SiriusXM Canada is calling on Canadians once again to help choose Canada's next big country music star for the third annual SiriusXM Top of the Country competition in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). The fate of the eight semi-finalists is in the public's hands, with the popular vote helping to determine which three artists move on to perform at one of the biggest country music events in Canada and have a shot at the $25,000 grand prize, taking their country music career to the next level.
“With local, country music singer Kalsey Kulyk competing in the nation -wide competition, I wanted share the exciting news that voting opened June14 and concludes June 28 for the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, stated Anna Woodmass, Sirius consultant, in a release.
Supporters and fans can now help their hometown favourites like Kalsey make it to the next round of the competition by voting online at topcountry.siriusxm.ca
Kalsey is among the eight semi-finalists whose fate now rests in Canadians’ hands; The popular vote will help determine which three finalists move on to perform at one of the biggest country music events in Canada and have a shot at the $25,000 grand prize, taking their country music career to the next level. Other semi-finalists are: Don Amero (Winnipeg, Man.), Raquel Cole (Vernon, B.C.), Carolina East (South River, NL), Nate Haller (Toronto, Ont.), Brittany Kennell (Beaconsfield, Que.), Tyler Joe Miller (Surrey, B.C.) and Kelly Prescott (Almonte, Ont.)
Over the last few months, the semifinalists have been busy producing their own original music.
Pivoting in response to the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition was formatted differently this year but continued to prioritize granting all contestants a rich and informative experience. Despite the year's challenges, SiriusXM and the CCMA have remained committed to furthering and championing Canada's country music culture. All eight semi-finalists benefitted from the annual mentorship program, receiving virtual sessions with industry professionals, and were also equipped with audio/video equipment to capture live recording sessions right from their homes.
Country fans can watch all studio sessions and vote at topcountry.siriusxm.ca for their favourite performers once daily.
"It's been incredible to see how each of the semi-finalists have risen to the challenge of recording and producing an original song during this challenging year," said Jeff Leake, Director, Music Programming, SiriusXM Canada. "Demonstrating their growth as artists, each of our semi-finalists channelled their passion, talent and unique voice into the task and have created something truly memorable to contribute to Canada's dynamic country music scene. Canadians are going to have a tough time choosing our top three finalists during the nationwide online vote."
Once voting is complete, the top three artists will emerge as SiriusXM Top of the Country finalists and be featured during Country Music Week 2021, happening later this fall in London, Ont. The winner will also receive the $25,000 grand prize, plus participation in a SOCAN songwriting camp.
