Josh Ross

Last updated

Josh Ross
JoshRoss2024.jpg
Ross performing in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2024
Background information
Born (1996-05-27) May 27, 1996 (age 29)
Waterdown, Ontario, Canada
Origin Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Genres Country
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active2018-present
Labels
Website Official website

Josh Ross (born May 27, 1996) is a Canadian country singer and songwriter. He is managed by The Core Entertainment and jointly signed to Universal Music Canada and Mercury Nashville. [1] [2] Ross has charted multiple singles, including "On a Different Night", "Trouble", "Ain't Doin' Jack", "Single Again", and "Hate How You Look". [3] In March 2024, he released the extended play Complicated . [4] His debut album Later Tonight was released in September 2025. [5]

Contents

Ross performing in Hamilton, Ontario in 2023 Josh Ross.jpg
Ross performing in Hamilton, Ontario in 2023

Early life

Ross was born in Waterdown, Ontario, and later moved to nearby Burlington, Ontario for school. [6] [7] He spent most of his youth playing sports such as hockey, football, soccer, and motocross. [8] He has extended family in Los Angeles and Maine, and visited the United States often as a child. [9] Ross attended Western University on a football scholarship and was a defensive back. [10] He had hoped to play in the Canadian Football League. [8] A series of injuries coupled with two surgeries derailed his football career in university, [9] and he elected to pursue a career in music as a result. [8] Ross listened to both country and rock music growing up, and cites Steve Earle as one of his biggest musical influences. [8] [11]

Career

Early career

While working in construction management, Ross entered several music competitions including the Magna Hoedown in Aurora, Ontario, and the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artists Showcase. [8] He began making trips to Nashville, Tennessee in 2018, with the support of fellow Canadian country artist Aaron Goodvin, before making a permanent move there in 2019. [8] Ross released his first radio single "If You Were a Song" as an independent artist that year. [12] He released the five-song extended play Do What You Love in 2020. [8]

2022–2023: Universal Music Group, Grey Cup halftime show

In February 2022, Ross released the single "First Taste of Gone", which he co-wrote with Mason Thornley. [13] He then became one of the final eight finalists for SiriusXM's "Top of the Country" contest. [14] Ross subsequently signed a joint recording and management deal with The Core Entertainment and Universal Music Canada in April 2022. [1] With Universal taking over promotion of "First Taste of Gone", the song moved into the top five of the Canada Country chart, [3] and entered the Canadian Hot 100. [15] Ross released the song "On a Different Night" in July 2022, [16] [17] [18] which would become a radio single later that September. [19] He received a nomination for "Rising Star" at the 2022 Canadian Country Music Awards. [20] Ross performed at the halftime show for the 109th Grey Cup in Regina, Saskatchewan, alongside Tyler Hubbard and Jordan Davis. [21]

In January 2023, Ross released the single "Trouble". [22] He opened for Bailey Zimmerman at the end of his headlining tour in the United States in the same month. [23] In March 2023, Universal Music Group Nashville signed Ross in partnership with Universal Music Canada and The Core. [24] [25] Ross subsequently released the song "Red Flags" later that month. [26] [27] He joined Lee Brice's "Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour" with Tenille Arts in Canada in the spring of 2023, and signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music shortly thereafter. [28] [29] [30] He was named "Rising Star" at the 2023 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards. [31] In the summer of 2023, Ross was an opening act for Nickelback on their North American "Get Rollin' Tour" along with Brantley Gilbert. [32] In July 2023, he released the song "Ain't Doin' Jack". [33] That same month, he made his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. [34] At the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards in September 2023, Ross was nominated in six total categories, and won the award for "Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year". [35] [36] He released the song "Ain't the One" at the end of the month. [37]

2024–present: Complicated, Later Tonight, The Trouble Tour, and the Single Again Tour

