.”


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