Jarrad Wrigley, from Nundubbermere Qld, has been named the 46th Toyota Star Maker winner, following exceptional performances from 10 of Australia’s top emerging country music artists, in pursuit of the top prize.
Jarrad claims the prize worth over $100k, including the title and a brand new fully serviced Toyota, plus a fuel card for the year of his reign, a 10 day trip, including accommodation, to Nashville for one person from Chris Watson Travel, a performance at CMA Fest Nashville and tickets to the four big concerts from the Country Music Association Nashville plus a four track fully produced EP. He’s also received a Maton guitar, boots and hat from Outback King and Corral Boots, Fender products, performances at numerous festivals including Gympie, Groundwater, Deni, Savannah In The Round, Qld Music Festival and Qld Music Trails Outback Sounds in Mount Isa on 9 May, hair and makeup package and photo portfolio, marketing and promotional material, and $1000 cash from Lindsay & Reegan Waddington. He will also perform at the EKKA, after taking out the overall prize last year.
Fellow competitors were Jaydin Shingleton (Coomera Qld), Sarah Catania (Greensborough, Vic), Ruby Jane (Benalla Vic), Josie (Townsville Qld), Bryce Sainty (Springfield NSW), Mackenzie Lee (Abermain NSW), Liam Mahi (Sanctuary Point NSW), Jess Crossman (Walwa Vic) and Mackenzie May (Tannum Sands Qld).
They each sang two songs, backed by the Star Maker Allstar Band with Rod Motbey, Clare O’Meara, Glenn Wilson, James Gillard and Eddy Santacreu, in front of thousands of festivalgoers who filled Toyota Park.
The judges always have a difficult time, and this year was no exception, with the level of entrants top-tier. As the judges deliberated, tossing up between their top three, at the final call, they deemed Jarrad to be most ready and the most marketable.
Blending traditional country roots with modern production, Jarrad’s songs celebrate rural Australian life with honesty, humour and heart. He first attended the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2022 as a complete unknown, performing more than 20 shows in six days across Peel Street, the Courthouse Hotel and the Toyota main stage—ultimately winning third place in the Busking Championships. That same year he released his first two singles while touring towns and cities nationwide. A graduate of JMC Academy, Jarrad sharpened his craft by forming a band that played weekly throughout Queensland and New South Wales, also supporting his mentor, James Blundell. Momentum surged again in 2024 as he appeared at major festivals including Boon Lane Country Music Festival, Emerald AgGrow, Gympie Muster, Night in Nashville, Toowoomba Farm Fest, Wild As Country and Tamworth. He also launched his JW merchandise brand, partnering with Thomas Cook Clothing to deliver premium products now worn by fans across the country.
National audiences came to know him as Farmer Jarrad, The Singing Cowboy on Farmer Wants A Wife (2025), a moment that rapidly expanded his loyal fanbase. With authenticity and work ethic at his core, he’s fast becoming one of Australian country music’s rising forces.
Star Maker Coordinator and judge Cheryl Brown says; “I don’t think anyone wanted to be a judge tonight because the talent was as strong as it’s ever been.
“Jarrad Wrigley won tonight because the judges felt he was most ready, however, we are certain that the nine other finalists have their place in the country music industry and look forward to seeing each of them follow their dreams.”
Toyota Star Maker Producer, Barry Harley, says, “Toyota Star Maker is a truly special and unique element, and the festival wouldn’t be the same without it.
“A huge congratulations to Jarrad Wrigley and each of our finalists.” Barry said.
Felicity Kircher, the 45th Toyota Star Maker, returned to the stage to show just how far she’s progressed since winning in 2025. She performed songs from her new EP which she launched at Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, the following Tuesday after Star Maker.
The Grand Final concert was hosted by five-times Golden Guitar Award winner, the 1991 Star Maker Gina Jeffreys, who together with husband Rod McCormack, also provided entertainment midway through the show. Gina sang Dancing With Elvis, Cash, Girls Night Out and Stop In The Name of Love.
In an emotional tribute, Gina paused to acknowledge the late Ian Lees who passed away on November 22, last year. Ian was the joyful soul in the Star Maker band for more than a decade, as the bass player and joy maker.
Gina also paid tribute to, Barry Harley, who is working his final Tamworth Country Music Festival after five decades. Barry has worked on Star Maker throughout its 46 years, creating the stage sets through the years, producing the show and working closely with sponsors. His history and ability will be a great loss upon his retirement.
Toyota Australia has been supporting Star Maker for more than three decades. Their contribution to the Australian country music industry goes beyond Star Maker, having commenced their long sponsorship of the Country Music Awards in January 1994 until 2005, and returning in 2014 until today.
Presenting the award, Toyota Australia Manager, Events Sponsorship & Promotions, Ellie Gibbs, congratulated Jarrad and acknowledged the strength of this year’s competition. She praised the exceptional talent from this year’s finalists, highlighting the impressive quality of emerging country music artists in the industry.
“This year’s Grand Final showcased an outstanding group of emerging artists, and I’d like to congratulate all the finalists for the incredible talent, professionalism and passion they brought to the stage.
“Throughout the evening Jarrad stood out with both the judges and the audience with his performances.”
“The year ahead presents an incredible opportunity to build momentum, connect with new audiences and continue sharing his music. We’re proud to welcome Jarrad into the Toyota Star Maker family and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
This year’s judges were Toyota Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown, Content and Music Director, and presenter of iHeartCountry Australia Justin Thomson, Artist manager of The Wolfe Brothers and Max Jackson, Brogan White of Stephen White Management, and Beau Thomas, Chief Artist Officer at TOBE Artists who are a full-service artist management and creative company responsible for building and managing the careers of James Johnston and Zac & George. Tom Inglis who continues to provide consultation to Star Maker.