Tingalpa’s Felicity Kircher has been crowned the 45th Toyota Star Maker after a stellar showcase of emerging country talent at the 2025 Grand Final concert, held tonight during the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival.
This was Felicity’s first time entering Star Maker.
“This is so full circle, it’s good. I’m just speechless, and I’m just over the moon; this is just gonna be such an incredible year, and I’m just so excited to get into it,” she said.
“I think ever since I was a little girl this has been my goal. The first year I came to Tamworth when I was eight, I just always dreamt of it. It really clicked with me when I applied, and I thought, ‘this is what I need to do; it’s like a calling,’ so that’s how we ended up here.”
“Well, I’m really lucky to have recorded an album and to be recording some more music soon, and I’m really looking forward to just getting on the road, going over to Nashville, and just releasing heaps of music, so that’s the next step.”
“I think honestly, Star Maker provides a platform and the grounding of the competition as well, really connecting you and setting you up into the scene and into a community, as well as just an incredible springboard.”
Felicity was supported by friends and family in the crowd sporting bright yellow shirts declaring they were Team Felicity Kircher.
The other competitors included Briana Dinsdale (Longholme, Qld), Cait Jamieson (Toowong, Qld), Ella Powell (Terrigal, NSW), James Keith (Warriewood, NSW), Kaitlyn Thomas (Rifle Range, Qld), and Teak (Tatham, NSW). Returning finalists were Bryce Sainty (Springfield, NSW), Felicity Dowd (Bega, NSW), and Finnian Johnson (Cessnock, NSW). Each performed two songs backed by the Sam Hawksley Allstar Band in front of a packed Toyota Park.
Felicity’s standout performances of Dear Rose and Ultimatum stole the show.
Felicity Kircher is no stranger to the stage. A multi-instrumentalist with more than a decade of experience, she has toured extensively across Australia, including performances at the Gympie Muster, Savannah in the Round, and Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has also supported Kasey Chambers.
A multi-time graduate of The CMAA Academy of Country Music, Felicity recorded her first album at 15 with Rob Mackay and has since worked with ARIA Award-winning producer Govinda Doyle on singles including Long Time Coming and Sweet Tea. In 2023 and 2024, she collaborated with Shane Nicholson on 12 tracks and released I Am Cry, produced by Charles Dugan and Aaron Shanahan, which has gained significant attention as a contemporary heartbreak anthem.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a winner.
“Over the past couple of months, we’ve had the opportunity to watch each of the finalists make their way to the Grand Final, but after careful consideration, it was decided that Felicity Kircher was the most ready this year,” she said.
Toyota Star Maker Producer Barry Harley echoed the sentiment, praising the exceptional talent on display.
“What an amazing night of exceptional talent. The future of country music is exciting with a huge variety of emerging Australian artists,” he said.
Last year’s winner, Wade Forster, returned to the Star Maker stage with a dynamic performance before handing over the title. Wade’s 2024 win propelled him to a successful year of touring, and his EP The Drifter will launch on January 24.
Three-time Golden Guitar winner and 1999 Toyota Star Maker Brendon Walmsley hosted the event and also performed.
Toyota Australia celebrated 30 years as the longest continuous sponsor of an Australian country music event. Presenting the award, Toyota Australia Manager, Events Sponsorship & Promotions, Ellie Gibbs praised the finalists and welcomed Felicity to the Star Maker family.
As the 2025 Toyota Star Maker, Felicity Kircher will receive a prize pack valued at more than $100,000. The judging panel for this year’s competition included industry leaders Cheryl Brown, Justin Thomson, Katie Rynne, Natalie Waller, Phil Barton, and Tom Inglis.
Felicity Kircher’s Star Maker journey begins now, promising an exciting year ahead for one of Australia’s brightest emerging talents.
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