Jake Vaadeland says what keeps him motivated is seeing people come out to his live performances. He enjoys standing at the merch booth after every show to talk with fans. (Photo credit/jakevaadeland.com)

By Kenneth Cheung

LOCAL COUNTRY STAR

Jake Vaadeland represents Sask. in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country semi-finals

Feb 24, 2025 | 11:59 AM

Jake Vaadeland isn’t one for competition — but that’s exactly what makes his spot in SiriusXM’s 2025 Top of the Country semi-finals so charming.

Growing up in Big River, Sask., the bluegrass and traditional country artist is one of eight semi-finalists in the national competition — and the only one representing the province — a fact that leaves him thrilled but far from stressed.

“I’ve never liked competition,” Vaadeland said with a laugh.

“It kind of scares me a little bit, stresses me out. I just think of it as a fun thing to be part of with other working musicians and artists who are in the same business as I am. I’d rather focus on the music and the experience than the competition itself.”

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Even so, the competition is no small feat. The Top of the Country contest, in partnership with SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association, is a launchpad for local country artists, offering national exposure and invaluable industry connections.

After voters select the top three finalists from eight candidates, the artists will perform at Lasso Montréal from Aug. 15 to 16 and attend the 2025 CMA Fest in Nashville.

The competition finale will be held during Country Music Week 2025 in September in Kelowna, B.C., where finalists will perform, and the winner will be announced live on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio.

(photo credit/ Aleah anseth)

But win or lose, Vaadeland remains unfazed.

“If it doesn’t do well in the competition, that’s all right by me,” he said. “I still make my living doing this on the road, and it’s just a very fun thing to be part of. I’ve always believed that staying true to my style and my music matters more than winning any kind of contest.”

That laid-back attitude doesn’t mean he isn’t taking the opportunity seriously. One of his new entry songs, Everybody Loves My Little Darling brings his signature vintage style, reminiscent of Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Sr., into the mix.

“The song has a real old-school feel, like something you might’ve heard on the Grand Ole Opry back in the 1940s or ’50s,” he said.

The track has already been tested on the road, earning warm receptions from fans, and Vaadeland is excited that more people will hear it through the contest.

“It’s the kind of music I love making — simple, heartfelt and true to its roots. I think people connect with that authenticity.”

When asked which artists he’d love to collaborate with, Vaadeland didn’t hesitate to say the Honkytonk Wranglers from Kentucky.

“A wonderful group and we just had the pleasure of working with them at Rockin’ Race Festival [Jamboree] in Spain when we started our tour in Europe,” he shared.

“They are really good guys and they put on a great show and they worked the crowds over.”

While the competition may not be his favourite part of the journey, the chance to share his music and represent Saskatchewan keeps his spirits high.

“I feel quite lucky to just have the opportunity to be this busy,” he said.

“Whether I do well in the competition or not, I just like being part of the experience. The chance to fly back and forth, keep touring and meet new audiences — that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

He also credits his never-give-up attitude for his continued success.

“I’ve always believed in working hard and staying committed to what I love,” he said. “Even when things get tough, I just keep going.”

As of this writing, Vaadeland is touring Europe with the Sturgeon River Boys.

Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys. (photo credit/ Morten Fog)

The rest of the semi-finalists are:

• Sully Burrows – Parry Sound, Ont.

• Annika Catharina – Deroche, B.C.

• Allison Daniels – Quebec City, Que.

• Noeline Hofmann – Bow Island, Alta.

• Braden Lam – Halifax, N.S.

• Brettyn Rose – Okotoks, Alta.

• Mitch Zorn – Kelowna, B.C.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com