A local singer is making headlines across the country today. Paige Penney of St. John’s is the winner of the Country Rising 2026 competition to find Canada’s next biggest country music star.
Speaking on VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan, Penney credited the power of support from local residents here in this province and beyond.
“And the voting was a month long and when I was prowling the votes -oh my goodness – Newfoundland and the east coast came through like crazy. Every video I posted, you guys would make it viral, share it like crazy and that’s how we won it”.
Along with $10,000, Penney will receive a recording contract with Starseed Entertainment, an opening performance slot on the Country Rising National Tour, two artist development sessions with Starseed Entertainment’s A&R Team, a songwriting workshop with Starseed Entertainment, a professionally produced recording session, and a professional press photography shoot and media training.
