Rachael Fahim is the 2017 Toyota Star Maker, after winning last night’s grand final.
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Ten young country acts lined up to perform in front of the largest crowd to ever witness a Star Maker final, held for the first time in Bicentennial Park in Tamworth.
Guy Sebastian surprised the capacity crowd by singing during his guest appearance, to the delight of many screaming young fans.
This year’s winner made the final two years ago. Last night she played her next single Confetti.
From Cherrybrook, in Sydney’s north west, Rachael turned to songwriting after she was bullied at school, and has spent several years on the talent quest circuit.
For the first time in its 38 years the event was a free concert.
The weather stayed fine for the thousands of country fans who were entertained by the finalists and past winners, Brendon Walmsley, Jared Porter and Darren Coggan, who was also compere for the night.
Judges this year were radio program director Justin Thomson, artist managers Dan Biddle and David Woodward, 2014 Star Maker winner Jared Porter, Matt Newton from Pandora Radio and Craig Power from The Pub Group.
Toyota Star Maker co-ordinator, Cheryl Byrnes praised all the entrants saying: “The Toyota Star Maker competition continues to unearth some of the most exciting new country music talent and tonight is no exception.
“Our expert judging panel found it extremely difficult to choose the one, but it’s a sign of just how healthy the industry is overall, and that excites us.”
The victory will see Fahim receive a prize pack including the recording of three singles and three videos clips, a brand new Toyota RAV4 with an unlimited fuel card for 12 months, and guaranteed performances at major festivals throughout Australia.
Fahim’s Toyota Star Maker win comes off the back of a thrilling performance of her upbeat song, ‘Confetti’, followed by a powerful rendition of the Dolly Parton classic, ‘Jolene’.
Toyota Australia Senior Corporate Manager, Marketing Operations, Wayne Gabriel, was delighted to see Fahim join the Toyota Star Maker family.
“We congratulate all the finalists and Rachael Fahim especially, for taking out the 2017 Toyota Star Maker crown. It’s a fantastic opportunity Rachael who has shown everyone what amazing talent and potential she has,” Gabriel said.
The event was also given extra star shine with a performance from last year’s Star Maker winner, Karin Page.