Every year, Boots and Hearts kicks off with the Emerging Artist Showcase presented by Coors Original. Eight contestants are selected from the applicants for this showcase and each artist receives roughly 10 minutes to perform a set on the SiriusXM Front Porch Stage during the Thursday night Kick-Off Party. Once each contestant performs, the judges from Universal Music Canada pick two of the eight competitors to move onto the final round of the competition, which takes place on Sunday afternoon.
This year, the competition was more fierce than ever. Each artist brought their own unique style to the stage and wowed the audience with stellar performances. Competing this year were Spencer Burns, Blue Ridge Band, Alexa Goldie, Erika Rollin, Cam Galloway, Sarah Vanderzon, Maddy McKenzie and Bradley Hale.
On Thursday August 8, each of the eight contestants took their shot at competing for the grand prize on Sunday August 11. The two finalists were slated to perform before country sensation Nate Smith. This year’s grand prize included an opportunity to release a single with Universal Music Canada, perform during the Kick-Off Party at Boots and Hearts 2025 and receive management sessions from RLive.
During the performances, the audience heard original songs from Cam Galloway including “Sober You” and “Repeat.” Alexa Goldie also performed her latest single, “Bad Boy,” as well as a mix of smash pop hits such as Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8ter Boi” and Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ‘69.”
After a tough round of competition, the judges ultimately decided that Blue Ridge Band and Sarah Vanderzon would move on to Sunday’s final round.
At 5pm on Sunday, the two finalists took to the main stage for their head-to-head competition. Both performances were incredible, with each artist receiving the chance to play one song of their choosing. The crowd was energized and excited to see these emerging artists take one of the biggest stages in Canadian music festivals.
After Nate Smith’s performance, the judges were ready to announce the winner. They credited both artists for their immense talent but in the end, the judges chose Sarah Vandezon as the 2024 winner of the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase!
Congratulations to Sarah Vanderzon and a job well done to the seven other artists who competed in the showcase!
