Billboard Canada Launches Nominations for 2026 Power Players, Celebrating Industry Leaders Shaping Music’s Future

Billboard Canada has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Power Players list, which highlights the executives who are pivotal in driving the country’s music industry and its global influence. This initiative is an extension of Billboard’s esteemed Power 100, recognizing influential leaders across various sectors whose contributions are shaping the industry’s operations and growth.

Celebration Set for June 10 in Toronto

The Power Players celebration is scheduled to take place in Toronto on June 10, as part of Billboard Canada’s ongoing partnership with NXNE. This event positions Power Players at the heart of one of the Canadian music industry’s most significant conferences and festivals.

Nominations are open until April 17, 2026, inviting submissions from all areas of the industry. Candidates will be evaluated based on their impact over the past year, using metrics such as leadership, market share, revenues, and contributions to the broader music ecosystem. The list will be peer-nominated and selected by the Billboard Canada editorial team, with honorees spanning labels, publishing, live events, streaming, radio, creative media, management, and more.

Richard Trapunski, National Editor of Billboard Canada, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of both artists and industry leaders. He stated, “Canada hits above its weight when it comes to music — both the artists and the people shaping their success behind the scenes. It’s always energizing to gather these impactful people together and celebrate their success and influence.”

For more information and to access the nomination form, visit Billboard Canada.

Spotify Reports on Canadian Artists’ Earnings

In related news, Spotify has disclosed that Canadian artists generated over $544 million in royalties from the platform in 2025, marking a 19% increase year-over-year and a nearly 60% rise since 2021. This data comes from Spotify’s latest Loud & Clear streaming report, which aims to provide insights and transparency regarding Canada’s music streaming economy.

The report indicates that more than 370 Canadian artists earned over $100,000 on the platform in 2025, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2018. Additionally, over 100 artists surpassed $500,000, and nearly 70 reached the $1 million mark. The report highlights that this income is crucial for artists building sustainable careers, regardless of their location within Canada.

In comparison, Canada’s total recorded music revenue rose by 5.6%, reaching $957 million, with streaming accounting for 4.5% of this revenue, totaling $747 million. The Canadian-specific data follows a global report revealing that over 13,800 artists earned $100,000 on the platform.

U.S. Congressman Targets Canada’s Online Streaming Act

U.S. Congressman Lloyd Smucker has introduced a new bill, the Protecting American Streaming and Innovation Act, aimed at investigating whether Canada’s Online Streaming Act discriminates against U.S. companies. If the United States Trade Representative (USTR) finds evidence of discrimination, they are mandated to take necessary retaliatory action, which could include tariffs on Canadian goods.

Smucker stated, “Digital trade plays a critical role in America’s economy, supporting high-paying jobs and exporting American values. Canada’s unfair policies stack the deck against U.S. companies, creators, and workers. This bill would protect American creators and companies while permitting mutually beneficial competition and innovation.”

The Online Streaming Act, rolled out in 2023, has yet to be fully implemented by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and has become the subject of multiple legal disputes. A key update in the legislation mandates major foreign streaming platforms to contribute 5% toward Canadian content, with allocated funds directed to organizations such as FACTOR Canada and Musicaction.

This decision faced significant pushback from major streaming services, leading to appeals against the required contributions. The payments have remained paused, becoming a contentious topic during CRTC public hearings.

Conclusion

The developments surrounding the Billboard Canada Power Players nominations and the financial landscape for Canadian artists underscore the dynamic nature of the music industry. As the sector continues to evolve, the recognition of influential figures and the ongoing discussions regarding streaming regulations will play a crucial role in shaping its future.

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Published on 2026-03-27 21:50:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk