15th Annual Country Music Alberta Awards Submission Forms

The Rules and Regulations are available to read here: https://www.countrymusicalberta.com/rules-and-regulations

For most Country Music Alberta awards, we follow a four step process:

1. Submissions: Every Country Music Alberta member is eligible to submit one name for consideration per category. These submissions are verified by our verification committee. Once eligibility is confirmed, all submissions move onto the First Ballot.

2. First Ballot: All verified contenders will be listed on the First Ballot. The top ten contenders receiving the most votes will move onto the Second Ballot. In the event of the tie, more than ten contenders will move onto the Second Ballot.

3. Second Ballot: The top ten contenders will be listed on the Second Ballot. The top five nominees receiving the most votes will move onto the Third Ballot. In the event of a tie, more than five nominees will move onto the Third Ballot. For Horizon Female Artist, Horizon Male Artist, Horizon Group or Duo, Horizon Single, Horizon Album, Female Artist, Male Artist, Group or Duo, Single, and Songwriter(s) of the Year, the top ten contenders will be reviewed by the jury for each category. The top five nominees will be determined by the following formula: 51% jury score, 49% membership vote.

4. Third Ballot: The top five nominees will be listed on the Third Ballot. The nominee receiving the most votes will be the winner. In the event of a tie, more than one winner will be announced. For Horizon Female Artist, Horizon Male Artist, Horizon Group or Duo, Horizon Single, Horizon Album, Female Artist, Male Artist, Group or Duo, Single, and Songwriter(s) of the Year, the top five nominees will be reviewed by the jury for each category. The winner will be determined by the following formula: 51% jury score, 49% membership vote.

Some awards do not follow this process, and those details can be found in our Rules and Regulations: https://www.countrymusicalberta.com/rules-and-regulations

The Horizon Artist awards (Horizon Female Artist, Horizon Male Artist, and Horizon Group or Duo of the Year, as well as Horizon Single and Horizon Album of the Year) are for artists who are in the earlier stages of their career, those who are building their audience and starting to gain momentum in the industry.

The Artist awards (Female Artist, Male Artist, Group or Duo of the Year, as well as Single of the Year) are for artists who have already achieved national recognition: those who have won or been nominated for major awards like a JUNO or CCMA, or have reached certain sales milestones. These categories celebrate artists who have established a bigger presence in the industry.

Think of it as two paths: one highlighting tomorrow’s stars, and the other honoring artists who are already making waves across the country and internationally.

This is a new component for Horizon Female Artist, Horizon Male Artist, and Horizon Group or Duo of the Year submissions. While your recorded music is a key part of your entry, the jury also looks at your overall activity, growth, and impact on the community during the eligibility period. Your Artist Reflection helps paint the full picture. Please take some time to thoughtfully write this section. Your voice and perspective matter here, and jurors will be reviewing what you share as part of their evaluation.

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This year, we’re introducing a jury component to the Country Music Alberta Awards! Alongside our membership votes, a panel of industry experts will help review submissions to ensure we’re celebrating artistry, creativity, and the incredible talent shaping Alberta’s country music scene. Everything you want to know about the jury can be found here: https://www.countrymusicalberta.com/jury

You can submit to as many awards you meet the eligibility criteria for.

We are here to support you through the submission process. Please reach out to info@countrymusicalberta.com so we can answer your questions.