There will be plenty of hometown pride on the line when the Canadian Country Music Association hands out its 2026 CCMA Awards this September in Saskatoon. Central Ontario’s Shannon Ella and Jason McCoy are once again being recognized on the national stage, earning a nomination for Country Personalities of the Year. For listeners of Pure Country 106, it’s another nod for two familiar voices who connect with country fans every day. McCoy was quick to share the spotlight in an exclusive interview with CTV News on Wednesday. “It’s wonderful to be recognized in this way, but recognizing myself is recognizing Carey Moran of the morning show at Pure Country 106,” he said. “We like to be in the centre of the activity. But it’s not about us. It’s about Pure Country and we just get to have a front row seat to all the fun.” “To be recognized for doing something you love is quite the honour,” McCoy added. McCoy also earned a spot on the Musical Collaboration of the Year for the hit ‘Till The Wheels Fall Off’, featuring The Road Hammers, Tyler Connelly and Ian Thornley. Ella is also on this year’s nominees list and sees the recognition as a reminder of the value of connecting with audiences. “The nominations and awards were never part of the plan. They’ve been an incredible reminder that if you focus on serving your audience, telling artists’ stories and showing up every day with passion, those moments can happen as a byproduct,” she said. “They’re something I’ll never take for granted. If anything, they remind me of that younger version of myself walking into that building, hoping someone would simply give me a chance.” Ella is also part of another CCMA-nominated project. The Pure Country Top 50 Countdown, featuring Ella (iHeartRadio Canada) with Lainey Wilson and Russell Dickerson, has been nominated for Country Music Program, Special or Digital Feature of the Year. “Both Lainey Wilson and Russell Dickerson had such huge years in 2025, so it was really fun to look back on everything they’d accomplished and share that with our listeners. I also feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve had the chance to interview both of them many times over the years, dating back to the early days of their careers.” The station itself is also on the line for an award. Central Ontario’s Pure Country 106 (CICX-FM) has earned a nomination for Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market). Josh Duncan, program director and afternoon host at Bounce 104.1, said the recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team. “I would like to thank the Canadian Country Music Award voting membership for the honour of nominating Pure Country 106 as station of the year. It is always rewarding knowing that the hard work of our entire team is recognized alongside all the other great nominated stations. Having Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella nominated as ‘Personalities of the Year’ is also a huge honour.” Adding, “Jason’s work on Pure Country Mornings with Carey Moran brings laughs, country music knowledge and a wonderful bond with their listeners. And Shannon’s work on the Pure Country Top 50 Countdown alongside her own midday show is a great testament to the work she puts in. I want to thank our entire team for the work put in this year.” For Ella, building connections with listeners has always been the goal. “I’ve always wanted my show to be more than just music. Country music tells real stories, so I think our conversations should too. Whether it’s talking about mental health, celebrating life’s big moments, or being honest about the tough ones, I want listeners to feel like they’re not alone. If someone finishes the show feeling a little lighter, a little more understood, or simply like they spent time with a friend, then I’ve done my job.” The celebrations don’t end there. The Boots and Hearts Music Festival in Oro-Medonte is also in the spotlight with a nomination for Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year. The CCMAs announced 192 nominees for 2026, with 71 first-time nominees. The 44th annual CCMA Awards take place Sept. 19 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. The show will air exclusively on CTV and stream live on Crave.
