Parry Sound’s Sully Burrows Named Breakthrough Artist at the 2026 CCMA Awards

At just 19 years old, Sully Burrows brought major national hardware home after taking home Breakthrough Artist of the Year honours

The SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—lovingly nicknamed the "Paris of the Prairies"—came alive with bright lights, cheering crowds, and the very best of Canadian country music for the 44th annual Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards. But while heavy hitters and fan favourites turned out for Canada’s biggest night in music, one of the most heartwarming moments of the entire celebration belonged to a rising star with deep roots right here in cottage country.

Nineteen-year-old Parry Sound native Sully Burrows earned one of the highest honours of his young career, winning the coveted award for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year.

Taking the stage as the first award recipient of the evening broadcast, the former Parry Sound Shamrocks hockey player and Rosseau Lake College graduate was visibly moved and pleasantly surprised by the rapid national recognition.

"I didn't expect it, so getting recognized is an amazing feeling," Burrows shared following his win, reflecting on a whirlwind trajectory that saw him transition from writing songs in his bedroom to sharing the national spotlight only two years after high school graduation.

Burrows’ rise in Canadian country music has been nothing short of meteoric. Choosing to pursue music over sports management in the summer of 2024, he quickly captured listener attention with his debut single "Youth," co-written with chart-topper Owen Riegling. His signature mix of earnest storytelling, rootsy acoustic textures, and small-town nostalgia quickly struck a chord across the country.

Track after track, Burrows has continued to build an impressive catalog. Hits like "Rally Around" and "Put It On Me" climbed the Billboard Canada Country charts, while anthems like "Somewhere in a Small Town," "Leave You Lonely," and "When You Know You Know" have solidified his place as one of the nation's most promising songwriters.

While the Saskatoon gala featured stellar moments—including host James Barker Band claiming Fans' Choice, Meghan Patrick winning Female Artist of the Year, and Cameron Whitcomb snagging Entertainer of the Year—for listeners across Muskoka and Parry Sound, Burrows’ victory was the true crown jewel of the broadcast.

Seeing a local talent who grew up along Georgian Bay claim national CCMA hardware serves as a tremendous point of pride for the region. As Burrows prepares to head back out on the road, his breakthrough win in the Prairies proves that big-city dreams can start right here in a small town.

Sources:

• CNW Group
• Moose Jaw Today
• Paquin Entertainment Group
• Wikipedia

Image courtesy of CCMA’s