An iconic Nashville venue is honoring Canadian country music.
Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry has announced a major event on Oct. 29 titled “Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating 50 Years of the CCMA.” This celebration will focus on the Canadian Country Music Association, featuring a special broadcast that brings together Canadian artists across generations, showcasing those who have shaped the Canadian country scene and those who will lead it into the future. The event will be aired on iHeartRadio on Nov. 6.
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This past weekend (Sept. 19), singer Jess Moskaluke was emotional after receiving an invitation to make her Opry debut during the CCMAs, which is now part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
Moskaluke will perform alongside Canadian artists Terri Clark, a distinguished Opry member, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Gord Bamford, Paul Brandt, Tami Neilson, Tenille Arts, and Brett Kissel, who was awarded the Gary Slaight Humanitarian Award at this year’s CCMA Awards.
This announcement follows several collaborations between both institutions, as established country artist Kalsey Kulyk was also recently invited to debut at the Opry in November after performing at the CCMAs Legends Showcase, where she received the news via a surprise video from American country star Lainey Wilson. The recent CCMA Awards broadcast also featured Stella Lefty’s debut at the Opry, where she performed “Boston,” her chart-topping track that has maintained its position at No. 2 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 for several weeks. This performance will also be included in the anniversary broadcast.
The CCMA has launched several international initiatives to promote Canadian artists globally. In August, the non-profit introduced the inaugural Canada-Australia Country Music Exchange, a new program aimed at connecting Canadian and Australian country musicians.
Read more here.
Riley Green to Headline 2026 Grey Cup Halftime Show in Calgary
Riley Green is set to perform at Canada’s football championship.
The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today (Sept. 24) that American country star Riley Green will headline the Grey Cup Halftime Show at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium on Nov. 15. Following his album release That’s Just Me last Friday (Sept. 18), Green joins past headliners like mgk, Jonas Brothers, and Green Day who have performed during this championship game.
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Green expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled to finally experience a Grey Cup and be part of its vibrant atmosphere. Performing at halftime for such an audience is going to be an incredible experience and an unforgettable way to conclude what has been an extraordinary year!”
Last year’s choice of mgk sparked some debate among CFL fans as many believed that the halftime show should feature a Canadian artist. With ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., these discussions are likely to continue. However, Green represents a significant moment for country music within the Canadian market.
The artist has topped the Billboard Canada Country chart four times with hits such as “There Was This Girl” (2018), “Half of Me” with Thomas Rhett (2022), “Worst Way,” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” featuring Ella Langley (2025). Langley has since reached No. 1 with her hit “Choosin’ Texas,” now recognized as the third-longest No. 1 in Billboard Canadian Hot 100 history, reflecting an upward trend in country music in Canada that makes Green an ideal choice for this year’s halftime show.
The pre-game events are rich with Canadian culture, featuring Halifax-born singer Sarah McLachlan performing the national anthem before kickoff. McLachlan recently appeared at pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival in August, where she performed her classics “Building a Mystery” and “Angel” alongside Rodrigo as a tribute to Dolly Parton. Canadian music icons Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor from Blue Rodeo will also perform as special guests, while James Barker Band is set to play the kickoff concert before the game, adding to their impressive lineup of major Canadian appearances this year.
Read more here.
