KELOWNA — Ontario crooner Josh Ross and “American Idol” star Cameron Whitcomb collected two trophies each at this year’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
The association got its annual award show underway Saturday by handing out the trophy for breakthrough performer of the year to Whitcomb, a former “American Idol” contestant hailing from Nanaimo, B.C.
It was the first nomination for Whitcomb. It follows the release of his track “Quitter,” a gritty, foot-stomping anthem about the “hardest part of getting clean.”
“Thank you for keeping me sober. Thank you for saving my life,” he told the crowd. “I love you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.”
Whitcomb also won the coveted fans’ choice award.
Ross, a former college football player turned country singer, took home the trophy for entertainer of the year at the awards show in Kelowna, B.C.
He told the audience it was “incredible” to win what he described as “the most meaningful award” for him.
Ross also won single of the year for his track “Single Again,” a serenading record of unrequited love that has seen international success.
Comedian Tom Green, host of Saturday’s show, kicked it off holding an acoustic guitar and performing his own song about not knowing exactly what to sing, but rolling with the punches.
“Let’s get ‘er done, Kelowna,” he said.
He concluded his hosting duties by telling the audience “let’s party.”
Owen Riegling from Mildmay, Ont., took home the award for album of the year for hisdebut record “Bruce County (From The Beginning),” which he said drew inspiration from his experiences growing up in a small town.
Jade Eagleson and MacKenzie Porter won male and female artist of the year, while the James Barker Band from Woodville, Ont., was awarded group of the year.
Whitcomb and Ross were the leading nominees as the association handed out its hardware for 2025.
Both musicians secured six nods each and were facing off in the fans’ choice, male artist, entertainer and single of the year categories, trailed by Brett Kissel, Riegling and Jade Eagleson.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2025.
Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press
