Alternative pop singer-songwriter and SOCAN member Maggie Andrew has won the Grand Prize in the 2024 edition of the CBC Music Searchlight contest. Artists in every province and territory submitted an application, including an original song for consideration, and the panel of judges awarded the top spot to Maggie Andrew.
“Winning Searchlight is a really incredible feeling, in a way it still hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Maggie Andrew. “There are so many people around me who have helped, and continue to help, bring my visions to life, and without them I know I wouldn’t be here right now. I’m really excited! Searchlight this year was filled with so many talented artists, ones who I’m lucky to call friends, and others that I admire very much. I’m feeling a lot of gratitude, and truly just happy to be here.”
Andrew has gained notice for her edgy alternative pop, collecting more than six million combined streams on her music, and has already received several accolades – including the 2024 East Coast Music Awards African Canadian Artist of the Year honour, and the SOCAN Foundation Young Canadian Songwriters Award, in 2021. She was also a finalist in CBC Music’s Searchlight in 2023, making the Top 10.
In addition, four winning acts in the special Searchlight 2024 categories are: Amanda Jordan, for Outstanding Country Artist; pop singer-songwriter Dee Dee Austin, for Outstanding Indigenous Artist; punk group NOBRO, who earn the Songwriting Prize; and 16-year-old pop artist Summer Bennett, in the Top Teen category.
As part of the Grand Prize, Maggie Andrew will take part in the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class talent development program; receive a residency at the National Music Centre in Calgary; obtain a Yangaroo Music DMDS music and video promotion package; and collect $1,000 from Long & McQuade towards the purchase of music equipment.