What do Keith Urban, Beccy Cole, Lyn Bowtell, Lee Kernaghan and James Blundell all have in common? They’re all winners of the Star Maker competition and today, the top 10 finalists in the 54th Toyota Star Maker were announced in Australia’s Country Music Capital.
Queensland and New South Wales have produced the talent this year, with the finalists being:
1. Briana Dinsdale, 21, Loganholme Qld
2. Bryce Sainty, 32, Springfield NSW
3. Cait Jamieson, 18, Toowong Qld
4. Ella Powell, 20, Terrigal NSW
5. Felicity Dowd, 20, Bega NSW
6. Felicity Kircher, 20, Tingalpa Qld
7. Finnian Johnson, 22, Cessnock NSW
8. James Keith, 40, Warriewood NSW
9. Kaitlyn Thomas, 24, Rifle Range Qld
10. Teak, 39, Tatham NSW
Bryce Sainty, Felicity Dowd and Finnian Johnson have all been finalists in previous years.
Current Toyota Star Maker Wade Forster was at the announcement and was excited about the talent among the finalists.
The rodeo cowboy said Star Maker gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent not only in Australia, but to the world as well and tour with some of the top musical talent in Australia and the US.
“Performing on some of Australia’s biggest stages and meeting with some of Australia’s biggest names in the industry has been key in making sure this hobby is now a full-time job for me,” Wade said.
“I can’t believe this, what a year I’ve had and it’s all happened because I took a chance and entered Star Maker. The support from Toyota means so much to me. I can’t thank them enough for the wheels and fuel this year to get me around the country. When I look back over this year, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Toyota Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown says this year’s top 10 brought a variety of country styles to the stage.
“Last year seemed to be a return of the cowboy and Wade Forster stood apart with his authenticity of someone who lives the life of a rodeo cowboy and country music singer-songwriter,” she said.
“Often there are one or two clear front runners, but I think all 10 are definitely in the running and we are always anxious as we anticipate the result.”
Cheryl said Star Maker had an incredible legacy and this year attracted nearly 90 entries.
The Toyota Star Maker Grand Final is one of the biggest events of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. It all begins at 7pm on Sunday 19 January 2025 at the city’s largest outdoor venue – Toyota Park.
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