Paris, France – Following a triumphant win at the 2026 Victoires de la Musique, France’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards, Quebec-born singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin is celebrating her roots with a heartfelt tribute to the Canadian music scene. Cardin, named Female Artist of the Year, acknowledged her recent move to Paris, stating, “For a Quebecer who has just recently moved to Paris, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better welcome from the French.” Billboard Canada reports this marks the first time a Quebec artist has received the honor since 2003.
Recognizing that many of her new European fans were unaware of her Canadian origins, Cardin decided to share “a few little gems of my culture” through music. She curated a Spotify playlist, titled Bijoux québécois (Quebec Jewels), featuring 58 tracks from her favorite Quebecois artists, spanning decades of Francophone music. This gesture underscores the growing recognition of Quebec’s vibrant musical landscape on the international stage and Cardin’s desire to connect her present success with her artistic foundations.
A Playlist Reflecting Quebec’s Musical Diversity
The playlist, shared on Instagram alongside photos with musical icons like Céline Dion, Patrick Watson, Robert Charlebois, and Daniel Bélanger, is described by Cardin as “a mix of songs from all eras that touch me, craft me dance and make me nostalgic.” La Presse details the playlist’s eclectic mix, showcasing the breadth of Quebec’s musical talent.
The selection prominently features two 1990s hits by Céline Dion – “On ne change pas” and “Pour que tu m’aimes encore” – acknowledging Dion as a major inspiration. Cardin praised Dion’s ability to achieve international success while performing in both French and English. The inclusion of these classics highlights the enduring legacy of Quebec’s most internationally recognized artist and her influence on a new generation of musicians.
Beyond Dion, the playlist showcases a diverse range of artists and genres. Cœur de pirate is represented by “Comme des enfants” (2008) and “Isle-aux-Coudres” (2021), with the band having previously received the Trailblazer Award at the 2023 Billboard Canada Women in Music awards. Patrick Watson’s “Je te laisserai des mots” is as well included, a song that reached a milestone in 2024 by becoming the first Francophone track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Robert Charlebois’s “Je reviendrai à Montréal” and Daniel Bélanger’s “Rêver mieux” further enrich the playlist’s tapestry of Quebecois sounds.
Cardin’s playlist isn’t limited to established stars. It also shines a spotlight on emerging female artists like Claudia Bouvette, Alicia Moffet, Helena Deland, and the duo Milk & Bone, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the next wave of Quebecois musical talent. The inclusion of Arcade Fire (“The Suburbs”), Men I Trust (“Display Me How”), Les Cowboys Fringants (“Les étoiles filantes”), and Kaytranada (“Target Joint”) further illustrates the diversity of Quebec’s musical output, spanning indie rock, electronic, and folk genres.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cardin expressed her pride, stating, “Long live Quebec artists, I love you all! I was so proud of all this beauty creating this playlist.” She also shared a particularly emotional message to Céline Dion, describing their brief encounter as “14 of the most beautiful seconds of my life.” Many of the artists featured on the playlist responded with gratitude in the comments, acknowledging Cardin’s tribute to Quebec’s rich musical heritage.
Cardin’s Rising European Profile
While Charlotte Cardin has long enjoyed a strong reputation in Canada, her popularity has surged in Europe in recent years. She has achieved success on French charts with songs like “Experience Good,” which peaked at number 5, and “Poursuite,” a collaboration with rappers GP Explorer and SCH, reaching number 24. In Belgium, “Feel Good” remained on the charts for six weeks, peaking at number 21. This growing international recognition is a testament to Cardin’s talent and the increasing appeal of Francophone music on the global stage.
Cardin’s success in France is particularly noteworthy, given the country’s strong musical traditions and competitive music industry. Her ability to connect with French audiences while maintaining her Quebecois identity speaks to the universal appeal of her music and her authenticity as an artist. The Victoires de la Musique award solidifies her position as a rising star in the French music scene and opens doors for further collaborations and opportunities.
The Significance of the Victoires de la Musique Award
The Victoires de la Musique is considered one of France’s most prestigious music awards, akin to the Grammy Awards in the United States or the ADISQ Gala in Quebec. La Presse reports that the award recognizes artistic excellence and celebrates the diversity of the French music industry. Winning the Female Artist of the Year award is a significant achievement, particularly for an artist who is relatively new to the French music scene.
Cardin’s victory is also a milestone for Quebecois artists, breaking a two-decade drought since Lynda Lemay won the same award in 2003. This win highlights the growing recognition of Quebec’s musical talent in France and could pave the way for other Quebecois artists to achieve success in the European market. It also underscores the importance of cultural exchange and the power of music to transcend borders.
Cardin’s journey from Quebec to Paris mirrors a broader trend of Canadian artists gaining international recognition. Having been named Billboard Canada’s first-ever Woman of the Year in 2024 and representing Canada at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony in Los Angeles as Global Woman of the Year in 2025, Cardin is at the forefront of this wave of Canadian musical talent making an impact on the global stage.
As Charlotte Cardin continues to build her career in Europe, her commitment to celebrating her Quebecois roots remains unwavering. The Bijoux québécois playlist is a testament to her pride in her heritage and her desire to share the richness of Quebec’s musical culture with a wider audience. The playlist serves as a vibrant introduction to the diverse sounds of Quebec, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents.
Looking ahead, Cardin is expected to continue touring and releasing new music, further solidifying her position as a leading artist in both Canada and Europe. Her next scheduled performance is at the Montreal International Jazz Festival in July 2026, where she is expected to perform songs from her latest album and showcase tracks from the Bijoux québécois playlist. Fans can stay updated on her upcoming events and releases through her official website and social media channels.
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