Kelowna Shines as Host City for CCMA Awards 2024: Cameron Whitcomb and Josh Ross Among Winners
Country music enthusiasts witnessed Nanaimo's Cameron Whitcomb clinch two prestigious awards at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards held at Prospera Place on Saturday night. Whitcomb secured the Fans' Choice and Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year accolades. Meanwhile, Josh Ross from Ontario emerged victorious in the Entertainer of the Year category and also bagged Single of the Year for Single Again, along with Video of the Year for the same track. Both Whitcomb and Ross were nominated for six awards each. Owen Riegling claimed Album of the Year for Bruce County (From The Beginning), Mackenzie Porter was crowned Female Artist of the Year, Jade Eagleson received the Male Artist of the Year title, and James Barker Band was recognized as Group or Duo of the Year. Salebarbes was honored as the Francophone Artist of the Year.
The event marked the first time that Kelowna hosted Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards. CCMA president Amy Jeninga expressed excitement about Kelowna's selection as the host city in April 2024, highlighting the city's unique charm and urban energy as the perfect backdrop to showcase the best of Canadian country music.