One day before Calgary-born singer-songwriter Devon Cole takes the stage to open for her musical idol, she’ll be on the sidelines of the 2025 Calgary Stampede Parade presented by Suncor, this time as the Celebrity Judge. She’ll be poring over entries in the annual Parade, led by Parade Marshal Shania Twain — the very artist she’ll open for on July 5 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
“I love Stampede; as a Calgarian it means everything to me that I’m a part of this,” Cole said excitedly in a video posted to YouTube. “I’m so excited to see the floats, and the Stampede Royalty and Shania Twain.”
A graduate of Western Canada High School, Cole first hit the music scene in 2022 with her viral hit W.I.T.C.H. (Woman In Total Control of Herself), which has surpassed 184 million streams worldwide. In 2023, she was nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards, as well as Favorite Breakout Artist at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, before winning Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Canada Artist of 2023. Her highly anticipated 2025 single I Got You caught the attention of millions across social media ahead of its release, then quickly climbed into the top 10 at Top 40 and Hot AC in Canada.
“We are thrilled to welcome Devon as this year’s Celebrity Judge,” said Blair Barkley, volunteer Stampede Parade Committee Chair. “Her tremendous success will serve as an inspiration to other young local performers, especially those taking part in our Parade.”
As the Stampede Parade Celebrity Judge, Cole will select her favourite entry from all categories, while sharing her experience with fans all over the world through her social media.
Cole joins a roster of past Celebrity Judges, including Calgary Stampeder great Jon Cornish, Rangeland Derby legend Kelly Sutherland, beloved local meteorologist David Spence, former Miss Universe Canada and Amazing Race Canada participant Ashley Callingbull and last year’s trio of judges from the hit television series Heartland, Amber Marshall, Chris Potter and Shaun Johnston.
The 113th Stampede Parade presented by Suncor kicks off The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth at 9 a.m. MDT on Friday, July 4, with the prelude beginning at 7:45 a.m.
Those unable to attend the 2025 Calgary Stampede Parade in person can enjoy a special live broadcast presented by Corus Entertainment and Global Calgary. Coverage begins at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, July 4, with the Global News Morning team and Corus Entertainment’s The Morning Show bringing viewers all the highlights from this year’s parade route. The broadcast will be available on Global Television, the Global TV app, Globalnews.ca, the Global News YouTube channel, and Amazon Prime.
Following the Parade on Friday, July 4, guests can take advantage of Stampede Parade-to-Park presented by Suncor by going straight from the Parade to Stampede Park to receive free admission from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Devon Cole opens for Shania Twain on Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $65, plus applicable fees and taxes. All ticket purchases include admission to the Calgary Stampede on the day of the concert, allowing fans to experience a full day of Stampede thrills before and after the show. Tickets can be purchased here, by phone, or in-person at Ticketmaster.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bob Young
Media Coordinator
Calgary Stampede Parade Committee
T 403.850.5575
E csparademediacoordinator@gmail.com
Media Relations
Calgary Stampede
E media.relations@calgarystampede.com
Stampede Parade Social Media
Facebook: CSParade
X: @CSParade (#StampedeParade)
Instagram: @CSParade
Threads: @CSParade
Website: calgarystampede.com/parade
Photo Credit: Lauren Wade
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