Emerging Singer-Songwriter Alex Sampson Arrives on the Billboard Canada Airplay Charts With 'Misery'

Alex Sampson is anything but miserable.

This week, the rising Canadian singer-songwriter debuts at No. 35 with “Misery” on the Billboard Canada CHR/Top 40 Airplay chart, dated May 23.

A former America’s Got Talent semifinalist, the Atikokan, Ontario native pens an emotionally charged hit, transforming the intensity of heartbreak into an anthemic release.

The emerging artist details the push and pull of trying to move on from someone who still lingers in your thoughts. It's a universally relatable moment, as Sampson turns the deeply vulnerable experience into an upbeat track with driving momentum.

“‘Misery’ fluctuates from being my favourite song on the EP,” says Sampson, referencing his latest EP, Growing Pains. “It’s the song with the most energy and the one I want to play over and over again,” he adds, sharing that writing the song was “honestly therapeutic.”

Last year, the Warner Music Canada-signed artist hit the Airplay charts with “Pretty Baby,” a '50s-throwback ballad.

Sampson is one of a handful of homegrown acts who have started on a reality singing competition and are now on the rise. Fellow Warner-backed act Cameron Whitcomb got his start on American Idol and recently scored two Juno Awards at this year’s ceremony. His love song “You And Me” is at No. 25 on CHR/Top 40.

Following his highly praised Coachella performances, Justin Bieber notches a new entry on the CHR/Top 40 chart with “Speed Demon” at No. 30.

Arguably the standout track from Bieber’s Swag II — a follow-up to his chart-topping record Swag — The song leads with a groovy guitar melody and hip-hop-influenced instrumental, as it blossoms into a bright and funky song that finds Bieber oozing with confidence and ambition.

The Canadian singer even pokes fun at his viral "is it clocking to you?" meme, born from a paparazzi altercation last year: “Say you missed me, wasn't missing, is it clocking to you?” he sings. It’s a playful moment for Bieber, who has often leaned more serious in recent years.

Further up on the chart, his hit “Yukon” is performing well, sitting at No. 5 in its highest peak.

This week’s Airplay charts see a string of debuts from rising Canadian country acts. On All-Format, Tenille Arts arrives at No. 43 with “Don’t Ruin Flowers,” while Tyler Joe Miller is “Under The Influence” at No. 45. Meanwhile, Josh Stumpf brings his classic twang to Canada Country listeners as “Johnnie Walker (Back To Me)” debuts at No. 54.

After making its Airplay chart debut last week on Modern Rock, breakout Canadian act TALK’s “Time Machine” arrives at No. 34 on Hot AC and No. 40 on Mainstream Rock. In its second week on Modern Rock, the emotional track rises 25-13.

Ahead of his record-breaking stints in Toronto and Vancouver, Bruno Mars maintains the No. 1 spot on All-Format, AC and Hot AC. Over on CHR/Top 40, Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love) rises 2-1, and climbs 4-2 on AC.

This week on Country, Luke Combs falls four spots to No. 5 with “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” as Jordan Davis vows to “Turn This Truck Around” as he rises one spot to No. 1. Nickelback’s Wrestlemania hit “Bones for the Crows” maintains its top spot on Mainstream Rock, while along Noah Kahan’s “The Great Divide” remains a chart-topper on Modern Rock.

Check out the Billboard Canada Airplay charts here.