A local country artist is getting closer to making big things happen.

CJ Sargent, who was born and raised in Alberta, is now based in Courtenay.

He’s sitting 4th in the quarterfinals of America’s Next Top Hitmaker.

The North American competition shines a light  on emerging musical talent.

Sargent says his journey started with small-town roots and acoustic gigs across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and he’s hoping the competition could launch his career to the next level. But he needs a little help.

Voting is open now and anyone can vote once a day at CJ Sargent, but the voting wraps on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The winner gets $50,000, a piece in Rolling Stone magazine, and they’ll perform at the Global Citizen Festival - a 24-hour global event that organizers say is meant to unite the world to defend the planet and defeat poverty.