In 2024, Ross released the songs "Single Again" and "Truck Girl". [38] Ross also embarked on his debut headlining tour "The Trouble Tour" in Canada in early 2024, and he joined Bailey Zimmerman again for his headlining "Religiously: The Tour" in the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland. [39] [38] He released his extended play Complicated on March 29, 2024. [40] He followed that up with the release of the promotional singles "New Me" in May 2024 and "Want This Beer", a duet with Julia Michaels, in July 2024. [41] [42] From August to November 2024, Ross embarked on his debut American headlining tour, the "Single Again Tour". [43] He won five awards at the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards, including "Entertainer of the Year" and "Single of the Year. [44] Ross also won the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards. [45]

In February 2025, Ross released the single "Leave Me Too". [46] He tied with Tate McRae for the most nominations at the Juno Awards of 2025, and won the Juno Award for Country Album of the Year with Complicated . [47] [48] In April 2025, Ross released the single "Hate How You Look". [49] In May 2025, Ross collaborated with hip hop artist Akon on the song "Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)", a reimagined version of Akon's song "Right Now (Na Na Na)". [50] In July 2025, "Single Again" reached number one on the Mediabase Country chart, making Ross the third Canadian man ever, after Hank Snow and Paul Brandt, to land a number one country radio single in the United States. [51] Ross released his debut album Later Tonight on September 19, 2025. [5]

Controversy

In June 2025, Ross apologized on social media after a video of him calling United States "the best country in the world" while performing at the Tailgates 'N Tallboys Festival in Indiana trended online and led to a barrage of criticism from Canadian fans due to the ongoing trade war between the two nations. Weeks later, he performed at Heritage Canada's Canada Day concert in Ottawa. [52]

Tours

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions Certifications
CAN
[53]
Later Tonight 17

Extended plays

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions Certifications
CAN
[55] 		US Heat
[56]
Do What You Love
  • Released: November 20, 2020 [57]
  • Label: Independent [A]
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
——
Live Sessions
  • Released: November 11, 2022 [58]
  • Label: The Core Entertainment / Universal Music Canada
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
——
Complicated
  • Released: March 29, 2024
  • Label: The Core Entertainment / Universal Music Canada / Mercury Nashville
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
7311

Singles

YearTitlePeak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
[15] 		CAN Country
[3] 		US
[60] 		US
Country
[61] 		US
Country
Airplay
[62]
2019"If You Were a Song"—————Non-album singles
2022"First Taste of Gone"545———
"On a Different Night"654———
2023"Trouble"481— [B] 43—Complicated
"Ain't Doin' Jack"691———Non-album single
2024"Single Again"60173222Complicated
2025"Leave Me Too"585———Later Tonight
"Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)"
(with Akon)		67————
"Hate How You Look"4814——49
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released to that territory.

Music videos

YearTitleDirector
2021"Tall Boys" [70] Wales Toney
2022"On a Different Night" [71]
2023"Trouble" [72]
"Ain't Doin' Jack" [73] Unlisted
2024"Want This Beer" [74]
"Single Again" [75] Jack Owens

