Jess Moskaluke, Madeline Merlo and Kira Isabella Performed A Tribute to One of Canada's Most Recognized Female Country Artists ''Shania Twain''
''Jess Moskaluke, Madeline Merlo, Kira Isabella, and Shania Twain'' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine.com
The 2018 Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Awards Show had fans on their feet at the FirstOntario Centre, in Hamilton. Canadians from coast-to-coast were cheering for all of their favourite country stars on CBC. Shania Twain hosted the biggest night in Canadian country music which featured performances from Canada’s top country music artists!
''Shania Twain'' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine.com
Shania Twain proved nothing could stop her at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sunday as she picked up the most accolades of the night — a total of four — after serving as host of the festivities.
The Timmins, Ont.-raised superstar enthusiastically participated in a celebration of her career that included winning the Generation Award and the fans' choice award.
Twain's latest album "Now" was recognized for its appeal across borders, winning the top selling album and top selling Canadian album prizes.
The CCMA Awards opened with a tribute to Twain's legendary status led by three of Canadian country music's new generation of female voices: Jess Moskaluke, Kira Isabella and Madeline Merlo.
''Madeline Merlo'' Tribute Performance to Legendary 'Shania Twain' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
''Kira Isabella'' Tribute Performance to Legendary 'Shania Twain' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
''Jess Moskaluke'' Performed Tribute to the Legendary 'Shania Twain' at the 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Twain then joined the trio on stage in a ravishing purple evening gown to finish the song and proclaim that country songs remain close to her heart.
"My musical influences have always been diverse but country music gave me a home, a place where a fast-talking girl from northern Ontario, who dreamt for bigger things for her and her family, could be heard," she said.
Twain also took several opportunities to celebrate the inroads women are making in the country music industry.
"I'm thrilled to see women in country dominating the album of the year category," she said, pointing to how rare it was to see so many women among the nominees.
"But we can go further by recognizing a place for diversity in country music by being inclusive and by really respecting what women of country have always been able to deliver: heart, soul and a kick-ass guitar riff."
When Twain was presented the Generation Award by pop singer Alessia Cara, she paused to recognize how Cara is forging a voice for a younger generation.
''Alessia Cara'' Presented 'The Generation Award' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show to ''Shania Twain''
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear for NOW and THEN Magazine
"Alessia really represents the empowered, independent female of today," she said.
Twain also spoke about how, for her, music has been "very much a part of survival, right from a very, very young age."
"It took me away from my problems," she said.
"I started singing 45 years ago at the age of eight in the local northern Ontario bars, First Nations community centres and old age homes."
"Today I consider one of my biggest achievements being able to encourage and inspire others," she added.
Paul Brandt and the Hunter Brothers stepped out onto the stage at FirstOntario Centre.. These talented artists joined an impressive list of performers like Keith Urban, Lindsay Ell, High Valley, Jess Moskaluke, Dallas Smith, Terri Clark, and Tim Hicks among many others.
''Keith Urban'' Performed and Presented 'Terri Clark' With The 'Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame' Award at the 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
CCMA Hall of Fame Inductee Paul Brandt and sibling group Hunters Brothers joined Jess Moskaluke and High Valley on stage at the Awards for a not-to-be missed collaboration performance.
''Darren Savard, Paul Brandt,and Travis Switzer'' Performance at 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear for NOW and THEN Magazine
Three-time 2018 CCMA Award nominees The Reklaws and three-time CCMA Award winners The Washboard Union light up the stage at FirstOntario Centre. Adding to the excitement, celebrated artists Madeline Merlo and Tebey joined with performances with 2018 Apple Music Fans’ Choice nominee Tim Hicks.
Ken Green (Promotions Warner Music Canada on Left)''The Washboard Union'' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by John Marshall and Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
''The Reklaws'' Performance at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear for NOW and THEN Magazine
''Tim Hicks, Tebey and Madeline Merlo'' Performance at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear
Earning their first JUNO Award earlier this year for Country Album of the Year, James Barker Band made their second CCMA Awards appearance this September. Since forming in 2013, the band has won the 2015 Emerging Artist Showcase at the Boots and Hearts music festival, gained more than 35 million streams on Spotify and has earned the most streamed and spun song released by a Canadian country artist in 2018 with their current single “Good Together”. Boasting five Top 10 singles and four gold records, there’s no question that James Barker Band is just getting started taking home the CCMA ''Single of the Year'' for 'Chills.'
