The Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs) returned to Edmonton for the first time in a decade, and Josh Ross emerged as the night’s big winner. The Burlington, Ontario native claimed top honors on Saturday with his hit single “Trouble,” a heartfelt, whisky-soaked ballad of heartbreak.
Ross, a former college football player turned country music sensation, took home three of the biggest awards of the night at Rogers Place: Single of the Year for “Trouble,” Male Artist of the Year, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year title.
In an emotional acceptance speech, the 28-year-old reflected on the journey that led him to Nashville, where he pursued his passion for country music. “This song was a surreal song,” Ross said of “Trouble,” noting that it captures the personal challenges he faced when making the move to Music City.
Ross shared how the relentless grind of touring—playing around 150 shows a year—takes him away from home for long stretches. Despite the challenges, Ross expressed that being recognized as Entertainer of the Year validated all the hard work and dedication he and his band have put into their craft.
The Canadian country music community celebrated Ross’s achievements alongside other stars, marking a successful return of the CCMAs to Alberta’s capital, where the best in the genre took center stage.
