An Orillia singer continues to maker her mark on Canada's country music scene.
Parker Graye has been named one of eight semifinalists from across the nation for SiriusXM's Top of the Country winner.
SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced today the semifinalists in this year's competition.
The top eight will soon hit the studio, recording original tracks to share with Canadian country music fans, who will then vote on their favourite.
"The competition will heat up further when the group is narrowed down to the final three, who will vie for the coveted title of SiriusXM's Top of the Country winner and the $25,000 grand prize," notes a media release.
Graye, a Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School graduate, realized a dream last year when she was selected to perform at country music's largest event: Boots and Hearts at Burl's Creek in Oro-Medonte.
“I feel wildly blessed, grateful, and overwhelmed with joy,” she told OrilliaMatters after learning she would grace the Burl's Creek stage. “People always say it’s different on home turf and I’ve yet to experience that.”
Graye, 33, who lives in Vancouver where she started her music career, had never performed live in front of her hometown fans, her local friends, or her family.
Graye's breakout smash single, Good At Gettin’ Gone, reached No. 39 at Canadian country radio, earning her first Top 40.
Adding to a year of big firsts, including her first performance at Boots and Hearts, she surpassed five million catalogue streams across platforms.
"Exciting industry mentorship opportunities, a song writing trip to Nashville and performances at major events are on the line and Parker is sure to be in for a once in a lifetime experience with the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition," notes a media release.
Representing five provinces across Canada, the 2024 semifinalists are:
- Robert Adam – Bonnyville, Alta.
- Alexa Goldie - Kingston, Ont.
- Parker Graye - Orillia, Ont.
- Zach McPhee - Vernon, B.C.
- Tony Stevens - Surrey, B.C.
- Trudy - Montreal, Que.
- Mariya Stokes - Stavely, Alta.
- Jade Turner - Misipawistik Cree Nation, Man.
"Country music has never been more popular than it is right now and the talent of our top eight is some of the best we've seen in the six years we've been holding the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition," said Michelle Mearns, vice-president of programming and operations with SiriusXM Canada.
"This competition serves as a launching point for home-grown talent and is an opportunity for artists' dreams to be realized. Over the years we've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it has on careers and are looking forward to what this year's competition brings," Mearns added.
Following the public's vote for their favourites, the three finalists will travel to Nashville for industry mentorship opportunities, and they'll also have a performance slot at the 2024 CMA Fest.
They'll then hit the stage at Lasso Montreal in August, followed by the Top of the Country Finale during Country Music Week in September, where the winner will be crowned.
In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, SiriusXM will award both runners-up $10,000. The finale will be broadcast live on SiriusXM's Top of the Country Radio (Channel 171).
"The opportunity to celebrate the talent emerging from the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition is something we at the CCMA look forward to year after year," said CCMA president Amy Jeninga.
"This program further supports our ongoing dedication to amplify and support our talented Canadian country music community, and we can't wait to watch this year's semi-finalists embrace all that the competition has to offer," Jeninga added.
