MULTI-PLATINUM ACM & CMA AWARD-WINNING COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER RILEY GREEN TO HEADLINE BUD LIGHT GREY CUP HALFTIME SHOW
Sarah McLachlan to sing O Canada; Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor tapped for special pre-game performance; James Barker Band set for SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show
TORONTO (September 24, 2026) – The 113th Grey Cup will deliver an unforgettable celebration of Canadian pride, sport and music, featuring some of the country’s most beloved artists alongside world-class action and entertainment.
Calgarians and Canadian Football League (CFL) fans from coast to coast to coast will witness Canadian music icon Sarah McLachlan perform the national anthem as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds return to Grey Cup for their final flight. Canadian music legends Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo will give a special guest performance, and award-winning Canadian country music group James Barker Band will cap off the pre-game festivities in the SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show. Global country music star Riley Green will headline Canada’s most-watched musical performance in the Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show.
“From national treasures to global stars, this year’s Grey Cup entertainment lineup reflects what makes the CFL special: homegrown excellence, world-class talent and a uniquely Canadian celebration on our biggest stage,” said CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston.
The 113th Grey Cup will be played at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sunday, November 15 with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT. The championship contest and the Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show will be broadcast live across the nation on TSN, CTV, RDS and Crave. It will be available internationally on the league’s free livestreaming platform, CFL+. A limited number of tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
From November 11 to 15, the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival will feature a full slate of free and ticketed events celebrating football, music and community spirit. Fans can look forward to concerts, family-friendly activities, cultural showcases and a chance to get closer to the Grey Cup than ever before. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit greycupfestival.ca.
Riley Green knows his way around the gridiron, having played quarterback for the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks before making his mark in country music. Known for his down-to-earth style and relatable songs, the singer-songwriter has earned six No. 1 hits at Canadian country radio, including 3x-Platinum “There Was This Girl,” and the 6x-Platinum “Worst Way,” as well as infectious duets with some of the world’s most celebrated country stars, including “Different ’Round Here” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” His recently released fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, features lead single “Think As You Drunk,” along with follow-ups “Go Again” and “Imagine That.”
“We’ve spent a lot of time touring across Canada over the past several years, and the fans up there have always shown up for us in a big way. I’m excited to finally get to experience a Grey Cup and be part of the energy surrounding it. Getting to perform at halftime in front of that crowd is going to be a hell of a time, and a pretty special way to wrap up what’s been a really wild year!” said Green.
Green’s success has earned him five Academy of Country Music Awards, including Top New Male Vocalist in 2020. He continued that momentum in 2025, emerging as one of the biggest winners at the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards, where his duet with Ella Langley, “You Look Like You Love Me,” took home Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Now, headlining the Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show adds another major television credit to a standout 2026 for Green. The appearance follows his acting debut in Marshals and his role as a coach on the 30th season of The Voice, which premiered September 21 on CTV.
“For the sophomore Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show, it felt only appropriate to bring the brand’s passion for country music to this year’s musical stage,” said Andrew Oosterhuis, Marketing Vice President, Labatt Breweries of Canada. “With Calgary and Canada’s love for country music, we couldn’t think of a better artist to entertain football fans during the most-viewed, live-music performance in the country.”
There are few more quintessentially Canadian songstresses than Sarah McLachlan. Her storied career has spanned nearly four decades with countless No. 1 hits, drawing critical acclaim and adoring fans around the globe. Her tenth studio album, 2025’s Better Broken, including the title track, “Gravity” and “Reminds Me,” returned one of the country’s most beloved artists to the national spotlight. Her trophy case bears Grammy Awards and Canada’s highest musical honours, including multiple JUNO Awards, East Coast Music Awards and Western Canadian Music Awards in recognition of her stunning catalogue and her exquisite songwriting.
A member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, McLachlan also serves as a tremendous ambassador for her home and native land through her philanthropic and community efforts, garnering the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She is a Member of the Order of British Columbia and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
“It’s always such an honour to perform our Canadian anthem. There’s nothing like that connection with an entire stadium, united and singing together with so much joy and pride. And to do it on the Grey Cup stage in Calgary once again will be truly special, I can’t wait,” said McLachlan.
Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor formed Blue Rodeo in the mid-1980s, embarking on a legendary musical journey that has garnered numerous No. 1 singles and 12 JUNO Awards, including five for Group of the Year. Blue Rodeo has been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and they were the fifth band to be honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Cuddy and Keelor were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024 and they have also been made Officers of the Order of Canada.
“Ever since I was young, Grey Cup weekend has held a special place in my heart – from watching it with my dad, to celebrating with high school friends and family, and now having the chance to perform. I’m beyond excited to be part of it all in Calgary!” said Cuddy.
Their performance marks a triumphant return to a Grey Cup in Calgary for the famed Canadian duo, where Blue Rodeo starred as the halftime act in the 97th edition of professional Canadian football’s championship in 2009.
James Barker Band broke onto the Canadian country scene in 2015, winning the Emerging Artist Showcase at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. The Woodville, Ont., act has spent the past decade delivering the band’s signature small-town sound to the national stage, earning multiple No. 1 hits in Canada, including “Chills,” “Keep It Simple,” “Over All Over Again,” “New Old Trucks” and “Meet Your Mama.” Their first full-length release, 2025’s One of Us, features their sixth single to reach the top of the charts, “You Didn’t Hear It From Me,” which was supported by the fan-favourite Bud Light Buckle Up Tour across the country.
The band is a two-time JUNO Award winner for Country Album of the Year. They recently took home their fourth consecutive Group or Duo of the Year, as well as Fans’ Choice at the 2026 Canadian Country Music Association Awards in addition to bringing their unmistakable charm and personality as hosts for the ceremony.
“We had a chance to attend Grey Cup last year in Winnipeg and it was such a party. So, this year when they asked us to play the Kick-Off, it was a no-brainer. Excited to head out to Calgary and team up with such an amazing line-up of Canadian and global icons!” said Barker.
“Supporting Canadian artists is at the heart of what we do and The SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show is an incredible opportunity to elevate Canadian music,” said Rob Keen, SVP, Customer Lifecycle, Marketing & Partnerships, SiriusXM Canada. “Our longstanding partnership with the CFL allows us to showcase homegrown talent on one of the country’s biggest stages, while bringing together fans through the shared energy of music and sport.”
ABOUT RILEY GREEN
CMA and ACM award winner Riley Green returns with his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, arriving September 18 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Written and recorded during a pivotal chapter in Green’s life and career, the project further showcases one of Country music’s strongest songwriting voices.
A beloved artist known for his live performances, the country hitmaker has solidified himself as one of the most undeniable forces in country. Since first breaking out with songs like the No. 1 2x-PLATINUM (3x PLATINUM in Canada) “There Was This Girl,” the 3X-PLATINUM (U.S. & Canada) “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and chart-topping collaborations including the 2x PLATINUM (Canada) “Half Of Me,” 4x PLATINUM (Canada) “you look like you love me,” and the 2x PLATINUM (Canada) “Different Round Here,” Green has built a career on timeless storytelling that cuts through trends and connects directly with listeners resulting in seven No.1 songs.
Among dozens of accolades thus far, Green has won five ACM Awards, picked up four CMA Awards, and received multiple career nominations from the American Music Awards, CMT Awards, and recognitions as Billboard’s Hitmaker of the Year, MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT Listen Up Artist, and one of CRS’s New Faces of Country Music.
Beyond music, Green continues to expand his reach with several major career milestones. He recently made his acting debut on CBS’ Marshals, portraying Garrett, a former Navy SEAL, and was most recently announced as a coach for Season 30 and 31 of The Voice.
Green’s third record, Don’t Mind If I Do arrived in 2024 and found him with his breakout hits following its release including “Don’t Mind If I Do,” “Change My Mind,” “Jesus Saves,” and his third Country airplay No.1 and solo-cut “Worst Way,” which has led to widespread critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising, “He also has an uncommon ear for memorable hooks.”
An avid outdoorsman, sports fan, and former Jacksonville State University quarterback, Green continues to make an impact beyond music through his brand Duck Club Bourbon and his charitable initiative, Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which supports community-focused causes and honors the values and small-town spirit that continue to shape both his life and career.
