Toyota Star Maker is known for highlighting country artists who are living the life they’re singing about and Wade Forster is the epitome of a cowboy who is loving the ride after winning the talent search in January.
The talent search is Australia’s longest running country music competition and an annual search for a solo performer who will take the prizes and opportunities on offer, and make the most of them, and entries are now open for the January 2025 competition.
The benefits that Toyota Star Maker has on music careers cannot be underestimated and the winners list includes Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Lyn Bowtell, and Loren Ryan.
“It’s been groundbreaking for me in Australian country music,” said Wade.
“I didn’t have an audience here because it’s hard to get an audience where I’m from because I’m a long way from the major towns.”
Wade, who lives in the Western Queensland town of Winton, said being part of the top 10 grand finalists and performing in front of thousands of people in Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park was nothing like he’d ever experienced.
“I’ve won gold buckles before, but there is something about winning that Star Maker title; you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days,” laughed Wade.
“Rodeo isn’t easy, but it’s something I was definitely more confident in before Star Maker, but I’ve got more confidence performing now that I’ve done Star Maker. At the time, I feel like I would’ve done better on a horse than that night at Star Maker.”
The Winton cowboy said the prize pool and opportunities, which include the use of a Toyota car and a fuel card for 12 months, recording and promotion, and performance opportunities, has helped him play in places he’d never been.
So far, Wade has travelled to Nashville, Melbourne, Tasmania and plenty of places in between and is gearing up to play the iconic Gympie Music Muster at the end of August and support US artist Tyler Hubbard in October.
“All the great sponsors kept me going to great places that only a little boy like me could dream of,” Wade said.
“Country music is much like rodeo, if you do qualify for the finals of something, you’ve got that to say about yourself, but people always remember you were part of the finalist because people remember me going to the finals, even if I haven’t won the buckles, and it’s the same for Star Maker.”
However, it’s going to be bittersweet to hand over the title to the 2025 winner.
“I’ll be sad to hand Reggie (the winner’s Rav 4) back,” said Wade.
“One of my bull riding mates called him Reggie and it’s bad luck to change the name. I have lots I’m looking forward to, still, though with lot more shows, showcasing who I am and hopefully making an appearance at the Golden Guitars.
“The goal this year was to get top 10 Star Maker, which I did and now it’s to make an appearance at the Golden Guitars – you’ve gotta keep setting goals.”
The 2024 winner’s advice for those wanting to enter the 2025 competition is to be more active on social media, do a lot more gigs to build your audience and support if you do make the top 10, release songs, even if they’re covers on social media, and be active in your community.
“There’s no correct answer because it’s just a battle between you and yourself,” said Wade.
“If you think you’re ready, you’re ready to go because it’s just a good experience.
“Make sure you get your entries in, there’s going to be a great year ahead for whoever is the Star Maker and I wish them all good luck.”
Star Maker entries close on September 6 with a panel of country music industry personnel choosing the top 10 finalists.
A prize package worth more than $100,000 awaits the winner.
If you’re ready, enter here: https://starmaker.com.au/enternow/
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