The first milestone of this year’s Searchlight contest is finally here, as we reveal the artists who have made the Elite 50.
Discover more about each artist by reading their profiles as you listen to their songs here.
Here’s how the national Elite 50 was decided. Each artist was judged on the following:
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Potential for success in the Canadian music industry.
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Vocal performance, quality of music and lyric composition.
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Our judges’ impression of your song and your career to date.
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Social media engagement and streaming numbers.
Please also note that the quality of each song was judged on audio, not video.
See the musicians who made the Elite 50 below.
CBC Music’s Searchlight 2024 Elite 50
1. Alexander Wesley, “Tied Up” (Brampton, Ont.)
2. Amanda Jordan, “You Don’t Wanna Know” (Smiths Fall, Ont.)
3. Aphrose, “Roses” (Toronto).
4. Arianna Reid, “Out of the Game” (Brampton, Ont.)
5. Avry, “Run Into Me” (Toronto).
6. B00sted, “Selfish” (Mission, B.C.)
7. B.Rob, “Can’t Believe” (Toronto).
8. Bree Taylor, “Standing Still” (Mississauga, Ont.)
9. Cab’Ral, “Good Girl” (Edmonton).
10. Calling all Captains, “Undone” (Edmonton).
11. Chloé Caroline, “94” (Los Angeles).
12. Con the Artist, “All My Friends” (Toronto).
13. Darrian Gerard, “Villian” (Duncan, B.C.)
14. Dee Dee Austin, “Why Am I So Different” (Fall River, N.S.)
15. Drew Gregory, “This Side of the Dirt” (Standard, Alta.)
16. Eleanor, “Former Friend” (Toronto).
17. Elenee, “I Don’t Want It” (Lloydminster, Sask.)
18. Francis Skyes, “Break My Fall” (Moncton, N.B.)
19. fxrrvst, “Lavender” (Toronto).
20. Haleluya Hailu, “Postal Code” (Surrey, B.C.)
21. Housewife, “I Lied” (Toronto).
22. Jackson Hollow, “Travelin’ Heart” (Vancouver).
23. Jaguar Sun, “Don’t Stress” (Toronto).
24. Jessa Sky, “Anxiety” (Edmonton).
25. Josh Alexander, “Why Am I Falling For You” (Montreal).
26. Josh Sahunta, “Someone Like You” (Edmonton).
27. Jr. Rhodes, “What I Gotta Say” (Edmonton).
28. Justin Fancy, “Lie” (Conception Bay South, N.L.)
29. Justine Blanchet, “Cheap Sunglasses” (Montreal).
30. Kam Prada, “Sid’s Song” (Calgary).
31. LeFlofranco, “Sonner L’Alarme” (Ottawa).
32. Levy, “Half Alive” (Dieppe, N.B.)
33. LostsOfficial, “I’ll Be There” (Toronto).
34. Madisyn Gifford, “For Shaughnessy” (White Rock, B.C.)
35. Maeesha B, “Prove It” (Ottawa).
36. Maggie Andrew, “About Us” (Halifax).
37. Maurice Moore, “memrise” (Ottawa).
38. Mauvey, “Pray For You” (Chilliwack, B.C.)
39. Nige B, “Tears On Love Letters (feat. Dubbygotbars) [Remix]” (La Ronge, Sask.)
40. Nobro, “Where My Girls At” (Montreal).
41. Omega Mighty, “Badgirl Workout” (Ajax, Ont.)
42. Pelch, “Last Night” (Montreal).
43. Quincy Isaiah, “Say Less” (Toronto)
44. Rachelle Show, “Stranger” (Toronto).
45. Rarity, “Keep It To Yourself” (Hamilton, Ont.)
46. Roveena, “Save Me” (Toronto).
47. Steph LaRochelle, “Slow” (Ottawa).
48. Summer Bennet, “Just a Phase” (Paradise, N.L.)
49. Tinywiings, “Lighter” (Calgary).
50. X. Ari, “She Knows It” (Pickering, Ont.)
Congratulations once again to our Elite 50. Please check back in on Friday, Aug.16, 2024, at 8 a.m. ET when our Top 10 finalists will be revealed. All 10 artists will be chosen by our judges.
Our grand prize winner and the four secondary winners of CBC Music’s Searchlight 2024 competition will be announced on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at 8 a.m. ET.
Each of the artists in the Elite 50 will be featured on our new Searchlight Standout stream, and you can listen to the playlist via CBC Listen or using the CBC Listen app.
