Pure Country’s Shannon Ella Tees Up the Upcoming 2024 CCMA Awards Presented by TD

Ahead of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards Presented by TD happening this Saturday in Edmonton, CTV caught up with PURE COUNTRY national radio host, and two-time CCMA Award-winner, Shannon Ella, as she prepares to reprise her role as on-site reporter, and present during the biggest night in Canadian country music. Providing exclusive interviews with top country music artists and behind-the-scenes access ahead of the awards, Ella reflects on her favourite memories of past CCMAs and shares an inside look in to what she hopes to see this weekend and beyond. Q: What makes the CCMA Awards stand out among other awards ceremonies? The family feel that you get when you arrive at the CCMA Awards is like no other award show I have ever been to. We all work together throughout the year at shows and festivals, which ultimately lead to what feels like a country music family reunion. It just feels like a big homecoming party! Q: What have been your top-three CCMA Awards moments thus far?

1. My first CCMA Awards – the 2018 ceremony in Hamilton, ON – was very special. I was so excited to be a part of Country Music Week and to conduct my first red carpet interview ever with the host of the awards, the one and only Shania Twain. I don’t know if you can ever top that.
2. Another favourite memory of mine is when I interviewed my now husband at the same 2018 CCMA Awards. I had never met him before, and we now have our first ever conversation documented to look back on. We have the CCMAs to thank for that!
3. My third memorable moment comes from last year’s 2023 CCMA Awards, when I had the opportunity to present on the CCMA stage for the first time during the live broadcast and introduce Jade Eagleson’s performance!

Q: Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform at this year’s CCMAs? I am always excited to see the performances, as the CCMAs have always done a great job curating such a fantastic show, but I am really looking forward to seeing Mackenzie Porter and Thomas Rhett co-host the event, with each taking to the stage to perform. I think they are going to be amazing! Q: If you had the chance to create a CCMA Award, what would it be? I would love to create something that was not just artist-specific and call it the Ground Breaker Award. To be considered, nominees would have had to create or work on a project that has helped to break ground or bring change within the country music industry. Q: What is something you have not yet had the chance to experience at the CCMA Awards that you would like to cross off your list? My biggest CCMA Award bucket list moment would, without a doubt, be to one day host the event! Q: What can viewers expect from 2024 CCMA Awards? What are you looking to share in your coverage of the events? We will be sharing everything and anything right from Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards themselves. Even if viewers can’t physically attend, we will make them feel like they are right there beside us. From all of the great events leading up to the ceremony, to the red carpet glam, and never before seen backstage moments, I am so excited to share everything the 2024 CCMA Awards have to offer for everyone to enjoy! Hosted by Thomas Rhett and MacKenzie Porter, the 2024 CCMA Awards Presented by TD return to Edmonton for the first time in 10 years and feature 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame^® Artist inductee, k.d. lang, as she is joined by The Reclines for the first time in 35 years to take the to the stage for an official reunion. The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, Tenille Townes, Josh Ross, Dasha, Brett Kissel, Dallas Smith, and more also take to the stage to perform. The 2024 CCCMA Awards Presented by TD air live from Rogers Place, Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.