SiriusXM Top of the Country crowns its 2026 champion

The competition celebrates eight years in partnership with the CCMA at Country Music Week, delivering a $25,000 grand prize and $10,000 awarded to each runner-up

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 /CNW/ -- Following last night's live finale in Saskatoon, SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association^® (CCMA^®), announced Blue Ridge Band as the winner of the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. Fellow finalists Shawnee Kish and Morgan Griffiths were named runners-up, closing out an exciting year of mentorship opportunities and live performances.

SiriusXM Top of the Country crowns its 2026 champion

Top of the Country

The finale was broadcast live on SiriusXM's Top of the Country Radio (Ch. 155), giving country music fans across Canada the chance to tune in, vote live and share in the excitement as the 2026 competition came to a close.

Taking the stage one final time, all three finalists delivered standout performances in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts and judges. After months of competition, Shawnee Kish, Morgan Griffiths and Blue Ridge Band showcased their unique sounds and styles, with Blue Ridge Band ultimately securing the 2026 title and $25,000 grand prize. Runners-up Shawnee Kish and Morgan Griffiths each received $10,000. The celebration was followed by a headline performance from Jade Eagleson with special guest SACHA.

"This competition has definitely been one for the books," said the Blue Ridge Band. "Being part of this program and competing alongside such talented Canadian artists has been a highlight of my career so far. I'm incredibly grateful to SiriusXM and the CCMA for their support throughout this experience, and I'm so excited for what comes next."

The road to the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country finale began earlier this year, when country artists from across Canada put their names forward for a chance to take the national stage. Eight semi-finalists were selected to record original songs and videos before fans voted to determine the final three. Along the way, the top three finalists gained valuable experience through mentorship from leading voices in country music and live performances at major events, including CMA Fest in Nashville and LASSO Montréal.

"This year's finalists are a testament to the depth of country talent across Canada," said Michelle Mearns, Senior Vice President of Programming and Operations at SiriusXM Canada. "It's been rewarding to watch them grow throughout the competition, and we're incredibly proud to continue amplifying Canadian talent. Congratulations to the Blue Ridge Band on a well-deserved win."

"The CCMA's partnership with SiriusXM Canada has helped educate, elevate and celebrate emerging artists across the Canadian country music community," said Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. "Seeing these artists bring their passion and creativity to every stage of the competition, and knowing the program is creating meaningful opportunities for the next steps in their careers, is what makes Top of the Country so special. We're incredibly proud to celebrate another great year."

SiriusXM Top of the Country, in partnership with the CCMA, is part of SiriusXM's ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music talent. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.

About SiriusXM Canada

Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country's leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SiriusXM app. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.

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SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada's Best Managed Companies 17 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.

About The Canadian Country Music Association^® (CCMA^®) 

Established in 1976, the CCMA^® is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Now in its 50th year, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

SOURCE Sirius XM Canada Inc.

For further information:  SiriusXM Canada contact: Kathleen Bennett, Zeno Group, [email protected], 289-221-8484, CCMA contact: Shelby Burnell, Red Umbrella PR, [email protected], 416-317-8023