The 2016 Toyota Star Maker winner has recorded three singles, as part of the prize, toured the country – including a stint supporting The McClymonts – and relocated from Western Australia to Byron Bay.

On Sunday night her year comes to an end when the 2017 Toyota Star Maker winner is crowned in a free concert in Bicentennial (Toyota) Park.

“It’s actually really exciting,” Karin said when asked how she felt about her reign coming to an end.

“I get to take everything I’ve learnt, all the opportunities and I get to make the most of them. I think it’s going to be a really exciting year for me.”

Next month, Still Got You, her final single from her Star Maker EP, will be released to radio, and a video clip for the song will hit screens.

Cheryl Byrnes, co-ordinator of Toyota Star Maker, said it was a big year for the annual competition, as for the first time the grand final was being held in the park and was free to the public.

“The decision was made so more people get to witness the crowning of the winner. This will be the 38th year on Sunday night and more and more people get to enjoy such a great competition.

“We’ve uncovered some amazing artists over the years and given them a leg up,” Cheryl said. “Some of them don’t continue on after they’ve won Star Maker, but that’s okay, because things happen in life, and Star Maker is just a stepping stone for some people … and we’re able to say we helped them along the way.”

The list of winners includes Keith Urban, Beccy Cole, Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys and Travis Collins.

1996 winner Darren Coggan will be compere at the grand final, while other past winners, Brendon Walmsley and Jared Porter will perform on the night, while Guy Sebastian will also be there.

Karin will end her year as Star Maker, performing on the night as well.

After Tamworth Karin returns to Western Australia where she is nominated for four awards at that state’s country music awards, before she hits the road touring between March and June.

Looking back on the past year, Karin nominated The McClymonts tour as the highlight, describing it as a surreal experience as she made new fans and sold plenty of CD’s.

Asked what advice she had for Sunday night’s grand final winner, Karin said they should take advantage of the opportunities that come with the title. 

“Say yes to everything, because it’s hard to get your foot in the door and when you’ve got people behind you doing things for you, sometimes you might not understand why it’s relevant or useful, but it becomes obvious once you say yes and you do it.”

Sunday’s grand final starts at 7pm in the park.