Back in the spring, Canada's Walk of Fame sought public submissions to help write "A Song for Canada," offering $25,000 to entry that best captured the Canadian spirit in prose, poetry or song. Now, the winner has been announced, and it's 19-year-old songwriter Calum Graham from High River, AB.
There were more than 600 submissions, and Graham won with his song that praises the diversity of Canada's cultural mosaic. Judges were apparently charmed by his refrain, "No matter who you are, what you do, or where you're from -- everyone is someone."
You can listen to his submission in the embedded video at the bottom of this page. Is this really the song that best describes our country? We'll let you be the judge of this one.
Bear in mind, though, that this isn't actually the completed "A Song for Canada." Instead, some of Graham's lyrics will be incorporated into a final version, written by Olympic composer Stephan Moccio, who may use as little as one line. The finished tune will be unveiled at Canada's Walk of Fame inductee ceremony on October 1 at Toronto's Elgin Theatre.
In addition to reviving $25,000, Graham has won $10,000 worth of studio time and a chance to collaborate with Maccio, Chantal Kreviazuk and Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida.
The runner-up is ten-year-old Catherine Brenan from Oakville, ON and the third place finalist is Vince Dixon of Sydney, NS. Check out all of the top ten submissions here.
There were more than 600 submissions, and Graham won with his song that praises the diversity of Canada's cultural mosaic. Judges were apparently charmed by his refrain, "No matter who you are, what you do, or where you're from -- everyone is someone."
You can listen to his submission in the embedded video at the bottom of this page. Is this really the song that best describes our country? We'll let you be the judge of this one.
Bear in mind, though, that this isn't actually the completed "A Song for Canada." Instead, some of Graham's lyrics will be incorporated into a final version, written by Olympic composer Stephan Moccio, who may use as little as one line. The finished tune will be unveiled at Canada's Walk of Fame inductee ceremony on October 1 at Toronto's Elgin Theatre.
In addition to reviving $25,000, Graham has won $10,000 worth of studio time and a chance to collaborate with Maccio, Chantal Kreviazuk and Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida.
The runner-up is ten-year-old Catherine Brenan from Oakville, ON and the third place finalist is Vince Dixon of Sydney, NS. Check out all of the top ten submissions here.
