The Canadian Radio Music Awards celebrate the nation’s homegrown radio talent during Canadian Music Week, held in a grand ballroom setting. The ceremony took place on March 23 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, and the lineup of performances featured Alyssa Reid, Neverest, Dragonette, The Sheepdogs, Kira Isabella, Raghav, and Fefe Dobson. A broader conversation followed, as attendees, nominees and performers shared reflections about the event, the artists, and the momentum of Canadian music.
The evening underscored the value of a platform that spotlights artists heard every day on radio. Reid Henry of My Darkest Days described the show as crucial for pushing Canadian music to new audiences. Sal Costa echoed the sentiment, noting that Canada often deserves greater recognition for its musical output and that events like this help stretch its reach. Mike Klose of Neverest emphasized the depth of talent in the country and celebrated having a dedicated stage for it right in their own backyard. Victoria Duffield spoke about the power of gathering Canadian artists in one place for a week, the chance to meet peers face to face, and the opportunity to celebrate a year’s worth of hard work. Kreesha Turner pointed out that Canadian music needs more exposure and that Canadian Music Week serves as a gateway to discover emerging talents and seasoned performers alike. Alyssa Reid highlighted the value of bringing together newcomers and veterans to share experiences, learn from one another, and engage with labels. Her remarks reflected a belief that Canadian Music Week stands among the strongest initiatives for Canada’s musicians.
Memories of hearing songs on the radio formed a warmly personal thread throughout the evening. Mike Klose recalled hearing About Us while exercising at the gym and dropping everything in disbelief. Brendan Colameco, also from Neverest, remembered hearing the track during a Red Deer radio tour and the exhilaration of the moment as they jumped around in excitement. Victoria Duffield recounted hearing Shut Up and Dance while leaving a station in Vancouver, describing the moment as thrilling and still a bit unreal. Kreesha Turner shared that her song Bounce With Me came on during a visit to a gymnastics club, marking a memorable first encounter with radio success. Alyssa Reid recalled hearing Alone Again in the car with her parents, a moment that stood out for its mix of embarrassment and triumph when she realized she was on the radio. These moments capture how radio success can feel personal and transformative for artists at different stages of their careers.
Fans and performers also spoke about the connection with those who request their music. Mike Klose expressed deep gratitude for fan support and looked forward to new music and future touring to give back to the listeners who had supported them so determinedly. Victoria Duffield offered thanks for the early and steadfast support that helps a new artist as she launches her career, emphasizing how meaningful it is to have fans behind every step. Kreesha Turner thanked her audience for continued encouragement, acknowledging that the fans are the reason music keeps flowing. Alyssa Reid echoed this, describing how fan dedication fuels ongoing success and the joy of seeing people connect with her songs on a personal level.
The Sheepdogs recalled a year marked by major exposure, including a Rolling Stone cover, with Ewan Currie reflecting on the busy pace of travel, interviews, and shows that followed. In the announcements, a series of categories celebrated a diverse range of styles and talents. The Best New Group or Solo Artist in Dance, Urban, and Rhythmic categories named Martin Solveig and Dragonette as winners for Hello, with Deadmau5 for Sofi Needs a Ladder, Kristina Maria for Let’s Play, Mia Martina for Latin Moon, and Sunloverz featuring Rosette for Fire as other nominees. In the Country category, Kira Isabella won for Love Me Like That, while Gomie, Marlee Scott, Ryan Laird, and The Stellas were noted as other contenders. The CHR category also honored Solveig and Dragonette for Hello alongside Alyssa Reid for Alone Again and other strong contenders. In Hot Adult Contemporary, Alyssa Reid took the top spot for Alone Again with Kristina Maria, Martin Solveig and Dragonette, Neverest, and Raghav also in the mix. The Rock category crowned The Sheepdogs for I Don’t Know, with Bleeker Ridge, Jonas & the Massive Attraction, The Reason, and USS as runners-up.
The Factor Breakthrough Award went to Alyssa Reid, while the Chart Topper Award recognized Fefe Dobson for her ongoing radio impact. The SOCAN Song of the Year honors went to Stuttering, with songwriters Fefe Dobson, Claude Kelly, Michael Mentore, and Jonathan Rotem acknowledged. The track Alone Again credited Alyssa Reid among its songwriters, and Hello credited Martin Solveig and Martina Sorbara. Jet Lag was written by Pierre Bouvier, Chuck Comeau, Beatrice Martin, Ryan Petersen, Nolan Sipe, and performed by Simple Plan; Let’s Play credited Kristina Maria and collaborators; and Stuttering remained a testament to the creative moment that resonated with listeners.
The awards did not end with the winners alone. There was a sincere expression of gratitude to the artists, the teams behind the scenes, and the fans whose enthusiasm sustains Canadian music across genres. The gathering concluded with a sense of anticipation for what the next Canadian Radio Music Awards will bring, and a hope that the momentum created during Canadian Music Week continues to lift Canadian talent to new heights in the coming year.