Awards and nominations

YearAssociationCategoryNominated WorkResultRef
2022 Canadian Country Music Association Rising Star—Nominated [20] [76]
2023Country Music Association of OntarioFans' Choice—Nominated [77]
[78]
Male Artist of the Year—Nominated
Rising Star—Won
Single of the Year"First Taste of Gone"Nominated
Songwriter of the Year"On a Different Night"Nominated
Canadian Country Music Association Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year—Won [35]
[36]
Fans' Choice—Nominated
Male Artist of the Year—Nominated
Single of the Year"On a Different Night"Nominated
Songwriter(s) of the Year"Trouble"Nominated
Video of the Year""Trouble"Nominated
2024 Juno Awards Juno Fan Choice—Nominated [79]
Country Music Association of OntarioFans' Choice—Nominated [80]
Male Artist of the Year—Nominated
Music Video of the Year"Trouble"Nominated
Single of the Year"Trouble"Nominated
Canadian Country Music Association Album of the YearComplicatedNominated [81]
[44]
Entertainer of the Year—Won
Fans' Choice—Nominated
Male Artist of the Year—Won
Single of the Year"Trouble"Won
Top Selling Canadian Album of the YearComplicatedWon
Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year"Trouble"Won
Country Music Association Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award—Won [45]
2025 Juno Awards Album of the YearComplicatedNominated [82]
[48]
Artist of the Year—Nominated
Country Album of the YearComplicatedWon
Juno Fan Choice—Nominated
Single of the Year"Single Again"Nominated
Country Music Association of OntarioCompass Award—Won [83]
[84]
Fans' Choice—Nominated
Canadian Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year—Won [85]
[86]
Fans' Choice—Nominated
Male Artist of the Year—Nominated
Musical Collaboration of the Year"Want This Beer" (with Julia Michaels)Nominated
Single of the Year"Single Again"Won
Top Selling Canadian Album of the YearComplicatedWon
Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year"Single Again"Won
Video of the Year"Single Again"Won

Notes

  1. ↑ Do What You Love was later re-released on The Core Entertainment / Universal Music Canada.
  2. ↑ "Trouble" did not enter the Hot 100, but peaked at number 39 on the U.S. Digital Songs component chart. [65]

