Graham calls awards show a win

Local singer Olivia Mae Graham was amongst the performers at the Country Music Association of Ontario awards on May 31 in Mississauga. Although nominated for six awards with her team and not winning, she said the win was being one of a select number to perform live at the event. (@adaptive.mmg Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Local rising country singer Olivia Mae Graham called last weekend’s Country Music Association of Ontario awards show a win despite not being chosen for any of the awards her debut album was nominated for.

Graham was nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Her debut album Nobody was up for Album/EP of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Nobody producers Jay Allen and Aaron Murray were nominated for Record Producer of the Year, and her guitarist, Nolan Gibson, was considered for Musician of the Year.

She didn’t win any of these awards, but was one of a select few asked to perform at the awards.

“Being able to perform on that stage and being there with my team was the win,” she said.

Graham debuted a new song, What’s It Going to Take, at the show.

“It’s been so special,” she reflected. “I had people message to me that they heard it on the awards show, and they just keep listening to it on repeat. As an artist, that’s what you want.”

Graham conceded that she was up against some of the top names in the province for some of the awards.

“Honestly, to be top six in all of Ontario is a win,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder of every single person on the team, and all the work we’ve done.”

Since the awards show, Graham has been conducting interviews and talking about the new single with country radio stations across the country. Performing on the CMAO awards has also opened door for her summer touring schedule, which includes Rockin’ Wheel outside London on July 3.

She doesn’t have a local date, but said she wants to have a big hometown show locally.

“It’s just a matter of scheduling - definitely before the end year,” she noted.