Green is currently on his Cowboy As It Gets Tour, bringing his signature storytelling to fans worldwide. For tickets and more information, please visit rileygreenmusic.com.
ABOUT SARAH MCLACHLAN
Sarah McLachlan is one of the most celebrated singer songwriters in entertainment with over 40 million albums sold worldwide. She has received three Grammy Awards and thirteen Juno Awards over her career and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. McLachlan was the founder of the groundbreaking all-female music festival Lilith Fair, which raised over $10 million for local and national women’s charities. Last year she released two notable projects; the feature documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, and her tenth studio album Better Broken.
McLachlan is also a philanthropist and the founder of Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), a not-for-profit that offers music instruction and mentorship at no cost to children and youth facing barriers to access. SoM was founded in Vancouver in 2002 and it currently serves over 2,200 students annually with locations in Vancouver, New Westminster and Edmonton. McLachlan personally covers the administrative costs so that every dollar raised goes directly to support the students.
ABOUT JIM CUDDY, GREG KEELOR AND BLUE RODEO
One of Canada’s most enduring bands, Blue Rodeo has received 31 JUNO Award nominations (winning 12) and 17 CCMA Awards (winning two). Since their formation in Toronto when they electrified the supercool Queen West scene – before making their homes in the soft-seaters and arenas of the nation – Blue Rodeo has sold more than four million albums, played thousands of shows, been inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, been named to the Order of Canada and been honoured with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.
The band has created a body of work that stands as a benchmark in Canadian music, weaving deeply resonant, distinctly Canadian stories that have influenced countless songwriters. Their songs have not only defined Blue Rodeo’s legacy but have also influenced the evolution of rock and country music, inspiring countless artists and becoming woven into the fabric of the nation’s cultural identity.
ABOUT JAMES BARKER BAND
James Barker Band are one of Canada’s most successful country acts, with more than 415 million global streams, six No. 1 singles at Canadian country radio, 12 Gold and Platinum certifications, two JUNO Awards for Country Album of the Year and 8 CCMA Awards. The quartet comprised of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass) have built a reputation for hit songs, big live shows and a chemistry that comes through both on and off stage.
In 2026, James Barker Band continue to build momentum on both sides of the border. Their latest single, “After Dark,” is currently a top 10 hit at country radio and they recently took home two CCMA Awards including Best Group or Duo of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. They also recently surprised more than 30,000 fans with a performance at Chicago’s Rate Field before taking the stage for their biggest show to date, performing for more than 70,000 fans at Festival d’été de Québec.
Throughout their career, James Barker Band have opened for some of country and music’s biggest names, including Post Malone, Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett and the Jonas Brothers, while continuing to grow their audience across North America and beyond.
ABOUT BUD LIGHT
Bud Light has been brewed in Canada since 1986 using the finest malted barley and premium hops that impart a smooth and light taste, and crisp finish. As one of the fastest growing beer brands in Canada, the brand has a portfolio of beer and flavoured beer, widely available across Canada. For more information, visit www.budlight.ca.
ABOUT SIRIUSXM
Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country’s leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SiriusXM app. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.
Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook, on X, on Instagram and on YouTube.
SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.
SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies 17 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The Canadian Football League is committed to delivering world-class competition and entertainment. Built on more than a century of history and tradition, the nation’s leader in professional football prioritizes on-field action, technological innovation and elevated fan experience to grow the game and inspire fans across the country and around the world. Each season culminates in the Grey Cup, Canada’s largest annual single-day sporting event. Off the field, the league champions meaningful community engagement to support and strengthen the nation. For the latest news, scores, league information and more, visit CFL.ca or download the Official App of the CFL (iOS|Android).
Contact
Related releases
NFL on TSN, CTV, Crave, and RDS – Week 2: Josh Allen and the Bills Open New Highmark Stadium Against the Lions on Thursday Night Football, Giants Battle Rams on Monday Night Football, and more
NFL on TSN, CTV, Crave, and RDS – Week 3: Ravens and Cowboys Meet in Rio de Janeiro, Battle of Super Bowl Contenders as Broncos and Rams Clash on Sunday Night Football, and more
Get the latest announcements from Bell Media
Subscribe to our media lists to receive official press releases and alerts from Bell Media PR.