''James Barker Band'' Won 'Single of the Year for Chills' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by John Marshall NOW and THEN Magazine
Jessica Mitchell, lauded as “country’s Adele,” wowed Country Music Week delegates in 2017 with her CCMA Gala Awards performance. 2018 she brought her magic to the CCMA Awards stage at FirstOntario Centre. Since its release in May of this year, her debut album, Heart of Glass, has earned more than 3 million streams and much critical acclaim. Mitchell has toured with country greats Johnny Reid, Terri Clark and Kiefer Sutherland. Heading out on a national with Glass Tiger this fall, Mitchell is sure to quickly become a fan favourite following her upcoming CCMA Awards debut.
''Jessica Mitchell'' at 2018 CCMA Award Show Photography by John Marshall NOW and THEN Magazine
''Jessica Mitchell'' Performance 'Heart of Glass' at the 2018 CCMA Awards Show 
'Suzy Boggus, Jessica Mitchell, and Terry Clark' Performers at 2018 CCMA Awards Photography By Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Meghan Patrick, Suzy Bogguss, Jessica Mitchell and Terri Clark herself, who all performed a medley of Clark’s songs, including “Better Things to Do,” “Poor Pitiful Me,” “No Fear” and “Northern Girl.”
Another first at the CCMA Awards was the performance by 6-time JUNO Award winner Serena Ryder. With her anthemic single “Stompa” achieving 4x certified Platinum status in Canada and hitting No.1 at AAA radio in the U.S. for eight consecutive weeks, Ryder has become one of Canada’s musical darlings. Her latest album, Utopia, debuted at #1 and earned Ryder another three SOCAN No. 1 Song Awards as well as an additional Gold single with “Got Your Number.” Recognized as the first Canadian artist to reach No. 1 status on CBC’s Radio 2 Top 20 chart, her personal and skilled songwriting has earned Ryder career-changing features in television shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, VEEP, and Suits. There is no doubt this multi-genre songstress delivered an outstanding performance as she stepped out on the CCMA Awards stage alongside 2018 CCMA Award nominee Brett Kissel.
Celebrating his first Apple Music Fans’ Choice Award nomination in 2018, multi-Platinum country artist Tim Hicks is no stranger to Canadian country music fans. With two Platinum and 6 Gold selling singles, a Gold album and twelve Top 10 radio hits, the Niagara-born award-winning performer has quickly become one of Canada’s most celebrated male voices. The #1 Most Added track on Canadian radio across all formats in its first week, Hick’s newest single “Loud” off of his fourth studio album New Tattoo has become a summer anthem that fans were thrilled to make its way to the CCMA Awards stage last night.
This fall Brett Kissel returned to the CCMA Awards stage for another outstanding performance. Taking home the coveted Fans’ Choice Award in 2016 and Male Artist of the Year for the last two consecutive years, Kissel had scored another six nominations this year, tied for the most of any artist. With his current single “Guitars and Gasoline” climbing the charts at stations across Canada, Kissel was awarded the CIMA Road Gold Award earlier this year and will be heading out across Canada later this fall for Part 2 of the We Were That Song Tour.
''Brett Kissel'' 2018 CCMA Awards Photo by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Returning to the stage after an unforgettable performance in Saskatoon with much to celebrate is reigning SiriusXM Rising Star and Female Artist of the Year, Meghan Patrick. Earning five 2018 CCMA Award nominations, Meghan recently made history by becoming the first solo female artist to take home the Fans’ Choice Award at the Country Music of Ontario Awards. With her debut album Grace and Grit generating four Top 20 singles and a Top 10 hit with “Still Loving You”, Meghan Patrick released her sophomore album (Country Music Made Me Do It) earlier this year.
"Meghan Patrick'' Winner at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
''Meghan Patrick'' 2018 CCMA Awards Performances Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
19-time CCMA Award winner Terri Clark is no stranger to the CCMA Awards show stage. This year Clark not only be performed, she also arrived in Hamilton to celebrate her 2018 induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Selling more than 5 million albums worldwide, Clark holds the title for most wins of the coveted CCMA Fans’ Choice Award (8-time winner) and is currently touring across Canada. Her most recent single “One Drink Ago,” a duet with Dallas Smith, is currently Top 5 at Canadian country radio.
