Canada’s music scene continues to flourish with the announcement of the five talented winners of the 12th annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program. This prestigious initiative provides aspiring Canadian musicians with opportunities for mentorship, industry exposure, and performance, helping to shape the future of the nation’s music landscape. With over 1,000 submissions from across the country, this year’s winners represent a rich diversity of talent, creativity, and originality.
The Grand Prize Winner
At just 22 years old, Gabriel Fredette from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec made program history as the first musician to win with a French-language song. His hit, Encore une fois, is a stirring ballad that explores themes of hope, love, and perseverance. Fredette gained a large following after competing in Quebec’s La Voix (The Voice) in 2024, and his tracks have been gaining momentum on streaming platforms since then. His upcoming EP Forêt Noire is set to release in November, and fans are eager to see where his unique folk-pop sound will take him next.
Other Standout Winners
The second-place honor went to Dallas, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter with an impressive pop portfolio that includes over 37 million streams and regular features on major Spotify editorial playlists like New Music Friday. Her vibrant sound and growing fanbase solidify her place as one of the city’s rising stars.
Sharing third place are Jackie Art, a British-Canadian artist bringing a blend of R&B, grime, and dance to Calgary, Mint Simon, a Montreal-based queer artist channeling 80s and 90s pop with deeply personal themes, and Tiger Balme, a Toronto-based alt-indie band made up of Asian-identifying women and non-binary musicians.
What’s Next?
Winners of this year’s program receive cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and a host of career-enhancing opportunities, including studio recording time at Metalworks Studios, mentorship from industry experts, and performance slots at notable events like Canadian Music Week 2025. These artists are primed to continue making waves in the industry, pushing Canadian music in exciting new directions.
For more information about the winners and their music, visit emergingmusician.ca.
Cover photo: Top L – R: Gabriel Fredette, Dallas. Bottom L – R: Jackie Art, Mint Simon, Tiger Balme
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