‘Man, it feels good to be home’: Shania Twain kicks off CCMA Awards

“I’m thrilled to see women in country dominating the album of the year category,” she said, pointing to one of the top categories at the CCMA Awards, which are underway in Hamilton. (File Photo by Todd Kaplan via Shania Twain/Instagram)

TORONTO — Shania Twain kicked off her hosting duties at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards by celebrating the inroads women are making in the country music industry — but she called for more progress.

“I’m thrilled to see women in country dominating the album of the year category,” she said, pointing to one of the top categories at the CCMA Awards, which are underway in Hamilton.

“But we can go further by recognizing a place for diversity in country music by being inclusive and by really respecting what women of country have always been able to deliver: heart, soul and a kick-ass guitar riff.”

Twain also shared her excitement to be returning to Canada to celebrate her peers.

“Man, it feels so good to be home,” she said.

“I won my very first CCMA award 23 years ago, right here in Hamilton.”

Early winners included James Barker Band’s “Chills” as single of the year, while the Reklaws won rising star.

A substantial roster of female nominees will bring an extra spark of energy to the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

The annual event of performances and accolades packs plenty of big-name artists from across the country and beyond its borders. It also has two of Canada’s rising country stars vying for the most awards.

Jess Moskaluke and Brett Kissel both have six nominations each, marking a rare instance when two genders are represented as equally top nominees.

The show opened with a tribute to Twain’s legendary status with performances by three of Canadian country music’s new generation of female voices: Moskaluke, Kira Isabella and Madeline Merlo.

Twain then joined the trio on stage to begin hosting duties.

International country star Keith Urban is among the other big names set to perform. There’s also heaps of awards to dole out, and many of them could go to women.

Twain and Moskaluke are the first female contenders for the CCMAs fan choice award in six years.

In the running for album of the year are Moskaluke’s “Past the Past” and Kissel’s “We Were That Song” alongside Patrick’s “Country Music Made Me Do It,” Ell’s “The Project” and The Washboard Union’s “What We’re Made Of.”

Awards will also be given out for both male and female artist, and group or duo of the year on the broadcast, which airs live on CBC.

Other highlights include Terri Clark, who will be inducted into the hall of fame, and performances by Serena Ryder, Dallas Smith, Lindsay Ell and the James Barker Band.

Presenters will reach beyond the realm of country and include Top 40 pop singer Alessia Cara, “Murdoch Mysteries” actor Jonny Harris and tennis player Vasek Pospisil.

Some CCMA awards were handed out in events leading up to the broadcast.

Moskaluke’s “Home Movie” won for country music program or special, while the design of her album “Past the Past” received an award for its creative directors.

Stephano Barberis received the video director award for the visual aesthetic he added to numerous projects, including Meghan Patrick’s “The Bad Guy,” Jade Mya’s “Dirt Covered Rhinestone” and Gord Bamford’s “Neon Smoke.”