A few votes from the public could be just what Kelsey Fitch needs to cap off one of the biggest years of her life. Fitch is a new mom to Maddox and she’s been chosen to represent Saskatchewan in the 2017 Canadian Country Music Award’s spotlight contest. “This is a huge opportunity for me!” Fitch explains, “If I win the spot, I can perform on a CCMA stage in front of producers, publishers, other musicians; this could be a career launching moment.”

Fitch has been performing since she was a teenager. In 2015, she released her debut album Play Nice which earned her a pair of Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. She’s a regular on local stages, but with this contest Fitch hopes to go further. “It was such an honour to be chosen out of all the local artists that applied. but now the wait is terrifying,” she says. “The 8 artists I’m up against are all fantastic. I’m just pushing as hard as I can and hoping I’ll come out on top.”

“It was such an honour to be chosen out of all the local artists that applied. but now the wait is terrifying,”

Fitch is hoping to perform at the 2017 Canadian Country Music Awards. (Mela Photography)

Fitch says the support has come from everywhere for this contest. Businesses like Lake Country Co-op and Original Joes are putting out the word with posters, friends like fellow musicians Codie Prevost and Samara Yung are helping on social media. “This province is really supportive of local Saskatchewan artists.” Fitch explains, “The fans are behind me and so are the local radio stations. It’s like one big family.”

Family is top of mind when Fitch thinks about winning the contest. The 2017 Canadian Country Music Awards is being hosted in Saskatoon this year and that means many more of her friends and family could be in the audience to cheer her on. “It would be so special to have them there to celebrate with me,” she says.

Fitch isn’t pinning all her career aspirations on this contest however. While at home with her son, she’s been creating new music. “I’ve been writing up a storm. I’m trying to figure out what I want my next album to sound and feel like.” She continues,” I’m also about to launch a video series on my social media where I tell you the story behind the music I write. Stories like these help people have a deeper connection to my music.” Fitch hopes to capture the most votes but ultimately, she hopes this contest leads her to making more music in 2017 and beyond.

The public can vote for their favourite artist in the  2017 Canadian Country Music Association Spotlight Contest until June 16.

Click here to vote.