Jessica Sevier & Ryan Langdon Earn 6 CMA Ontario Awards Nominations, Announce UK Tour
Canadian country artists Jessica Sevier and Ryan Langdon are both heading into a major year, celebrating multiple 2026 CMA Ontario Award nominations while preparing for their first international performances together. Jessica earned her first-ever CMAO nominations this year for Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year, while Ryan received nominations for Male Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Alongside the recognition, Jessica is set to perform her single “Good To Drive” during the CMA Ontario Awards, and Ryan will take the stage at the Songs and Stories concert during CMAO week.
Beyond the awards season excitement, the pair are also preparing for their UK debut at British Country Music Festival this September, followed by their “Two For The Road” acoustic co-headline tour — marking the first international performances for both artists. Between Jessica’s deeply personal new single “Springsteen” and Ryan’s growing catalogue of country hits that have earned millions of streams worldwide, both artists are continuing to carve out impressive paths in Canadian country music while bringing fans along for the ride.
First off, care to introduce yourselves to our readers?
Jessica: Hey! I’m Jessica Sevier, a singer/songwriter from Toronto. My music blends a ton of different influences from country, rock, and pop. I just recently put out a song called Springsteen!
Ryan: Hey, I’m Ryan Langdon, a country-rock artist from Niagara Falls. I love writing and performing high-energy songs that are all about living life to the fullest, making memories, and having a good time.
You’re both celebrating major nominations at the CMA Ontario Awards this year—what was your initial reaction when you found out?
Jessica: I was honestly at a loss for words! I saw the first nomination get announced and couldn’t believe it. I was so excited. I thought that was going to be it. But then the next three got announced, and I was floored. I just started screaming and dancing around with the biggest smile on my face. Truly so honoured to be recognized by the country music community.
Ryan: Honestly, it was a mix of gratitude and validation. As an independent artist, you spend a lot of time just grinding behind the scenes — writing songs, playing shows, travelling, trying to connect with people one listener at a time. So when the nominations came in, it felt like one of those moments where you stop and realize people are paying attention to the work. It’s a huge honour to be recognized alongside so many talented artists in Ontario country music right now.
Jessica, these are your first CMAO nominations — how does it feel to be recognized across so many categories right out of the gate?
Jessica: Truly unbelievable! I used to dream of the day that my name would be in the running for an award. I even remember making a vision board years ago with my name nominated in all these categories. To have four nominations my first year as a nominee is just mind-blowing. I have been working at this for a long time, and to be recognized for that work by the industry is just an honour. I just want to thank everyone who voted for me — I am ecstatic!
Ryan, you’ve been building momentum for a while now — what does this year’s recognition mean at this stage in your career?
Ryan: This recognition means a lot because it feels like it’s coming at a point where everything I’ve been building is starting to really connect. There’ve been years of learning, growing, and figuring out who I am as an artist and songwriter. I think this year especially, I’ve felt more confident creatively and more connected to the stories I want to tell.
What does it mean to you both to be part of the current wave of Canadian country artists gaining international attention?
Jessica: It is extremely exciting! To get the chance to travel the world because of the music I am making is a dream. I am going to get to see and experience playing shows in places I probably would have never gone if it weren’t for my music, which is so cool. I am happy and honoured to be one of the faces representing Canadian country music across the pond!
Ryan: Being part of this wave of Canadian country artists getting international attention is honestly really exciting. I think Canadian country music has its own identity. There’s a real authenticity to the songwriting and the stories being told, and I think people around the world are starting to connect with that. For me personally, it’s pretty surreal to come from a place like Niagara Falls and have opportunities to share my music beyond Canada. It feels like Canadian artists are proving that great country music can come from anywhere.
You’re both heading to the British Country Music Festival — what excites you most about bringing your music to a UK audience?
Jessica: The most exciting part is definitely getting to meet new fans and share my music with a whole new group of people. I am so grateful for the opportunity and hope I can make a connection with this audience to open doors for some more international travel! I am also excited to learn more about the UK country music scene and see some artists that are new to me as well!
Ryan: I think the coolest part is knowing country music can connect people no matter where they’re from. The UK country scene has grown so much, and the fans there are incredibly passionate about songwriting and live music. I’m excited to share my songs with people who may be hearing them for the first time and, hopefully, create that connection that country music does so well. I’m also looking forward to experiencing the culture, meeting other artists, and just soaking it all in.
This marks your first international performances — do you approach those shows differently than Canadian ones?
Jessica: Not really! I think the show prep is all the same — practice, rest, vocal hydration! However, it might be a little different because we will be fighting quite a bit of a time change. So I will be flying in a few days early to try and acclimatize to the time zone and make sure I get a lot of rest before the shows start. It’s going to be a learning process for sure, but once I get the routine down, I’ll take that with me for any future international travel.
Ryan: There’s definitely an added excitement going into these shows because it’s my first time performing internationally, but at the core, my approach stays the same. Country music is built on storytelling and real connection, and that translates no matter where you are in the world.
Looking ahead, what does success in 2026 and beyond look like for each of you — not just professionally, but personally?
Jessica: Success to me is just being truly happy with the music I am making and enjoying every adventure along the way. This year, I will be releasing my debut EP and working on my sophomore record as well, which I am thrilled about! I also hope to connect with some new fans and continue to share my story playing live shows!
Ryan: Professionally, I just want to keep growing in a way that feels real to me — putting out music I’m genuinely proud of, getting out on the road more, and building something that has longevity. I’ve always believed the most important thing is staying authentic and making music people can actually connect with.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sept 4, 2026 – Blackpool – British Country Music Festival – Jessica
Sept 6, 2026 – Blackpool – British Country Music Festival – Ryan
Sept 7, 2026 – Barnoldswick, Lancashire – Barnoldswick Arts Centre
Sept 8, 2026 – Holmfirth, West Yorkshire – The Holmfirth Tavern
Sept 9, 2026 – London – Green Note
Sept 10, 2026 – Poole, Dorset – Honky Tonk Collective
Connect with Jessica Sevier:
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