References

  1. 1 2 "UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA SIGNS FAST RISING COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ROSS". Universal Music Canada . April 13, 2022. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  2. ↑ Anderson, Liza (March 2, 2023). "UMG Nashville & Universal Music Canada Join Forces To Sign Josh Ross". Music Row Magazine.
  3. 1 2 3 References for Canada Country:
  4. ↑ Anderson, Liza (February 20, 2024). "Josh Ross To Get 'Complicated' With New EP In March". Music Row. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  5. 1 2 Doole, Kerry (July 18, 2025). "New & Upcoming Album Releases: Breakout Canadian Country Star Josh Ross Announces New Album 'Later Tonight'". Billboard Canada. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  6. ↑ Tressler, Nick (February 10, 2022). "Exclusive Premiere: Josh Ross Shares Emotional Story in 'First Taste of Gone'". Raised Rowdy. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  7. ↑ Campbell, Scott (May 13, 2023). "'I want to explore different sounds': Canadian singer Josh Ross and 'Red Flags'". Peterborough Examiner . Smith Falls, Ontario . Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "A Chat With Josh Ross About New EP: An Artist Profile". Front Porch Music. December 8, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Shoemaker, Jamie (June 5, 2022). "Josh Ross Showcases Pure Vocals In Single "First Taste of Gone"". Upstar Music. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Josh Ross - Football - Western Mustangs Sports". Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2022.
  11. ↑ Zisman, Erica (March 22, 2022). "Who Is Josh Ross? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music". CountrySwag.
  12. ↑ "#1 For Country with Josh Ross". 107.3 Country. Rogers Media.
  13. ↑ Zisman, Erica (February 11, 2022). "Josh Ross Releases Personal New Song "First Taste of Gone"". CountrySwag.
  14. ↑ Weishar, Jenna (April 11, 2022). "Josh Ross Shares His "First Taste Of Gone" In New Single". Front Porch Music. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  15. 1 2 References for Canadian Hot 100:
  16. ↑ "FAST-RISING COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ROSS UNVEILS HIS LATEST TASTE OF HEARTFELT COUNTRY "ON A DIFFERENT NIGHT" OUT NOW". Universal Music Canada . July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Josh Ross Details New Song 'On A Different Night'". ET Canada . Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  18. ↑ Zisman, Erica (July 15, 2022). "Josh Ross Releases New Song "On A Different Night"". CountrySwag. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Lewis Capaldi's 'Forget Me' Is This Week's Fave New Radio Track". FYI Music News. September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  20. 1 2 "2022 CCMA AWARD NOMINEES". Canadian Country Music Association . July 20, 2022. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Canada's Josh Ross, Florida Georgia Line pair set to perform during Grey Cup halftime show". The Canadian Press . CBC News. November 4, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  22. ↑ "BREAKOUT COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ROSS UNVEILS NEW TRACK "TROUBLE"". Universal Music Canada . January 4, 2023. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  23. ↑ Roden, Ally (October 31, 2022). "Bailey Zimmerman Breaks Streaming Records & 'Leave The Light On' Becomes The Biggest Streaming Country Debut Of All Time". Music Mayhem Magazine.
  24. ↑ Lynn, Jeff (March 2, 2023). "Universal Music Group Nashville Teams With Universal Music Canada On Newcomer Josh Ross". AllAccess .
  25. ↑ "UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE TEAMS WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA ON COUNTRY NEWCOMER JOSH ROSS". Universal Music Canada . March 2, 2023.
  26. ↑ Dagg, Nanci (March 31, 2023). "Josh Ross unveils new single, "Red Flags"". Canadian Beats Media. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  27. ↑ "RISING COUNTRY MUSIC STAR JOSH ROSS RELEASES NEW TRACK "RED FLAGS"". Universal Music Canada . March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  28. ↑ Lypka, Ben (January 17, 2023). "Country star Lee Brice bringing Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour to Abbotsford". Hope Standard. Black Press . Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  29. ↑ Cantrell, LB (May 23, 2023). "Warner Chappell Music Signs Josh Ross". Music Row Magazine. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  30. ↑ Frugé, Charese (May 23, 2023). "Warner Chappell Music Signs Global Publishing Deal With Josh Ross". AllAccess . Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  31. ↑ "First Taste of Gone One of Many In Year of Firsts for Waterdown Musician". Beyond James. June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  32. ↑ Kaufman, Spencer (January 23, 2023). "Nickelback Announce Summer 2023 North American Tour". Yahoo! Entertainment .
  33. ↑ Janes, Lesley (July 14, 2023). "Josh Ross "Ain't Doin' Jack" Song Review". The Nash News.
  34. ↑ Holthouse, Jerry (July 28, 2023). "Josh Ross Makes His Opry Debut". Nashville.com. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  35. 1 2 "2023 CCMA Awards Nominees". Canadian Country Music Association . July 13, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  36. 1 2 "OFFICIAL 2023 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD WINNERS". Canadian Country Music Association . September 16, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023.
