Image Credit: YouTube / American Idol

By Canadian Press

CCMA Nominations

‘American Idol’ star Cameron Whitcomb, Country singer Josh Ross lead CCMA Awards nominations

Jul 17, 2025 | 12:37 PM

TORONTO — Breakout country singer Josh Ross and “American Idol” star Cameron Whitcomb are the leading nominees heading into this year’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

Both musicians picked up six nods each, including for fans’ choice, male artist, entertainer and single of the year.

They’re trailed by Brett Kissel and Owen Riegling, who both nabbed five nominations, while Jade Eagleson picked up four.

Whitcomb is a first-time nominee. The Nanaimo, B.C.-raised 22-year-old catapulted to fame after winning over “American Idol” judges three years ago with his backflips and vocal acrobatics. He placed in the Top 20 finalists.

He’s also up for the Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year award as well as Songwriter of the Year along with Ben Cottrill, David Schaeman, and Nolan Sipe for his song Quitter.

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Whitcomb was recently announced as one of the performers at the awards show this year, alongside Madeline Merlo, Dallas Smith and Tyler Joe Miller.

Ross, a Burlington, Ont. native who lives in Nashville, already has four CCMA trophies on his mantle and led the winners at last year’s celebration.

Comedian Tom Green will host the proceedings, which air live Sept. 13 from Kelowna on CTV and its online platforms.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025.

David Friend, The Canadian Press

– With files from Victor Kaisar/CJFC Today