The nominees for the 2026 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards are officially here, and Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb are leading the pack.

Both artists earned seven nominations each and will go head-to-head in several of the night's biggest categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, Male Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year.

 

James Barker Band, Thelma & James, and Tenille Townes are close behind with five nominations each.

 

It's been a standout year for Josh Ross, who recently became the first solo Canadian male artist in more than 50 years to earn back-to-back No. 1 singles on U.S. country radio with "Hate How You Look."

 

Meanwhile, Cameron Whitcomb continues his breakout success after winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year at this year's Juno Awards for his debut album, The Hard Way.

 

Owen Riegling also had a strong showing with four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Fans' Choice, and Male Artist of the Year.

Country Music Week kicks off in Saskatoon on September 16, with the 2026 CCMA Awards taking place on September 19.

 

Previously announced performers include Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Owen Riegling, Tenille Arts, Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk, and Jess Moskaluke.

 

Fans will once again help decide the winners in the Fans' Choice and Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year categories through online voting.