St. Albert’s vibrant music scene is taking center stage on a national platform, with four of its accomplished artists earning prestigious nominations for the 2025 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards. The announcement, which includes nods for multi-talented artists Dan Davidson, Hailey Benedict, Travis Nesbitt, and Greg Williamson, underscores the rich talent nurtured within the community and sets the stage for a highly anticipated ceremony in Kelowna, British Columbia. This exciting news has generated considerable buzz, celebrating the local contributions to the broader Canadian country landscape.
The 43rd annual CCMA Awards are slated for Saturday, September 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone as Kelowna hosts the event for the very first time. The main gala will take place at Prospera Place, a highlight of Country Music Week 2025, which commences on September 10. Fans across Canada will be able to witness the awards broadcast live on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app at 8 p.m. EST, with next-day streaming available on Crave. Comedian Tom Green is set to host country music’s biggest night, promising an evening of entertainment and celebration.
Dan Davidson Leads with Dual Nominations
Among the celebrated St. Albert artists, Dan Davidson stands out with two significant nominations. A platinum-certified, multi-award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter, Davidson is a contender for Country Personality of the Year, alongside Stella Stevens, for their engaging CFCW morning show. His second nomination is in the highly competitive Musical Collaboration of the Year category for his popular track “Won’t Forget.” This high-flying single is a collaborative effort with Canadian country heavyweight Tim Hicks and Australian breakout artist Max Jackson, demonstrating Davidson’s international reach and collaborative spirit. The song’s success and subsequent nomination highlight his continued impact on the country music charts and within the industry. Davidson boasts an impressive career with over 30 million worldwide streams, numerous CCMA and ACMA awards, and a history of top 20 charting hits in both Canada and Australia, having also toured in six countries.
Travis Nesbitt’s Directorial Recognition
The impact of “Won’t Forget” extends beyond its musical collaboration, also earning St. Albert’s Travis Nesbitt a nomination for Video Director of the Year. Nesbitt’s creative vision brought the feel-good anthem to life visually, contributing to its overall appeal. His roots in the St. Albert music scene run deep, as he was previously the lead singer for the rock band Social Code, which gained a strong national presence.
Hailey Benedict: A Rising Female Force
Hailey Benedict continues to solidify her position as a rising star in Canadian country music, securing a nomination for Female Artist of the Year. This marks a significant milestone for the St. Albert singer-songwriter, as it’s her first nomination in this prestigious category and her fifth career CCMA nod overall. Benedict will be competing against other formidable talents in the genre, including Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, MacKenzie Porter, and Sacha.
Benedict’s journey to this recognition has been marked by a string of attention-getting singles, such as “Things My Mama Says,” “Damn You July,” and “Wanted You To.” Her recent single, “Carl Dean,” a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton’s husband, further showcases her evolving artistry. Notably, “Things My Mama Says” also earned her a Single of the Year nomination at the Country Music Alberta Awards earlier in 2025, demonstrating her consistent artistic output. A past CCMA winner, she took home the Interactive Artist of the Year award in 2022. Hailey Benedict splits her time between her hometown of St. Albert and Nashville, reflecting her dedication to her craft and her growing presence on the international music stage.
Greg Williamson Recognized for Percussive Prowess
Rounding out the St. Albert contingent is Greg Williamson, who received a nomination for Drummer of the Year. Williamson is a highly respected musician with over two decades of experience, particularly known for his pivotal work with the band Tupelo Honey. His extensive career spans both rock and country music, and he is sought after for session work both at home and abroad. This nomination for his consistent and exceptional year-round work reinforces his standing as a top-tier percussive talent in the Canadian music industry.
Country Music Week 2025: An Enhanced Experience
Beyond the awards ceremony itself, Country Music Week 2025 promises an immersive experience for fans and industry professionals alike. Kicking off on September 10, the week will feature industry meetings, breakout sessions, and various music showcases. A new addition to this year’s festivities is an outdoor event at the Island Stage outside the Delta Okanagan, offering live performances from both emerging artists and fan favorites. This open-air celebration will culminate in a live viewing party of the CCMA Awards broadcast under the stars, complete with a lively beer garden and local food trucks.
The 2025 CCMA Awards broadcast itself will offer enhanced on-demand content, providing audiences with exclusive access to red carpet moments, behind-the-scenes footage, and in-depth artist interviews. This extended access, available on CTV On Demand, aims to bring fans closer to the action and the artists they admire, further cementing the CCMA’s commitment to celebrating Canadian country music talent.
A Testament to St. Albert’s Musical Landscape
The collective recognition of these four St. Albert artists at the 2025 CCMA Awards is a powerful testament to the city’s significant contribution to Canadian country music. Each artist brings a unique talent and perspective, from songwriting and performance to production and video direction, showcasing the diverse skill set thriving within the local music community. As the countdown to September 13 begins, St. Albert proudly anticipates celebrating its artists on one of Canada’s most prestigious music stages. The nominations not only highlight individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the collaborative and supportive environment that allows such talent to flourish, bringing positive attention and further bolstering St. Albert’s reputation as a hotbed for country music excellence. This news reaffirms the dynamic and influential role that Alberta-based artists play in shaping the sound of Canadian country music today.