''Dallas Smith and Terri Clark'' Took The Stage To Perform 'One More Drink' At 2018 CCMA Awards Show Phto By Kim Cyr-Goodyear
Multiple JUNO and CCMA Award winner Dallas Smith hit the stage for the second consecutive year at the 2018 CCMA Awards. Recently scoring his fifth No. 1 and fourth consecutive chart topper with “Sleepin’ Around,” Smith is the first and only Canadian country artist to have four consecutive No. 1 singles from the same album. A Platinum and GOLD selling artist, Smith is also the only Canadian artist to have 18 consecutive singles peak in the Top 10 of the Country airplay chart in the Nielsen BDS era (22 years). With his current single “One Drink Ago” currently sitting in the Top 5, it is anticipated that Smith will be releasing new music in advance of his Awards show performance. Dallas brought home ''Male Artist of The Year'' tonight and the crowd screamed and lit their phones around the arena in agreement. What a fantastic night for this amazing humble artist.
"Dallas Smith'' Winner for 'Male Artist of the Year' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photo by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
''Dallas Smith and Terri Clark'' Perform 'One Drink Ago' at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
11-year old Internet sensation, Mason Ramsey, made a special appearance in Hamilton this September. Recorded singing Hank Williams Sr.’s “Lovesick Blues” at a Walmart in Illinois, the rising star’s original video earned more than 20 million views in its first week and has surpassed 40 million views since then. After signing with Big Loud and Atlantic Records as the youngest major label Country artist since Billy Gilman, Ramsey debuted his first hit single “Famous.” Reaching No.1 on iTunes Country Songs chart and top-charted as No. 1 on global streaming Country song on Spotify, “Famous” laid the foundation for the release of Ramsey’s second single — his cover of “Lovesick Blues.”
''Mason Ramsey'' Performance at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photo by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Grammy-Award winner Keith Urban is no stranger to the CCMA Awards stage. This year, the platinum-selling artist arrived in Hamilton celebrating the release of his ninth studio album GRAFFITI U. Hitting #1 on all-genre charts after one week of release and recently gold certified in Canada, GRAFFITI U boasts singles such as “Coming Home” (ft. Julia Michaels) and is anticipated to add to Urban’s long-list of #1 hits (23). The second chart-topping album for Keith Urban, GRAFFITI U laid the foundation for an electric, high-energy performance both at the 2018 CCMA Awards and each night of the upcoming 10 Canadian dates of the “GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR”.
Meghan Patrick, Suzy Bogguss, Jessica Mitchell and Terri Clark herself, who all performed a medley of Clark’s songs, including “Better Things to Do,” “Poor Pitiful Me,” “No Fear” and “Northern Girl.” Photo by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Recently earning the first #1 single at Canadian country radio by a female in more than a decade with “Criminal,” Lindsay Ell has spent the better part of the last year taking the country world by storm. With her debut release THE PROJECT named the #1 Critic’s Choice Country Album of the Year by Billboard, the Calgary native has just wrapped a year-long tour with Brad Paisley and will head out with both Sugarland and Keith Urban later this year.
''Lindsay Ell'' Performing 'Criminal' at the 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Two-time CCMA Award Group of the Year winners, High Valley has become one of Canada’s biggest success stories. Selling over 1 million singles worldwide, the brother duo recently released their fifth studio album DEAR LIFE. Spawning the Top 10 hits “Every Week’s Got A Friday” and “Dear Life” (Top 5), DEAR LIFE also delivered the #1 Canadian Country radio hit and their fourth GOLD-certified song “I Be U Be.” Nominated for a 2018 JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year, High Valley will head out on the road with Old Dominion this fall, bringing their smash hits “Make You Mine” (certified GOLD in both Canada and the US) and “She’s With Me” (Top 5 in Canada/Top 10 at US Country radio) to fans across North America.
GRAMMY-award winner Alessia Cara will join the 2018 CCMA Awards’ star-studded roster of performers and presenters to bestow the CCMA Generation Award on five-time GRAMMY and 24-time CCMA Award winner Shania Twain.
''Alessia Cara'' Presenting The Generation Award to 'Shania Twain' at Last Night's 2018 CCMA Awards
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear for NOW and THEN Magazine
At just 22 years old, Alessia Cara has captured the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide. The GRAMMY and multi-JUNO Award-winning artist has taken the music industry by storm since launching her first single “Here” in 2015. Cara presented 2018 CCMA Awards show host Shania Twain with the CCMA Generation Award. Highlighting internationally celebrated artists who have pushed country music forward to new audiences, the presentation of the CCMA Generation Award celebrates Twain’s significant impact on the country music industry globally. Twain joins Taylor Swift as the second CCMA Generation Award recipient.
