The SiriusXM Top of the Country contest is back, and eight semi-finalist country artists have been announced for the 2019 competition!
Some of these names are going to be familiar to country fans across Canada, some are hometown favourites getting a chance to shine on a big stage, and all of them have earned their way into the top eight with talent.
Last year the contest wrapped with Andrew Hyatt as the winner crowned during Canadian Country Music Week in Hamilton, ON. He was joined by great talent by semi-finalists Kristin Carter, Leaving Thomas, Shawn Austin, Cory James Mitchell, The Redhill Valleys, Chris Ryan, Ian Janes, and Jason Benoit.
This year's crop of country up-and-comers is just as powerful and exciting. Check 'em out!
2019 SiriusXM Top of the Country Semi-Finalists
listed in alphabetical order⭐ Dan Davidson
He's a hit-maker, a fan-favourite, and a funny dude when it comes time to make a music video. Country fans in Canada may already know Dan Davidson's name, but that doesn't mean they don't want to hear more from him!
Note: Dan Davidson's new EP, Juliet, drops Feb. 22, 2019.
⭐ Don Amero
Don Amero is an acclaimed songwriter, excellent singer, and well-regarded artist by fans and professionals alike. The opportunity for everyone who hasn't heard of him to get a taste is a good one!
⭐ Jade Eagleson
You likely already know Jade Eagleson's debut hit, Got Your Name On It, and maybe you know Count The Ways and Still Gonna Be You. The smalltown Ontario boy has a ton of talent, and we can't wait to see what comes next.
⭐ Kelsi Mayne
This redheaded Windsor spitfire (sorry, not sorry) has done everything in country music. She sings, she dances, she made a starring appearance in River Town Saints' Cherry Bomb video, and more recently Canada saw her on stage during Hometown Hockey with Ron MacLean.
⭐ Kristin Carter
This BC country singer started in the choir, but with 90s influences like Shania, Faith, and the Dixie Chicks, she's gone country!
Note: Fans who paid attention to the 2018 Top of the Country contest may recognize Kristin Carter's name as one of the semi-finalists.
⭐ Matt Lang
This Maniwaki, QC native released his EP last September with seven songs to share with the country world. Now, he'll have the chance to get a little more shine on his name in the Top of the Country contest.
⭐ Sons of Daughters
This duo (Chrystal Leigh and Jimmy Thow) are poised for big things. They've been singing, writing, recording, and working hard behind-the-scenes, and now it's time for a big audience to get a look.
Note: Get ready for them as the featured artists on Wes Mack's next single, Never Have I Ever.
⭐ Tim & The Glory Boys
Their album, Buffalo Roadshow, dropped in September 2018 and the band is getting ready to kick off a tour with more than 30 shows lined up from BC to Ontario. If you get the chance to see Tim, Colin, Matt, and Jon on the road. Do it!
This much talent in one contest makes things really exciting and also really hard. There is no clear leader going into this round. There's nobody to drop off right away and thank for their participation.
There are eight Canadian country acts, looking to make their mark, win this thing, take home $25,000 and a host of other prizes!
* Finalists are getting the mentorship opportunity of a lifetime, and a chance to perform in front of some of the best crowds in country music.
* Finalists will be flown to Nashville with SOCAN for a week-long songwriting trip.
* The winner will also receive a spot at an international SOCAN songwriting camp.
* Each semi-finalist will be given a professionally recorded video of their audition.
Good luck to all of the semi-finalists. We can't wait to hear the songs, see the videos, and move forward in the competition!
