If your kids came home from the Tamworth Country Music Festival buzzing with big country music dreams, they’re not alone. Each year, the Festival becomes a launchpad for young performers from across Australia, and one of the most exciting opportunities for junior artists is the Golden Gig talent search.
In 2026, more than 90 up-and-coming young artists aged 18 and under took to the stage, competing for the coveted Golden Gig title and the chance to kickstart a future in country music.
The Senior Division was won by 16-year-old singer-songwriter Robbi Morgan from Hornsby, NSW, who impressed judges with her talent and confidence.
“Everyone is so lovely,” Robbi said. “From the judges to everyone who worked behind the scenes, it has been fantastic, such a great experience.”
For younger performers, the Junior Division offered its own unforgettable first taste of the Tamworth spotlight. Ten-year-old Abraham Sihombing from Melbourne took out the top junior prize, making his very first appearance at the Festival one to remember.
“This is my first time in Tamworth for the Country Music Festival and I feel amazing!” he said.
The Senior Division also featured strong performances from the talented duo William and Harvey Connor, who placed second, while Tia Hannah, daughter of Golden Guitar award-winning artist Felicity Urquhart, claimed third place. In the Junior Division, Daniel Wincohen secured second place, with 11-year-old Georgia Stafford claiming a podium finish in third.
Festival Manager Barry Harley said the standard of competition continues to rise, making it an inspiring experience for young performers and their families.
“It was so inspiring to see so many young people from all over Australia and beyond travel to Tamworth to compete in the Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s this year,” Mr Harley said.
“Congratulations to every single artist who applied and showed great confidence on the stage.”
The Golden Gig grand final, held on Friday, 23 January, featured the top five artists from both the Junior and Senior divisions. Beyond the thrill of performing, winners receive substantial support designed to nurture young talent long after the Festival ends.
For performers aged 12 and under, prizes included three professional mentoring opportunities with six-time Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence, a Takamine electric-acoustic guitar, up to $500 cash, and a $250 Capitol Music voucher. The 13 to 17-year-old category offered equally impressive rewards, including a place at the CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Course valued at $3,300, mentoring opportunities, a Takamine guitar, $500 cash, and a Capitol Music voucher.
Major sponsor McDonald’s says supporting young performers is a natural fit.
“As one of Australia’s largest employers of young people, we’re proud to continue championing aspiring country music artists who dream of turning their passion into a profession,” McDonald’s Tamworth licensee Adrian Sippel said.
“Macca’s has supported the Tamworth Country Music Festival for six years now, and every year it’s incredible to see fresh talent from across the nation light up the stage.”
“The Golden Gig gives rising stars the chance to learn from industry leaders, and we’re excited to see what amazing opportunities 2026 will bring for these talented performers.”
For parents watching from the crowd, the Golden Gig is a reminder that the Tamworth Country Music Festival isn’t just a celebration of today’s stars, it’s where the next generation takes their first steps. If your child left Tamworth inspired, now might be the perfect time to start planning, practising, and dreaming about what next year could hold.
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