In Canada: The Biggest Moments From Billboard Canada Power Players 2026
Categoria: Musica
Also up north this week, a recap of Billboard Canada's Managers to Watch gala.
Por Billboard | 12/06/2026
The most influential leaders in Canada’s music industry gathered at the exclusive celebration for Billboard Canada Power Players at Toronto’s Rebel on June 10, as part of NXNE. It was a prestigious night with impactful and emotional remarks, heartfelt tributes and one historic, and strange, surprise honour to close the festivities. Many of the Power Players honoured on the 2026 list were in attendance, including Gary Slaight , Warner Music Canada co-GM Madelaine Napoleone , Universal Music Canada president & CEO Julie Adam , Live Nation Canada’s Erik Hoffman , Wayne Zronik and Melissa Bubb-Clarke , Allan Reid of the Junos/CARAS and many more. Related RAYE, Rubén Blades, Partisan’s Zena White & More Honored at Billboard’s 2026 Indie Power Players Event Carly Pearce Signs With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Clive Davis Hospitalized in New York After Respiratory Issue — UPDATE Following a viral KEXP performance in February, Quebec-based math rock duo Angine de Poitrine have skyrocketed into international fame. The polka-dot-clad pair — who perform under the pseudonyms Khn de Poitrine and Klek de Poitrine — are everywhere. In a surprise moment, they got to accept the Billboard Canada Global Breakthrough Award, presented by FACTOR, in front of the most powerful executives in Canada. When their name was announced, many in the room were questioning if they were really there and what they would do. True to their artistry, the two members took the stage in full black and white polka dot costumes as their music played, walked up to the microphone, and then didn’t utter a single word. While they lingered on stage it seemed like they might say something, if even in their otherworldly language. Instead, Khn reached up and touched his hat, and a burst of black and white confetti showered the audience. Then, they left. Without saying a word, they had one of the big moments of the night. Two icons of the live music industry were honoured for their decades-long devotion to the country and its artists. Paquin Artists Agency co-president Vinny Cinquemani and Live Nation Canada chairman Riley O’Connor became the first-ever inductees into the Billboard Canada Hall of Fame . When Meg Symsyk , president and CEO of FACTOR, stepped onstage to accept the Visionary Leadership award , she revealed that earlier in the day, she was on a flight from Los Angeles where she was with Rush at The Forum on their comeback 50th anniversary tour . Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski personally presented her with the award, and outlined that it’s been a whirlwind month for Symsyk, as news that FACTOR and Scotiabank had settled their lawsuit became public at the beginning of this month. Throughout it all, Symsyk ensured that the music funder has continued — and in many ways, expanded — its support of Canadian artists. “When you are surrounded by people who share your values and challenge each other to be better, you discover that leaders