Billboard Canada Power Players 2026: Nominations Open

Billboard Canada Power Players returns for 2026, spotlighting the executives driving the country’s music business and shaping its global impact.

An extension of Billboard’s celebrated Power 100, the list recognizes the most powerful leaders across sectors whose work is influencing how the industry operates and grows.

The celebration returns to Toronto on June 10 as part of Billboard Canada’s ongoing partnership with NXNE, placing Power Players at the centre of one of the Canadian music industry's most important music conference and festivals.

Nominations are officially open now. The deadline to apply is April 17, 2026.

Submissions are invited from across all areas of the industry. Candidates will be evaluated based on their impact over the past year using various metrics, including (but not limited to) leadership, market share, revenues and contributions to the wider music ecosystem.

The list is peer-nominated and selected by the Billboard Canada editorial team, with honourees spanning labels, publishing, live, streaming & radio, creative media, management and more.

The Billboard Canada Power Players 2026 Nomination Form is here.

"Canada hits above its weight when it comes to music — both the artists and the people shaping their success behind the scenes," says Richard Trapunski, National Editor of Billboard Canada. "It's always energizing to gather these impactful people together and celebrate their success and influence."

Last year’s Power Players list reflected the scale and diversity of Canada’s music industry. Live Nation Canada executives Riley O’Connor, Erik Hoffman and Melissa Bubb-Clarke topped the 2025 list, underscoring the continued growth of the country’s live sector and Toronto's status as one of the world's top touring destinations.

The list also spotlighted leaders across labels, rights and streaming. The country's most powerful execs came out to celebrate at an exclusive honour in Toronto at NXNE. Derek 'Drex' Jancar was presented with the Impact Award, reflecting the broader influence of executives shaping both business and culture across Canada’s music ecosystem.

Canada continues to play a significant role in the international music landscape, with executives across touring, artist development, streaming and media contributing to its expanding reach. More than a dozen Canadian executives were honoured in Billboard's 2026 Global Power Players list, which was unveiled last week.

Billboard Canada Power Players 2026 nominations can be submitted via this form. A French version of the nomination form is available here.