  37. ↑ Sexton, Paul (October 1, 2023). "Rising Canadian Country Talent Josh Ross Shares New Song 'Ain't The One'". uDiscoverMusic. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  38. 1 2 O'Connell, Madeleine (January 16, 2024). "Josh Ross Takes A Deep Dive Into Heartache With Dual Release Of 'Single Again' and 'Truck Girl'". Country Now. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  39. ↑ Anderson, Clayton (June 12, 2023). "Bailey Zimmerman Announces The "Religiously" 2024 Tour W/ Josh Ross". Country Chord. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  40. ↑ Daykin, James (February 20, 2024). "Josh Ross unveils new EP 'Complicated & single 'Matching Tattoos'". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  41. ↑ "Single Review: JOSH ROSS - New Me - Universal Music Canada". Today's Country Magazine. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  42. ↑ Sharpe, Josh (July 19, 2024). "Josh Ross Releases 'Want This Beer' Featuring Julia Michaels". Broadway World. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  43. ↑ Hollabaugh, Lorie (June 21, 2024). "Josh Ross Plots 'Single Again Tour' For August". Music Row. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  44. 1 2 "2024 CCMA Award Winners". Canadian Country Music Association . September 9, 2024. Archived from the original on September 15, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  45. 1 2 Miller, Logan (November 21, 2024). "Luke Bryan Surprises Canadian Artist Josh Ross With His First CMA Award On The Red Carpet". Front Porch Music. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  46. ↑ Goodman, Paul (February 17, 2025). "Josh Ross Releases New Single 'Leave Me Too'". Combster. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
  47. ↑ Kelsey Adams and Natalie Harmsen, "Juno Awards 2025: a breakdown of this year's nominees". CBC Music, February 10, 2025.
  48. 1 2 "Junos 2025: full list of winners". CBC Music . March 30, 2025. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Josh Ross brings 'Hate How You Look' from the stage to the studio". 98.9 The Bull. April 18, 2025. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Josh Ross is 'Drunk Right Now' with Akon". B93.3 Today's Best Country. May 28, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  51. ↑ Hollabaugh, Lorie (July 21, 2025). "Josh Ross Earns First U.S. Chart-Topper With 'Single Again'". Music Row. Retrieved July 23, 2025.
  52. ↑ Friend, David (June 27, 2025). "Burlington, Ont., singer Josh Ross apologizes after calling U.S. 'the best' country in the world". CBC News . Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of October 4, 2025". Billboard . Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  54. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Josh Ross – Later Tonight". Music Canada . Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  55. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Albums: Week of April 13, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  56. ↑ "Heatseekers Albums: Week of April 23, 2024". Billboard . Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  57. ↑ "Do What You Love - Single by Josh Ross". Spotify . November 20, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  58. ↑ "Live Sessions - Single by Josh Ross". Spotify . November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  59. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Josh Ross – Complicated". Music Canada . Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  60. ↑ References for Billboard Hot 100:
  61. ↑ References for Hot Country Songs:
  62. ↑ References for Country Airplay:
  63. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Josh Ross – First Taste of Gone". Music Canada . Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  64. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Josh Ross – On a Different Night". Music Canada . Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  65. ↑ "Digital Songs chart for May 20, 2023". Billboard . Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  66. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Josh Ross – Trouble". Music Canada . Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  67. ↑ "American certifications – Josh Ross". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  68. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Josh Ross – Ain't Doin' Jack". Music Canada . Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  69. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Josh Ross – Single Again". Music Canada . Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  70. ↑ "Josh Ross- Tall Boys (Official Video)" (video). YouTube . August 5, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  71. ↑ "Josh Ross - On A Different Night (Official Music Video)" (video). YouTube . November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  72. ↑ "Josh Ross - Trouble (Official Music Video)" (video). YouTube . February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  73. ↑ "Josh Ross - Ain't Doin' Jack" (video). YouTube . August 7, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  74. ↑ "Josh Ross, Julia Michaels - Want This Beer" (video). YouTube . July 19, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
  75. ↑ "Josh Ross - Single Again (Official Music Video)" (video). YouTube . October 30, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
  76. ↑ "TENILLE TOWNES TAKES HOME FOUR WINS AT THE 2022 CCMA AWARDS PRESENTED BY TD". Canadian Country Music Association (Press release). Global News Wire. September 11, 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022.
  77. ↑ "2023 CMAOntario Awards: Celebrating the Best Country Music In Ontario". Front Porch Music. March 27, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  78. ↑ "2023 CMAOntario Awards: Winners Announced!". Country Music Association of Ontario. June 5, 2023. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023.
  79. ↑ "2024 Juno Award Nominees". Juno Awards . Archived from the original on February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  80. ↑ "2024 CMAOntario Awards". CMAOntario. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  81. ↑ "2024 CCMA AWARDS NOMINEES". Canadian Country Music Association . July 18, 2024. Archived from the original on July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  82. ↑ "2025 Juno Award Nominees". Juno Awards . Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  83. ↑ "2025 CMAOntario Award Winners: Celebrating the Best Country Music In Ontario". Front Porch Music. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  84. ↑ Buenahora, Itei (June 2, 2025). "Singer-songwriter from small town Ontario wins big at country music awards — See the full list of winners". Simcoe.com. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  85. ↑ "2025 CCMA Award Nominees". Canadian Country Music Association . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
  86. ↑ "2025 CCMA Award Winners". Canadian Country Music Association . Retrieved September 14, 2025.
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