Canada has long been a powerhouse when it comes to producing exceptional musical talents, and its influence on the global music industry cannot be overstated. From soulful crooners to chart-topping pop sensations, this vast nation has given birth to some of the world’s most renowned singers. In this article, we delve into the vibrant Canadian music scene and pay homage to the top 10 famous singers who have captivated audiences worldwide with their incredible vocal prowess and undeniable star power. These artists have not only put Canada on the map but have also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the globe. Prepare to be inspired and awestruck as we celebrate the diverse range of talent that has emerged from the Great White North. Join us on this musical journey as we explore the extraordinary careers of these extraordinary individuals, from their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise to stardom. Discover the stories behind their chart-topping hits, the accolades they have garnered, and the enduring impact they continue to make in the ever-evolving landscape of popular music.
1. The Weeknd
This renowned Canadian musician rose to fame with his sultry R&B tracks. With a unique voice and an unmistakeable sound, he has won multiple awards and reached international superstardom. Known for his introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, he has captured the hearts of millions of listeners worldwide.
The Weeknd's music career began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded various tracks online. His debut album, 'Kiss Land', was released in 2013 to critical acclaim. However, it was his fourth album, 'After Hours', that cemented his position as one of the world's leading musicians. The album includes hits such as "Blinding Lights" and "Heartless," which have been streamed billions of times across various platforms.
This talented singer has created a unique brand for himself, often performing in mysterious settings with red-lit stages or masked performances. These elements add to the mystique surrounding The Weeknd's persona and further fuel fans' fascination towards him.
Legend has it that The Weeknd chose his stage name after leaving no emotion behind during the weekends to focus on making music. He stands out among Canadian musicians for his genre-bending sound that incorporates elements of pop, hip-hop, soul, and electronic music.
Shawn Mendes is proof that Canada not only produces great maple syrup, but also great pop stars.
2. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, a Canadian singer-songwriter, has gained immense popularity for his melodious voice and insightful lyrics. His talent has earned him numerous awards and collaborations with well-known artists. With catchy tracks like "Stitches" and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," the young artist has amassed a massive following across the globe. Mendes gained further attention when he was listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016, highlighting his potential as a rising star in the music industry.
Looks like Canada's secret to producing world-renowned singers is hidden in their water – just ask Celine Dion.
3. Celine Dion
Celine Dion, a Canadian musical icon, has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over three decades. She is known for her powerful voice, captivating performances, and her ability to sing in multiple languages. With countless accolades under her belt, including five Grammy Awards and an iconic residency in Las Vegas for 16 years, Dion has become a global sensation. She continues to inspire millions with her music and philanthropic contributions through her foundation named 'Celine Dion Foundation'.
Dion's contribution to music extends beyond just awards and recognition. She holds various records in the music industry, including the best-selling French-language album of all time and becoming the first female artist to have two successive number one albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, she has been a prominent figure in supporting charities that focus on children's welfare.
Pro Tip: Check out Dion's performance at the 1997 Oscars where she sang "My Heart Will Go On" – an unforgettable moment in musical history.
Neil Young's voice may be an acquired taste, but once you acquire it, you'll never want to let it go.
4. Neil Young
Neil Young, an iconic Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, has made significant contributions to the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous albums that have resonated with people worldwide. Young's unique vocals and folk-rock style infused with country and blues elements make him stand out in the industry. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and activism, which are themes present in some of his successful songs like "Heart of Gold" and "Rockin' in the Free World". Young's ability to blend different genres of music has earned him a coveted spot as one of the most influential singers from Canada.
Young's passion for music began at an early age, when he developed an interest in playing various musical instruments. He joined several bands before embarking on his solo career, where he gained fame for his unique sound. Young has won multiple awards, including Juno Awards and Grammy Awards, for his exceptional work as a musician. What sets him apart is his ability to adapt to changing times without losing his identity as an artist.
Despite being in the industry for so long, Young continues to tour and create new music today. His passion for music is infectious, inspiring both young and old musicians alike. If you're looking to explore more of Neil Young's work, we suggest starting with albums like "After the Gold Rush" or "Harvest". Listening to these classics will give you a glimpse into why Neil Young remains one of Canada's most celebrated musicians.
Shania Twain may have impressed us with her vocal range, but let's not forget that she also inspired a generation of leopard print enthusiasts.
5. Shania Twain
One of the most successful and globally recognized Canadian singers is a woman who goes by the name of the "Queen of Country Pop" – Shania Twain. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, she has continuously dominated the music industry since her debut in the early 90s. Her iconic hits such as "Man! I Feel Like A Woman", "That Don't Impress Me Much", and "You're Still The One" have become staples in pop culture. With her impressive vocal range and charismatic stage presence, Shania Twain remains one of Canada's proudest musical exports.
