Boots and Hearts 2026 Emerging Artist Showcase Semi-Finalists Announced

TORONTO, July 10, 2026 — RBoots and Hearts Reveals Eight Emerging Country Artists Competing for $10,000 Prize

One of Canada’s biggest country music success stories could begin this August at Boots and Hearts Music Festival.

Festival organizers have unveiled the eight semi-finalists selected to compete in the 2026 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, a long-running competition that has helped launch the careers of some of Canada’s brightest country stars.

Chosen from a record number of applicants from across the country, the artists will perform live on Friday, Aug. 7, at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds. One performer will ultimately be crowned the 2026 Emerging Artist Showcase winner during a special presentation on the festival’s Main Stage on Sunday, Aug. 9.

The winner will receive a career-boosting prize package that includes $10,000, the release of a single through Universal Music Canada, artist development sessions with RLive Management, a Gibson J-45 Special acoustic guitar, a VIP tour of the Gibson Garage in Nashville, and a performance at the 2027 Boots and Hearts Music Festival.

The remaining semi-finalists will each receive a one-year STRUT VIP membership, providing access to industry resources, networking opportunities and career development support.

Meet the 2026 Emerging Artist Showcase Semi-Finalists

• Landon Bedor (Smiths Falls, Ontario)
• Connor Eller (Fonthill, Ontario)
• Leah Holtom (Brampton, Ontario)
• Taylor Jensen (Inverness, Nova Scotia)
• Laila (Toronto, Ontario)
• The Mainlanders (Moncton, New Brunswick)
• Jackson Klippenstein (Kenora, Ontario)
• YASSiN & Sean Terrio (Oakville, Ontario)

Past Winners

Now celebrating its 15th year, the Emerging Artist Showcase has become one of the country’s premier launching pads for up-and-coming country performers. Alumni of the program include Josh Ross, James Barker Band, Jade Eagleson, Owen Riegling, Robyn Ottolini and Tim Hicks, artists who have collectively earned dozens of chart-topping hits, major industry awards and appearances on some of country music’s biggest stages.

Last year’s winner, School House, returns to Boots and Hearts on Friday, Aug. 7, performing on the SiriusXM Front Porch Stage alongside Emily Ann Roberts and Brett Kissel.

This year’s showcase also marks the beginning of a new partnership with New Country radio stations across Canada, expanding the program’s national reach and exposure for emerging artists.

Boots and Hearts Music Festival returns to Burl’s Creek Event Grounds this August with a lineup featuring some of country music’s biggest names. Festival information, tickets, camping and parking details are available at bootsandhearts.com.

For more information on festival artists, tickets, RV and tent camping, and parking, visit: www.bootsandhearts.com