FOUR-TIME Grammy Award winner Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival on Monday unveiled Ethan Calway as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship – a major new initiative spotlighting Australia’s next global country export.

The announcement follows the launch of the groundbreaking initiative earlier this year, which generated widespread excitement across the Australian country music community and attracted a strong field of emerging talent nationwide.

Designed to support one rising Australian country artist ready to take the next step internationally, the scholarship offers a career-defining opportunity in Nashville, including the chance to perform, write, record, connect with key industry figures and undertake dedicated recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound.

Hailing from Warragul, Victoria, Calway stood out for his electrifying guitar work, raw yet emotive vocal style and an authenticity that signals strong global potential. Blending country, rock and storytelling influences, his artistry reflects both lived experience and a clear creative vision – marking him as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices.

Calway’s latest single, Better Tomorrow, further cements his rising momentum – a driving, anthemic country-rock track centred on resilience, hard work and pushing toward something more.

“What an incredible opportunity – I’m beyond grateful to be chosen for something like this,” Calway said.

“To learn, write and record in Nashville, and to have that kind of support behind me, is something I’ve always dreamed about. I can’t wait to get over there and make the most of it.”

The scholarship is the latest extension of Urban’s deep commitment to emerging artists. From early support and collaborations with artists such as Taylor Swift and Maren Morris to mentorship, touring opportunities and education initiatives, he has consistently used his platform to elevate new voices at pivotal moments in their careers.

“Ethan has something really special,” Urban said.

“There’s a rawness and honesty in what he does that really connects. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings for him and to be part of that journey.”

Ethan Calway has been named the inaugural recipient of the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship (Image: Thomas Snaddon)

Tamworth Country Music Festival executive manager, Peter Ross, said the announcement marks a

significant milestone for both the initiative and the broader Australian country music landscape.

“The response to the scholarship has been extraordinary, and Ethan is a truly deserving recipient,” he said.

“This initiative reflects the shared values of the Festival and Keith – creating meaningful opportunities for artists to grow and reach new audiences. Keith is the living embodiment of the Tamworth pathway to success, and together we are proud to support the next generation of Australian country artists as they take their music to the world.”

The Tamworth Country Music Festival and Keith Urban teams will work closely with Calway as he undertakes the scholarship experience.