''Shania Twain'' Top Winner at 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photo by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Jess Moskaluke wins the 2018 CCMA “Album Of The Year” award for her album “Past The Past” and the 2018 CCMA for “Country Music Program or Special of the Year”
''Jess Moskaluke'' Incredible Moment at the 2018 CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
James Barker Band's picked up single of the year, giving the song an extra boost after it won top-selling single at a gala dinner ahead of the broadcast. The Reklaws won rising star.
International country star Keith Urban, who performed his song Never Coming Down, inducted Terri Clark into the hall of fame after a reel of best wishes from longtime pals.
"To be congratulated by Reba, Brooks and Dunn and be given this award by one of the most talented men on this planet is pretty awesome," Clark said.
"I can't wait to see where this crazy ride takes me next," she added. "I'm not done, this is just the second chapter."
Some CCMA awards were handed out in events leading up to the broadcast.
The Washboard Union took home their third award for roots artist or group.
Left to Right - Paul Biro(Agent-Sakamoto Agency), Mindan Gunther-Moore, Aaron Grain, Shannon Elle(Host for Complete Country), David Roberts, Chris Duncombe, Trina Skare(Chris Duncombe's Wife), Ron Sakamoto-The Washboard Union Manager-Gold and Gold Productions-Sakamoto Agency
The Washboard Union's Aaron Grain and Mindan Gunther-Moore at 2018 CCMA Awards Show 
Mindan Gunther-Moore, Aaron Grain, Steve Kaine(President Warner Music Canada), David Roberts, Chris Duncombe, Trina Skare(Chris Duncombe's Wife), Ron Sakamoto-The Washboard Union Manager-Gold and Gold, Sakamoto Agency)
The Washboard Union'' at the CCMA Awards Show Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear and John Marshall NOW and THEN Magazine
Completion of all the artists gathered together to close out the 2018 CCMA Awards Show
Photography by Kim Cyr-Goodyear NOW and THEN Magazine
Here is the complete list of winners for the Canadian Country Music Association Awards Released Sept 10th, 2018
2018 CCMA Awards streamed globally for the first time ever by CBC,
making the show live around the world
Sunday, September 9 (Hamilton, ON) -- It’s official. Hamilton knows how to throw an epic party. Tonight, the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA) took over FirstOntario Centre for Canada’s biggest night in country music, celebrating the world’s top talent from the 2018 CCMA Awards stage. Broadcast live on CBC, the evening saw host Shania Twain awarded with Top Selling Album of the Year, Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year, the CCMA Generation Award and the coveted Apple Music Fans’ Choice Award.
One-of-a-kind performances were at the heart of the show’s success, starting with the night’s opener -- a Shania Twain tribute performed by FORD Album of the Year winner Jess Moskaluke, Kira Isabella and Madeline Merlo. Surrounded by a crowd of 10,000 country music fans, the 2018 CCMA Awards stage came to life as internet-sensation Mason Ramsey made his first Canadian award show appearance and international superstar Keith Urban performed his hit “Never Coming Down”.
Highlights also included collaboration performances by 2018 CCMA Award winner Brett Kissel (Interactive Artist of the Year) and Serena Ryder, a tribute performance for 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Terri Clark by Suzy Boggus, Jessica Mitchell, Meghan Patrick (2018 Female Artist of the Year) and Clark herself.
OFFICIAL 2018 CCMA AWARD WINNERS:
FORD Album of the Year
Past the Past - Jess Moskaluke
Apple Music Fans' Choice Award
Shania Twain
Female Artist of the Year
Meghan Patrick
Group or Duo of the Year
The Washboard Union
Male Artist of the Year
Dallas Smith
Sirius XM Rising Star
The Reklaws
Single of the Year
Chills - James Barker Band
MEDIA NOTE: A complete list of 2018 CCMA Award winners can be found at ccma.org.
Country Music Week will return to Calgary, AB for the first time in a decade for 2019. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official CCMA digital platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) for updates.
The complete individual artists photo galleries will be posted this week including the Legends Show - Then and Now, so please look for them under the galleries tab on the NOW and THEN Magazine website.
For more information about the Canadian Country Music Association, please click here