August 6, 2016 - Global Country Star Search Eastern Competition in Halifax

Edmonton based Global Country has been conducting their Country Star Search competition out of Edmonton for 14 years. Although the competition has always been open to contestants from across Canada, with winners from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a runner up from New Brunswick, being based in Edmonton it has been difficult for eastern Canada artists to compete. With this in mind CEO Maryanne Gibson decided to hold a second competition in Halifax on August 6, 2016, at The Carleton Music Bar. Brooklyn Blackmore of Head of Chez, NS, was the overall winner in the 18 to 29 years old category, with Al O'Neil of Enfield, NS, as the runner up. In the over 30 age category, Sarah Matheson was the winner with Angela McClement of Halifax and Angus Brown Jr, also from Halifax coming in tied as runner up. The show was hosted by Russell MacKenzie from FX101.9, media sponsor of the event. In the evening after the competition, Global Country's Nashville mentor, RyLee Madison, who is originally from Nova Scotia, hosted a songwriters concert with the winners, along with local artists Makayla Lynn and Jason Price. All the winners have the opportunity to travel to Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to compete in the North American Country Music Associations International competitions in March, 2017. In addition, Brooklyn received a full delegate package to Country Music Week in London in September.