Two local musicians were winners at the 11th annual Country Music Association of Ontario awards, held on Sunday (June 4) at Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius.
Peterborough native Elyse Saunders took home the Music Video of the Year award for her song “Genes” — which is about inclusivity and celebrating people for who they are — and Bailieboro native Jade Eagleson won the Fans’ Choice award.
Along with the musician awards, Peterborough’s Pure Country 105 won the Radio Station of the Year (Medium Market) award.
The big winners of the night were Robyn Ottolini, who took home the Single of the Year and Female Artist of the Year awards, and The Reklaws (siblings Stuart and Jenna Walker) who won the Group or Duo of the Year award and The Compass award (based on the most album sales, digital song downloads, audio streams, and more).
Both Eagleson and Saunders performed at the awards show, along with Robyn Ottolini, Nate Haller, Karli June, Graham Scott Fleming, Sacha, Vincent Bishop, Jason Blaine, Genevieve Fisher, Andrew Hyatt, Ryan Langdon, Owen Riegling, Julian Taylor, and The Western Swing Authority.
The show, which was hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella, also included a special performance by McCoy and Nicole Rayy in honour of 2023 Impact Award recipients The Family Brown, and a tribute performance to Gordon Lightfoot featuring The Good Brothers.
Here is the complete list of the 2023 winners:
- Single of the Year – “Say It” – Robyn Ottolini
- Album of the Year – Party In The Back – Nate Haller
- Songwriter(s) of the Year – Steven Lee Olsen, Brandon Day – Nashville Or Nothing (recorded by Steven Lee Olsen)
- Female Artist of the Year – Robyn Ottolini
- Male Artist of the Year – Tim Hicks
- Group Or Duo of the Year – The Reklaws
- Record Producer(s) of the Year – Karen Kosowski – Karli June
- Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) – KX-947, Hamilton
- Radio Station of the Year (Medium Market) – Pure Country 105, Peterborough
- Radio Station of the Year (Small Market) – 100.1 FM The Ranch, Listowel
- Roots Artist or Group of the Year – Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
- Rising Star – Josh Ross
- Music Video of the Year – “Genes” – Elyse Saunders
- Music Industry Person of the Year – Dave Woods
- Francophone Artist or Group of the Year – Reney Ray
- Fans’ Choice – Jade Eagleson
- Compass Award – The Reklaws
- Holly & Steve Kassay Generous Spirit Award – Kayla Wilging
- Impact Award – Family Brown
VIDEO: “Genes” – Elyse Saunders
