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Applications open 1 June 2026 and will close Monday 1 September 2026 (at midnight). 

Toyota Star Maker, Australia’s longest running country music competition, is a yearly search for an individual, aged over 18 years, who has the greatest potential to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the prize package.

A judging panel of country music industry experts will choose the top 10 finalists.

These 10 finalists will find their way to Tamworth and perform at the Toyota Star Maker Final on the first Sunday of the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival in front of thousands of country music fans where one performer will be named the new Star Maker winner.

The Toyota Star Maker prize package, valued at over $100,000, includes: 

1. Use of the title 2027 Toyota Star Maker and 47th Toyota Star Maker
2. 12 month’s use of a brand new, fully-serviced Toyota motor vehicle
3. A fuel card for the length of reign
4. Return air flight for one, including 10-nights’ accommodation to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June 2027 courtesy of Chris Watson Travel;
   *all other costs are the responsibility of the winner
5. Two tickets to four nightly concerts at the 2027 CMA Fest Nashville from the Country Music Association of Nashville
6. Performance opportunity on the CMA Spotlight Stage at CMA Fest Nashville
7. Queensland Music Trails, Outback Sounds performance valued at $10K
8. WIN television media package valued at $5000
9. A Handmade Maton guitar
10. Fender products
11. A pair of handcrafted western boots from Corral Boots
12. A recording session with Australia’s top musicians and producer
13. Distribution and promotion of a four-track EP
14. A&R leadership and artist development guidance from Paul Krige, former Universal Music Australia Managing Director
15. Guidance and support from Star Maker Management and Publicity team
16. Full colour promotional material from Star Maker
17. Cash gift from Lindsay Waddington Music
18. Guaranteed paid performances at a designated list of festivals and events including at the Qld Music Trails – Outback Sounds, EKKA, Gympie Muster, Deni Muster, Groundwater, Savannah In The Round, Coffs Country Music Festival and Tamworth
19. Performance opportunity on selected Sounds Australia events during CMA Fest Nashville
20. Hair and make-up styling by Plush Hair Designs & Make-up of Tamworth for photographic portfolio and special events
21. Media promotion with Country Music Capital News and the Official Guide
22. Media promotion including radio, print and television
23. 12 month’s membership to the Country Music Association of Australia
24. Photographic portfolio
25. Production of two professional video clips by an award-winning director
26. A minimum of three performances, as required, for Toyota