Artists Share Their Biggest Moments from 2018

There were a lot of big moments for country artists in 2018. From groundbreaking performances to number one hits, there was never a shortage of excitement! There were plenty of milestones for newer artists and veterans alike but certain moments stuck out above the rest.

Some of the biggest moments artists had in 2018 happened on tour, at award shows, and even in Europe! None of these moments would’ve been possible without the fans, so we asked some of country music’s biggest acts to share with us what some of their biggest moments from 2018 were.

As we gear up for an exciting 2019, let’s look back at some of the biggest moments country artists had in 2018, as told by the stars themselves!

Madeline Merlo

“Sharing the stage with Shania Twain.”

 

Andrew Hyatt

This year is hard to pick but I’d have to say it’s probably winning the SiriusXM Top of the Country contest.”

 

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We came, we saw, we conquered! Thanks @siriusxmcanada and @ccmaofficial !!!! 25,000$ baby !!!

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Dan Davidson

I had a crazy experience this summer. I found out that I have a lot of fans in Europe and serendipitously, I was scheduled to play the Tours American Festival in France (with Meghan Patrick and Gord Bamford). I used that as an opportunity to shoot video, meet some fans, and play some shows. I got to play in France, Italy, and Hungary. It was amazing to see people so far from Canada digging in on what I do. Line dancing is king and my tunes definitely seem to get people dancing! They definitely aren’t afraid of a fiddle and stomp clap tune over there!”

 

Meghan Patrick

“Headlining my first sold out festival and being named Female Artist of the Year at the CCMA Awards.”

 

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Where do I even begin. Last night was so incredibly special… to be honest, I was still riding the high from last year coming into this weekend… to even be nominated again was amazing. I am so incredibly honoured to be the @ccmaofficial 2018 Female Artist of the Year in the company of so many incredible women. @shaniatwain @jessmoskaluke @madelinemerlo @lindsayell … you all inspire me and I’m so proud of how hard we have all worked this year. I am so proud to represent women in Canadian country music. Thank you to everyone who gave me their vote… this past year has had many highs but also some lows and tough lessons learned… thank you for believing in me, and giving me the encouragement to push through the tough times. Thank you to my amazing team at @warnermusiccanada @olemajorlyindie @feldmanagency and to my incredible fans who put their hard earned money into helping me chase my dream, and to the CCMA for another incredible weekend. THANK YOU to everyone who has ever shown me your love and support and made this possible… I am so grateful 💛 📷: @cbc_music

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Meghan Patrick also achieved her first number one single at Canadian country radio this past week. Congrats Meghan!

 

Tim Hicks

Favourite moment from 2018 would be selling out the arena in my hometown on the Get Loud Tour.  The night was electric! So many friends and family came and the band and I had a really great show.  I was speechless, it was such a killer night! It was one of the top 5 moments of my entire career for sure.”

 

Martina McBride

Getting my own cooking show, Martina’s Table, on Food Network.”

 

Vanessa Marie Carter

“Headlining a sold out show at the Oakville Centre. Hometown shows are always so rewarding!”

 

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Nothing like a hometown crowd ♥️thanks for the love last night Oakville!

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Bobby Wills

2018 was a blast, and I have to say picking one thing is pretty tough. The only major festival we had not played in Canada going into 2018 was Boots and Hearts, so getting to play that stage was definitely a highlight.”

 

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Dear Summer…

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Jess Mosklauke

Winning Album of the Year at the CCMA Awards for Past The Past was a pretty memorable moment.”

 

The Abrams

Opening for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Luke Combs at Big Valley Jamboree.”

 

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Totally electric crowd last night at @thebvj opening for #nittygrittydirtband and @lukecombs . @rockinriverfest tonight!

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Brett Kissel

My We Were That Song nationwide tour took me to every province and territory this year, and it’s been the most rewarding, fulfilling, and amazing year I’ve ever had.”

 

Kira Isabella

My favourite moment from 2018 was performing with Shania Twain, Jess Moskaluke and Madeline Merlo at the CCMA Awards.”

 

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If you had told 8 year old me who was learning every single word to every single song on the album Up! That I would get to share the stage with @shaniatwain one day, I wouldn’t have believed you. Thank you so much @ccmaofficial and everyone involved in making this dream come true. @jessmoskaluke & @madelinemerlo I already knew that you were amazing, but in the time we spent together preparing for this performance I got to see how beautiful your souls really are🙏🏼✨ @shaniatwain thank you for being the iconic woman that you are and for continuing to inspire all of us Canadian girls who love to sing country music 😭💖 & congratulations to all of the nominees and winners this year!!! I love you & lets sleep for a week!!!! • • • • • • ##CCMA2018 #KiraIsabella #ShaniaTwain #JessMoskaluke #MadelineMerlo

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Jojo Mason

I have two favourite moments! The first one is going on my very first nationwide tour with the homies James Barker Band and my girl Ms. Meghan Patrick! The second moment would be my second national tour with my brother from another mother, Gord Bamford!”

 

Aaron Goodvin

It’s a toss up between playing Boots & Hearts & Dauphin Country Fest and winning the CCMA Songwriter of the Year award for Lonely Drum. A lot of amazing things have happened this year!”

 

Shawn Austin

Tough question! There have been many big moments that have been pretty amazing this year, but I think releasing my first EP would have to be the front runner.”

 

David James

What an incredible year this has been! I think a highlight was getting not one, but my first two top 15 singles at country radio. It truly takes a village to accomplish these things, and my team and I have been working very hard for many years to accomplish this. It feels so good when hard work pays off, and when your songs resonate with country music fans.”

 

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HOLY SMOKES. For the second time in my career, I have a Top 15 single at country radio!! Sheesh! Almost exactly one year ago, after the #CCMAs I went through a lot of self reflection, doubt, and anxiety over my career. A common theme among a lot of “newer” artists, things didn’t seem to be happening fast enough, or as easy as I thought they would. (Turns out this career is not easy – who knew!) I was at the end of my rope. I had two options: believe in myself and stay the course, or… walk away, which I almost did. But, I decided to press on. I decided I was going to take all of my outward frustrations, and focus them inward; use it all as motivation to become better. So, I set a big goal for 2018, something I’d never achieved: not one, but two Top 15 singles at radio. Let me be clear, this isn’t a one man show. I have the best team in the biz. But I encourage each and everyone of you, dream big and visualize. Live each day in light of what you want to achieve. Leave your mark, work your a$$ off, and good things just might happen. Even when it feels like you’ve got nothing left to give. Nothing worth having comes easy. 👊🏻 💪🏻 #Top15 #BackToBack #DOWNTOWNKIDS

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Check out some more holiday content including some of these favourite holiday recipes from your favourite country artists as well as their favourite holiday traditions!