SiriusXM Canada Launches $25K Search for Francophone Artists

Francophone artists across Canada just got a golden ticket to launch their music careers on an international stage.

SiriusXM Canada announced Nouvelles Ondes, a nationwide talent search offering emerging French-language artists $25,000, performances at major Quebec music festivals, and a showcase at Paris's prestigious MaMA Music & Convention. Applications opened April 14 and run through April 28, giving solo artists and groups a tight window to apply.

The competition unfolds in stages designed to maximize exposure. Three finalists selected by music industry professionals will record original songs and videos in professional studios. From July 9 to 23, Canadians can vote daily for their favorite artist online before finalists take the stage at Festival d'été de Québec in July.

The grand finale happens in September at Festival de musique émergente en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where one artist will claim the top prize. Two runners-up won't leave empty-handed. They'll each receive $10,000 bursaries plus mentorship opportunities and airtime across SiriusXM's network of 35 million North American subscribers.

Michelle Mearns, SVP of Programming at SiriusXM Canada, emphasized the cultural stakes. "Francophone artists are a vital part of Canada's cultural identity and creative future," she said, noting the program leverages the company's reach to provide meaningful career development.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative extends beyond individual artists to strengthen Canada's entire French-language music ecosystem. By connecting emerging talent with established festivals and international platforms, Nouvelles Ondes creates pathways that have historically been harder for Francophone artists to access. The program also reinforces Canada's commitment to its bilingual identity through cultural investment.

SiriusXM already supports Francophone music through five dedicated channels, including Attitude Franco and Influence Franco. This competition adds hands-on career launching to their existing platform presence.

Interested artists can review eligibility requirements and submit applications at siriusxm.ca/nouvellesondes before the April 28 deadline.

One competition could change everything for three talented musicians and shine a spotlight on Canada's vibrant French-language music scene.