97.7 HTZ-FM has crowned The Jailbirds as the winners of the 2026 RockSearch competition following a live finale at Warehouse Concert Hall.
The win marks the end of another year of RockSearch, a competition that has helped support emerging rock artists for more than three decades. Over the past several months, bands submitted original music, earned listener votes, and performed their way through a series of showcases for the chance to reach the final stage.
After a standout performance in front of HTZ Nation and a panel of industry judges, The Jailbirds claimed this year’s title.
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For The Jailbirds, the victory is another milestone in a journey that has been gaining momentum across Canada. The Mississauga-based band blends hard rock, classic rock, and modern influences, earning recognition through the Mississauga Music Awards, Spotify’s Hard Rock playlist, and performances alongside acts including Monster Truck and Rival Sons.
“Words cannot express the gratitude we are feeling right now,” wrote The Jailbirds on social media. “Thank you to HTZ-FM, Ashleigh Darrach, Soper & Brown, and everyone over at HTZ-FM for the opportunity to play in 2026’s RockSearch. Thank you to everybody that came out to the semifinals and the finals. We have the best community of fans ever. Every time we play a show it’s like hanging out with our best pals. We love you all. This is just the start.”
As champions, The Jailbirds receive a prize package made possible through the support of RockSearch partners, including Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Presstime Design and Screenprint, 745 Music, Protomanni & Associates, and Mike Farkas Photography.
The win also includes performance opportunities at RibStock Festival and Because Beer later this year.
RockSearch has long served as a launching pad for Canadian rock artists. Over the years, the competition has featured bands including Finger Eleven, The Trews, The Glorious Sons, Crown Lands, The Standstills, and Small-Town Strip Club.
While one band takes home the title, Rocksearch has always been about more than a winner. Every year, artists, listeners, judges, sponsors, and station staff come together around a shared goal: supporting original music and helping new voices find an audience.
“It takes a lot of care, attention to detail, and heart, but together we have created yet another successful year for RockSearch,” said Asta Cronkite, Promotions Director at Whiteoaks Communications Group. “It is truly a team effort to keep this contest running. After more than 30 years, we’re still finding ways to make it better every year.”
From the first submission to the final performance, RockSearch 2026 brought together bands and fans from across Southern Ontario. This year, The Jailbirds became the latest band to add its name to Rocksearch history.
