SiriusXM Canada is calling on Canadians once again to help chooseÌýCanada'sÌýnext big country music star for the third annualÌýSiriusXM Top of the CountryÌýcompetition in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). The fate of the eight semi-finalists is in the public's hands, with the popular vote helping to determine which three artists move on to perform at one of the biggest country music events inÌýCanada and have a shot at theÌý$25,000Ìýgrand prize, taking their country music career to the next level.
“With local, country music singer Kalsey Kulyk competing in the nation -wide competition, I wanted share the exciting news that voting opened June14 and concludes June 28 for theÌýSiriusXM Top of the Country competition, stated Anna Woodmass, Sirius consultant, in a release.
ÌýSupporters and fans can now help their hometown favourites like Kalsey make it to the next round of the competition by voting online atÌý
Kalsey is among the eight semi-finalists whose fate now rests in Canadians’ hands; The popular vote will help determine which three finalists move on to perform atÌýone of theÌýbiggest country music events in CanadaÌýand have a shot at the $25,000 grand prize,Ìýtaking their country music career to the next level.ÌýOther semi-finalists are: Don AmeroÌý(Winnipeg, Man.), Raquel ColeÌý(Vernon, B.C.), Carolina EastÌý(СÀ¶ÊÓƵ River, NL), Nate HallerÌý(Toronto, Ont.), Brittany KennellÌý(Beaconsfield, Que.), Tyler Joe MillerÌý(Surrey, B.C.) and Kelly PrescottÌý(Almonte, Ont.)
Over the last few months, the semifinalists have been busy producing their own original music.
Pivoting in response to the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, theÌýSiriusXM Top of the CountryÌýcompetition was formatted differently this year but continued to prioritize granting all contestants a rich and informative experience. Despite the year's challenges, SiriusXM and the CCMA have remained committed to furthering and championingÌýCanada'sÌýcountry music culture. All eight semi-finalists benefitted from the annual mentorship program, receiving virtual sessions with industry professionals, and were also equipped with audio/video equipment to capture live recording sessions right from their homes.
Country fans can watch all studio sessions and vote atÌýÌýfor their favourite performers once daily.
"It's been incredible to see how each of the semi-finalists have risen to the challenge of recording and producing an original song during this challenging year," saidÌýJeff Leake, Director, Music Programming, SiriusXM Canada. "Demonstrating their growth as artists, each of our semi-finalists channelled their passion, talent and unique voice into the task and have created something truly memorable to contribute toÌýCanada'sÌýdynamic country music scene. Canadians are going to have a tough time choosing our top three finalists during the nationwide online vote."
Once voting is complete, the top three artists will emerge asÌýSiriusXMÌýTop of the CountryÌýfinalists and be featured during Country Music Week 2021, happening later this fall inÌýLondon, Ont. The winner will also receive theÌý$25,000Ìýgrand prize, plus participation in a SOCAN songwriting camp.