Australia’s most significant and longest-running search for a new country music star has a fresh crop of talent.
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Ten of Australia’s top emerging country artists have been announced as grand finalists in the 40th Toyota Star Maker competition.
Toyota Star Maker has been a launching pad for some of Australia’s biggest country music stars including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Sam McClymont (The McClymonts), Darren Coggan, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, and Kaylee Bell.
It’s a milestone year for the competition celebrating 40 years of influencing the Australian country music industry.
The ten grand finalists will compete for the honour at a free musical event at Toyota Park on January 20.
The 2019 Toyota Star Maker finalists are:
- Arna Georgia, Sans Souci NSW
- Blake O’Connor, Port Macquarie NSW
- Chelsea Berman, Terrigal NSW
- Jake Sinclair, Springhurst Vic
- Juliet Oliver, McLaren Vale SA
- Leigha Moore, Sippy Downs Qld
- Linc Phelps, Gympie Qld
- Lizzie Steadman, Kootingal NSW
- Matt James, Mt Gambier SA
- Stephanie Penrose, Moore Creek NSW
The winner will receive a prize package which includes the use of a new Toyota vehicle and a fuel card for 12 months, plus guaranteed performances at major festivals and events throughout Australia.
Toyota Star Maker producer Barry Harley said many of the benefits of being part of the Star Maker family are intangible – but “absolutely priceless”.
“The networking among the past alumni and the current crop of Toyota Star Makers is extraordinary. You can’t put a price on that,” he said.
“He was ready to run, and work hard he did,” Mr Harley said.
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“Added to that was the fact he had an album filled with great songs, three of which were released during his Toyota Star Maker year and he has received two nominations in new talent and contemporary album of the year in the 2019 Toyota Golden Guitars.”
Toyota Australia chief marketing officer Wayne Gabriel said he was delighted to continue Toyota’s support of the event.
“We want to inspire people to start their impossible, and Toyota Star Maker is the perfect platform for young artists to launch their career,” he said.
“Last year’s winner Brad Cox, as well as previous winners such as Lee Kernaghan and Sam McClymont are perfect examples of that.
“We wish all the finalists the best of luck, and we look forward to seeing them progress in the future.”
