2026 Winner
Congratulations to our 2026 CFR Anthem Singer Contest winner!
The competition at Cook County Saloon was fierce, Rachel brought the energy, the passion, and a voice we won't forget.
Catch her performing on October 8, 2026, at Rogers Place.
“Music has a way of bringing people together, and the CFR Anthem Singer Contest was the perfect example. Winning the contest and getting to share that moment with everyone is a memory I’ll never forget”
2025 Winner Taylor Stephens
Watch Alberta's Top Vocal Talent Compete Live
What the Winner Receives
The winning performer will receive:
The opportunity to sing O Canada at CFR 2026
$1,000 cash prize
Two tickets to Thursday's CFR performance
CFR merchandise and giveaways
About the CFR Anthem Singer Contest
Each year, the Canadian Finals Rodeo provides aspiring Alberta vocalists with the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for the honour of performing the national anthem before thousands of rodeo fans at Rogers Place.
The competition celebrates community, country music, and Alberta talent while creating a memorable experience for performers and spectators alike.
2025 Competition Gallery
Photos by Ron Palmer Photography
Judges
KALYN VAN HORNE
Kalyn has worked in the live entertainment industry for 15 years. Kalyn believes live entertainment brings people together for a shared experience and adds value to the local community. She has a love of understanding how things work behind the scenes and has experience in venue operations, outdoor festivals, and concerts. Kalyn currently works on the Community Initiatives & Agriculture team at Explore Edmonton, where she is responsible for the entertainment planning of KDays, Canadian Finals Rodeo, and Farmfair International. Two of her favourite projects to lead each year are the KDays Main Stage concerts and the Supreme Show at Farmfair International.
Outside of work, Kalyn along with her husband and son live on an acreage in Strathcona County, where they enjoy spending lots of time in the outdoors together.
CARLY KLASSEN
Carly is the Executive Director of the Alberta Music Industry Association, having held various roles within the organization, including seven years as Program and Operations Manager. After graduating from the Arts and Cultural Management program at MacEwan University, Carly dedicated her career to advocating for musicians and artists in Alberta, both nationally and internationally.
She serves on a number of local and national boards and advisory committees, including West Anthem, Alberta Partners for Arts and Culture, the Western Canadian Music Alliance, Canada’s Music Incubator, FACTOR’s National Advisory Board, and the Canadian Council of Music Industry Associations.
Before entering the non-profit sector, Carly worked at Stony Plain Records and Spirit River Distribution. She was recognized as Industry Person of the Year by Country Music Alberta, and is also an Edify Magazine Top 40 Under 40 alumni.
BROOKLIN BRITTAIN
Brooklin is the Afternoon Drive Host for CFWE, Alberta’s Best Country, serves as Music Director for CFWE and CJWE in Calgary, and is a Board Member for Country Music Alberta. She brings an authentic voice and passion for country music to the airwaves, which shapes both her on-air style and her approach to curating music that resonates with listeners across the province.