THE search is officially underway for Australia’s next Toyota Star Maker, with entries opening this week for the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious country music talent search.

The 47th Toyota Star Maker will be crowned during the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.

They will join an impressive suite of alumni including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, Brad Cox, Kaylee Bell, Max Jackson and Wade Forster.

Drawing emerging artists from across the country each year, Star Maker provides ten finalists with the opportunity to elevate their careers, while one artist ultimately claims the coveted title.

The winner receives a prize package valued at more than $100k, including a fully serviced Toyota motor vehicle with a fuel card for the period of their reign, a four-track EP, a return trip to Nashville courtesy of Chris Watson Travel, instruments from Maton and Fender and a slew of guaranteed festival performances as well as representation from the Wheelhouse Agency.

Jarrad Wrigley was crowned the 46th Toyota Star Maker after an extraordinary 2026 Grand Final concert where ten of Australia’s best emerging country music artists battled it out for the top prize.

Toyota Star Maker manager, Cheryl Brown, says the competition is designed to identify artists who are ready to take the next step in their professional journey.

“We’re looking for artists who already have a strong foundation and a real commitment to building a career in country music.” Cheryl says.

“Toyota Star Maker is about providing the tools, opportunities and industry support to help develop that talent further. The artists who make the most of the experience are those prepared to work hard, grow professionally and embrace every opportunity that comes their way.”

She said the impact of Toyota Star Maker extends well beyond the eventual winner.

“Even for those who don’t take home the title, the experience can be career changing. Finalists build networks, gain industry exposure, grow in confidence and often leave with a clearer sense of direction for their future in music,” she said.

In January 2026, Jarrad Wrigley became the 46th Toyota Star Maker and is currently experiencing his first international trip to Music City, Nashville Tennessee for the 54th CMA Fest, where he will perform on the CMA Spotlight Stage and at Sounds Australia events.

Toyota Star Maker alumni continue to make their mark both nationally and internationally, with recent winners including Max Jackson, Kaylee Bell and Wade Forster appearing at major festivals and industry events around the world.

Now in its 47th year, Toyota Star Maker has been proudly sponsored by Toyota Australia for 31 consecutive years.

Toyota Australia’s chief marketing officer, Vin Naidoo, said Toyota is proud to continue its long-standing support of the Toyota Star Maker competition as it marks more than three decades of partnership.

“For more than 30 years, Toyota has been honoured to play a part in helping Australian country music artists pursue their dreams through Toyota Star Maker. This competition is about more than discovering talent, it’s about backing ambition, nurturing creativity and giving artists the confidence to believe in what’s possible.

“Year after year, we see incredible passion and dedication from entrants, and it’s inspiring to watch those artists take bold steps toward building their futures in country music. I encourage aspiring artists everywhere to put themselves forward, embrace the journey and take that leap because participating in Toyota Star Maker can truly change the course of a career,” he said.

Artists wishing to enter the 47th Toyota Star Maker competition can review the conditions of entry HERE. Entries close Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The top ten finalists will be announced on Monday, 9 November, and perform at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final in Toyota Park on Sunday, January 17 next year at the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.