Residency
Must be a legal resident of Canada living or based in Ontario.
ONTARIO'S EMERGING COUNTRY ARTISTS
THE NEXT GREATCANADIAN COUNTRY STAR
Four qualifying shows. Four finalists. One artist takes the crown.
APPLICATIONS • SEP 7, 2026 – OCT 31, 2026PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO
THE SEARCH
STARTS HERE
Ontario is home to incredible undiscovered country music talent. We’re bringing the best emerging artists to one stage to find the next breakout star.
16ARTISTS
4QUALIFYING SHOWS
4FINALISTS
1CROWN
THE JOURNEY TO STARDOM
From application to the grand final, the path to becoming the next country star is intense and rewarding.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Ensure you meet all essential requirements before beginning your application. All submissions are reviewed by our industry intake committee.
Age Requirements
18 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
Artist Format
Solo artists, acoustic duos, and full country bands are all eligible.
Agreements
Must not be bound by exclusive recording or major management contracts conflicting with competition terms.
Original Music
Must have original country songs written or co-written and prepared for live performance.
Travel & Accommodation
DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMEDArtists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation to Peterborough for performance dates.
THE GRAND PRIZE
WIN MORE THAN THE TITLE. BUILD YOUR CAREER.
The winner of The Next Great Canadian Country Star Competition will receive a career-focused prize package designed to help take their music to the next level.
THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
A prize package built around exposure, professional development and opportunities for the winner’s next stage of their career.
RECORDING
Professional recording studio opportunity to help the winning artist develop and record new material.
PHOTOGRAPHY
A professional photoshoot to build a compelling visual brand for press and social media.
VIDEO
High-quality music video production for the artist’s first post-competition single.
MENTORSHIP
One-on-one sessions with industry experts covering A&R, booking, and artist management.
PROMOTION
A targeted digital marketing and PR campaign to announce the winner to the world.
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Guaranteed slots at major Canadian country music festivals in the upcoming season.
THINK YOU'VE GOTWHAT IT TAKES?
We are looking for original voices, authentic songwriting, and undeniable stage presence.Submit your best work to be considered for the competition.
JUDGED BY PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE BUSINESS
Our panel of industry veterans, hit songwriters, and label executives will guide the artists and select the ultimate winner.
Judges will be announced soon.
THE ROAD TO THE CROWN
Five live shows in Peterborough. All dates subject to standard event scheduling.
