Canada has long been a quiet powerhouse of creativity, consistently producing artists, influencers, and visionaries who shape global trends. From music to fashion to digital content, Canadian creators are taking center stage and redefining what it means to be an international success. Here are 23 standout Canadian creators who are making waves on the world stage right now.
Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, transitioned from YouTube comedy queen to late-night TV host and best-selling author. Her unique voice as a South Asian, bisexual woman has opened doors and sparked conversations around representation in entertainment. Singh remains an influential voice on social media, using her platforms for activism, humor, and storytelling that resonates worldwide.
Shawn Mendes
Born in Pickering, Ontario, Shawn Mendes rose from Vine stardom to international pop icon. With multiple chart-topping albums, a global fanbase, and a socially conscious brand, Mendes has become more than just a pop star. His style and activism, especially around mental health and sustainability, have solidified him as a leader among Gen Z creatives.
Simu Liu
Simu Liu made history as Marvel’s first Asian superhero in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. But even before Hollywood came calling, Liu was creating his own content and advocating for diversity. A former accountant turned actor, he’s also an author and speaker who’s redefining what it means to be a leading man in cinema.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Best known for her breakout role as Devi in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan brings authenticity and charm to the screen. A Tamil Canadian from Mississauga, she’s become a global role model for young people of color navigating identity and ambition. Her performance earned critical praise, and she continues to use her platform to speak on inclusion and representation.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, transformed alternative R&B into a mainstream phenomenon. With a voice as iconic as his persona, he’s garnered multiple Grammys, performed at the Super Bowl, and shattered streaming records. Known for pushing musical and visual boundaries, The Weeknd continues to influence artists and trends across genres and continents.
Dan Levy
Dan Levy co-created and starred in Schitt’s Creek, a sitcom that became a cultural touchstone. The show swept the Emmys and garnered international acclaim for its humor, heart, and progressive portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. Levy has since become a fashion icon, producer, and advocate for inclusive storytelling in Hollywood and beyond.
Grimes
Experimental, otherworldly, and unapologetically unique, Grimes (Claire Boucher) is a genre-defying musician and digital art maven. Hailing from Vancouver, she’s as comfortable producing avant-garde albums as she is creating NFT art and debating AI ethics. Her futuristic aesthetic and cross-medium artistry have made her a cult favorite and a global creative force.
Lainey Lui
As a television host, blogger, and co-creator of LaineyGossip, Elaine “Lainey” Lui has redefined entertainment journalism in Canada. She’s an incisive pop culture commentator who bridges celebrity, race, and politics with wit and clarity. Her commentary resonates beyond borders, offering smart, sharp takes on global celebrity culture.
Kris Collins (KallMeKris)
Kris Collins, known as KallMeKris, is a comedic powerhouse on TikTok with hundreds of millions of likes. Her characters and sketches reach a global audience, mixing relatable humor with high production value. A former hairdresser from British Columbia, Collins has built a social media empire that spans brand deals, merchandise, and mainstream media appearances.
Mitsou Gélinas
Quebec’s Mitsou Gélinas is a multi-talented media figure whose influence spans music, radio, and television. A pop star in the 1990s, she reinvented herself as a respected media personality and entrepreneur. Her voice continues to shape Francophone culture and inspire new generations of Canadian creatives.
Tate McRae
Calgary-born Tate McRae is a singer, songwriter, and dancer who found fame through YouTube and So You Think You Can Dance. Her hit “you broke me first” went viral globally, and she’s now considered one of pop music’s rising stars. McRae’s raw lyrics and emotional depth resonate with young audiences worldwide.
Catherine O’Hara
Already a comedy legend thanks to SCTV and Home Alone, Catherine O’Hara’s role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek reignited her global acclaim. Her unique blend of eccentricity and emotion won hearts and awards across the globe. O’Hara’s iconic performances continue to inspire actors and comedians around the world.
Johnny Orlando
Teen pop sensation Johnny Orlando rose to fame through YouTube covers and quickly transitioned to original music with international appeal. With millions of followers and growing chart success, he represents the next generation of Canadian pop. His wholesome image and catchy tunes have made him a fan favorite around the globe.
Sandra Oh
Though she found much of her fame in the U.S., Sandra Oh proudly represents Canadian talent on the global stage. From Grey’s Anatomy to Killing Eve, her powerful performances and vocal advocacy for Asian representation have made her a trailblazer in international television and film.
Jaclyn Hill
Jaclyn Hill may be based in the U.S. now, but the Canadian-born beauty mogul helped transform the makeup tutorial into a YouTube empire. Her collaborations with top beauty brands and candid social media presence have influenced millions of makeup lovers globally, making her one of the most influential figures in online beauty.
Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur, an Indo-Canadian poet and performer, revolutionized modern poetry with her debut Milk and Honey. Her minimalistic style and raw vulnerability have made poetry accessible to millions. Kaur’s work, often shared on Instagram, speaks to themes of trauma, healing, and identity, resonating with readers in dozens of languages.
Nav
Rapper and producer Navraj Singh Goraya, known mononymously as Nav, emerged from Toronto’s hip-hop scene and quickly gained international attention. Collaborating with the likes of Travis Scott and Drake, Nav’s moody beats and distinctive voice have helped shape modern trap music. His influence reaches deep into the global rap community.
Winnie Harlow
Winnie Harlow broke barriers in the fashion world with her striking look and vitiligo diagnosis. Discovered on America’s Next Top Model, the Toronto-born model has graced the covers of Vogue and walked for major designers. She uses her platform to advocate for diversity and redefine beauty standards on an international scale.
Kaytranada
Haitian-Canadian DJ and producer Kaytranada has redefined electronic music with his genre-blending style. His Grammy-winning album Bubba was a game-changer, influencing dance floors from Montreal to Milan. Known for his infectious grooves and innovative beats, Kaytranada continues to collaborate with artists around the world and lead the charge in music innovation.
Aliya Jasmine
A journalist and environmental activist, Aliya Jasmine is a force for change in both traditional media and digital storytelling. With roots in Canada and a global perspective, she’s worked with MTV, NBC, and the UN to spotlight environmental issues. Her storytelling transcends borders, bringing urgent ecological conversations to a wider audience.
Tessa Virtue
Olympic gold medalist and national treasure, Tessa Virtue is more than just a decorated figure skater. She’s a cultural icon whose performances have captivated audiences globally. Off the ice, Virtue is an advocate for mental health and youth empowerment, showing that artistry and athleticism can co-exist on the world stage.
Alanis Morissette
Though her heyday was in the 1990s, Alanis Morissette’s influence endures. Her iconic album Jagged Little Pill not only defined a generation but also became a Broadway musical. She continues to tour, release music, and inspire artists around the globe with her raw lyricism and fearless vulnerability.
Léa Clermont-Dion
An academic, filmmaker, and feminist activist, Léa Clermont-Dion is making waves in Canadian and international circles. Her work on body image, youth issues, and gender equality has sparked public discourse and influenced policy. Through documentaries and advocacy, she exemplifies how Canadian creators can lead movements that echo far beyond national borders.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
