The reality of pop culture in Canada is defined by the clashes of pride, ego, and fandom. The United States is the home base of the entertainment industry including famous TikTokers who made it in Hollywood. Aspiring Canadians who want to step up for fame and fortune need to move to Los Angeles and New York to keep their careers going, and some of them often succeed. Some famous and successful Canadian actors, comedians, and musicians thrive in Hollywood.
Toronto is the most important music city on the planet based on Billboard Hot 100, where five Canadian artists, all from Ontario, account for its top eight slots. Canada conquered the American pop culture in 2015, where top stars like Adele broke a record in the said year. Justin Bieber flooded the industry with commercial success, giving the city (Toronto) its titular honor.
8 Bryan Adams
The Canadian rock star Bryan Adams was already famous in Canada before his fame brought him to the USA. He was a guitarist, singer-composer, and record producer. Film directors used his music as a movie soundtrack – even animated films Dreamworks' Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
On May 6, 1988, Adam was awarded the Officer of the Order of Canada for his contribution to popular music and philanthropic work. He was also awarded the Member of the Order of Canada in 1998 and inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in the same year.
7 Nelly Furtado
A daughter of a motel cleaner and a stonemason in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, first gained fame with her debut album in 2000, Whoa, Nelly!, a commercial success that snapped two top 10 singles in the same year. The singer who once turned down a playboy offer is known for her singles: I’m Like A Bird and Turn Off The Light which won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
She spawned numerous awards, including 1 Latin Grammy Award, 10 Juno Awards, 1 BRIT Award, 1 Billboard Music Award, 1 MTV Europe Music Award, 1 World Music Award, and 3 Much Music Video Awards. She has sold over 40 million records worldwide; this made her one of the most successful Canadian artists.
6 Michael Buble
Multi-platinum artist Michael Buble is from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His grandfather influenced him to swing music and classic standards. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney discovered his music; that was the time when Michael was about to give up his dream as a musician and pursue his career through media.
He performed at a corporate gig in the summer of 2000 and impressed the Prime Minister’s right-hand, Michael McSweeney. McSweeney was the one who introduced the sensational singer to music producer David Foster. He won several music awards for his Albums, and since then, incredibly became a worldwide success.
5 Shania Twain
Emerging in the mid-‘90s, Queen of Country Pop Shania Twain became the most popular country music artist. The Canadian singer-songwriter has sold over 100 million records, making her the best-selling female artist in music history and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She was raised in Timmins, Ontario, Canada.
She started singing and writing songs at a young age before signing in with Mercury Nashville Records; her countless albums earned her a Grammy Award. Billboard named her the leader of the ‘90s country-pop crossover stars.
4 Celine Dion
She was known for her technically-skilled and powerful voice and was widely regarded as one of her generation's most influential pop singers. Her music has incorporated genres; classical music, gospel, R&B, rock, and pop. The legend who follows rules to stay in shape was born in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada.
The singer has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, considering her one of the best-selling singers ever. Celine's works inspired other female artists such as Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, and more. Dion was listed as the third top paid musician of 2020, with total earnings of $17.5 million.
3 Shawn Mendes
Canadian pop singer Shawn Mendes made his popularity online, particularly on Vine. This caught the attention of Andrew Gertler, who later became his manager. When his first single was released in 2014 and debuted on the Billboard Top 25, 16 years of age, in that year, he became the youngest artist to debut that high on the Billboard charts.
Some of his popular chart buster songs are Stitches and Treat You Better. In 2018, Time Magazine named him one of the most influential people in the world.
2 The Weeknd
Recording artist, and singer-songwriter The Weeknd is one of the most successful Canadian artists. He is known for his singles Can’t Feel My Face and The Hills. The singer who once lost his voice onstage holds several chart records and won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. Born Abel Tesfaye in Toronto, Canada, and a son of Ethiopian immigrants.
Despite having a rough childhood, scarred by violence and substance abuse, he pursued and worked hard for his dreams and has become one of the music industry’s leading alternative R&B performers. He is actively involved in philanthropy.
1 Justin Bieber
Justin Drew Bieber was born in London, Ontario, Canada. Bieber was discovered on YouTube performing musical videos uploaded by her mother. It soon built up fans and caught the attention of Scooter Braun, who later became his talent agent. Braun was related to Usher, who helped the kid to sign a record deal. Justin became the youngest solo artist to achieve seven number-one albums in the US at 25.
He also won a Grammy Award and an American Music Award. Behind the fame, Justin had his share of controversies and had some troubles against the law. Yet, he has sold 140 million records and has been listed multiple times by Forbes magazine among the Top Ten Most Powerful Celebrities in the World.