Moving on to the next famous Canadian singer…
Michael Bublé may have been born in Canada, but he sings like he's straight out of a classy Vegas lounge.
6. Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé: This Canadian singer and songwriter has won four Grammy Awards for his jazz-influenced music. With a career that spans over two decades, Michael Bublé's songs have topped the charts in both Canada and the United States. He is known for his powerful vocals, smooth crooning style, and ability to interpret classic hits in contemporary ways.
Bublé has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has performed at several notable events, including the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In addition to his music career, he is also an actor and television host.
Notably, Bublé's son was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, causing him to take a hiatus from music to care for his family. Since returning to the stage, he has used his platform to raise awareness for childhood cancer research.
To learn from Michael Bublé's success as a musician, aspiring artists can prioritize honing their vocals and unique style while staying true to themselves. Additionally, building a loyal fan base through consistent live performances and online presence can lead to long-term success in the industry.
Move over maple syrup, Bryan Adams is the sweetest thing to come out of Canada.
7. Bryan Adams
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, the Canadian singer-songwriter of the 90s, Bryan Adams has established himself as a well-respected musician in the industry. Adams' signature raspy voice is what sets him apart from other musicians, and his soulful ballads have created a loyal fan following. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for his song, "Never Gonna Break My Faith" with the legendary André 3000. Even though he's been around for over forty years, he continues to produce hit songs and tour extensively.
Adams' music style ranges from rock to pop to adult contemporary, and he has always stayed true to his roots. His breakout hit single in 1984 "Run To You" paved the way for his successful career in which he's released several acclaimed albums such as Reckless (1984) and Waking up The Neighbours (1991). However, the most successful track of his career is arguably "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You," which features on the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves soundtrack and was #1 in many countries worldwide.
Despite being regarded as one of Canada's most beloved artists of all time, Bryan Adams has faced controversy throughout his career. In 2019, he came under fire for making comments that were perceived as racist during a performance in London; therefore it led to several shows being canceled out of protest. However, Adams denied holding racist views and apologized for any offence caused.
Bryan Adams remains one of Canada's most iconic musicians who contributed significantly to shaping modern-day music during his time. He continues to inspire generations with his timeless classics even today.
Joni Mitchell may have written 'Big Yellow Taxi', but she definitely won't be taking an Uber to her next gig.
8. Joni Mitchell
This iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, whose birth name is Roberta Joan Anderson, is known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and her deeply personal lyrics. She began her career in the 1960s folk music scene and became a leading figure in the genre. Mitchell has been recognized with numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Her music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Avril Lavigne: proving that even punk rockers can grow up to be pop stars.
9. Avril Lavigne
As a prominent Canadian singer, Avril Lavigne has made her mark in the music industry with her punk-pop style and edgy vocals. With over 40 million albums sold worldwide, Lavigne’s music has resonated with fans across the globe since her debut in 2002. Her signature style and relatable lyrics have earned her multiple top-charting hits like “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” and “Girlfriend.” Beyond music, she has also expanded into acting, philanthropy work, and entrepreneurship with a fashion line. Lavigne remains an iconic figure in both Canadian and international music spheres, inspiring a generation of young artists to follow their passion.
As an influential musician, Lavigne’s impact goes beyond the entertainment industry. She has used her platform to advocate for Lyme disease awareness after being diagnosed in 2014. Through her foundation, she has raised millions towards research to find a cure for the illness that affects millions globally.
Lavigne’s extensive career spans across two decades, but she continues to innovate and captivate audiences with her fearless attitude and artistic vision.
Don't miss out on discovering more talented singers from Canada! Keep reading to learn about more Canadian legends who have made their mark on the global stage.
Justin Bieber: making teenage girls scream since 2009 and grandparents cringe since 2010.
10. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is one of the most popular and successful singers from Canada. He rose to fame with his YouTube videos, which led to a record deal with Island Records in 2008. With his catchy pop songs and impressive vocal range, he quickly became a global sensation. Along with numerous hit singles and albums, Justin has also won several awards including a Grammy and multiple American Music Awards.
Despite some public controversies in recent years, Justin continues to make music and tour the world. His loyal fan base known as "Beliebers" eagerly follows his every move on social media. Justin remains an influential figure in the music industry and has collaborated with other notable artists like Ed Sheeran, DJ Snake, and Ariana Grande.
One unique fact about Justin is that he is not only a talented singer but also plays the guitar, drums, piano, and trumpet. This demonstrates his versatility as a musician and adds depth to his performances.
Pro Tip: If you're a fan of Justin Bieber's music, be sure to check out his live performances for an unforgettable experience.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
