The 2026 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards will feature a distinctly Saskatchewan sound, with half of the first wave of announced performers hailing from the province. The awards show, set for Sept. 19 at SaskTel Centre, returns to Saskatoon for the first time in nearly a decade.
Saskatchewan Artists Lead the Lineup
The full Canadian lineup includes Tenille Arts (Weyburn), Hunter Brothers (Shaunavon), Kalsey Kulyk (Hudson Bay), and Jess Moskaluke (Rocanville). Other performers include Dean Brody, The Reklaws, James Barker Band, and Owen Riegling.
Tenille Arts recently finished as the opening act for Luke Bryan's Canadian tour. Her single "Somebody Like That" made history as the first No. 1 country song written, produced, and performed entirely by women. Hunter Brothers, a quartet of real-life siblings, credit their rural upbringing for their success and have multiple CCMA and Juno Award nominations. Kulyk's 2019 debut album earned a CCMA roots album of the year nomination. Moskaluke, a multiple CCMA and Juno winner, launched her Life For Me headlining tour last fall.
CCMA President and Saskatoon Mayor Express Excitement
CCMA president Amy Jeninga said, “Unveiling the first wave of performers for the CCMA Awards is always a special moment, offering an exciting glimpse into what promises to be an incredibly memorable night for country music in Canada.” Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block added, “This is just the beginning. As more performers are announced and the countdown continues, the excitement here in Saskatoon keeps growing.”
Country Music Week and Award Nominations
The awards show is the culmination of Country Music Week, running Sept. 16-19, featuring talent showcases, an industry conference, and a Songwriter's Series. Award nominees have not yet been announced; final voting ballots for CCMA members close on July 30.
