Ten young country artists are one step closer to a career-defining moment, with the finalists for the 47th Toyota Star Maker named ahead of the Grand Final at the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The winner will be crowned on Sunday, 17 January 2027, at Toyota Park, Tamworth’s largest outdoor entertainment venue, from 7pm.
This year’s top 10 is made up of three male and seven female performers from Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
- Bianca Joulianou, 27, Hurstville NSW
- Hayden Phillis, 20, Como, Sydney NSW/Robertson, Southern Highlands NSW
- Jacynta’lee, 33, Atherton Tablelands Qld
- Kaitlyn Thomas, 26, Rifle Range Qld
- Keely Ellen, 20, Bargara Qld
- Lily-Grace Grant, 18, Lennox Head NSW
- Sarah Catania, 26, Smith’s Gully Vic
- Saralyn, 37, Chisholm NSW
- Tate Cole, 23, Woodford Qld
- Zac Weeks, 28, Smithton Tas
Toyota Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown said the standard of entries made picking the finalists a challenge, with several artists narrowly missing the cut.
“There were some strong entries this year, and we head into this year knowing there were quite a few entrants who missed out by a whisker,” Ms Brown said.
“Talent, experience, drive and commitment are key to what we’re looking for in a winner and all 10 finalists appear to have elements of these traits.
“The one who exhibits them all will no doubt deliver on the night.”
Each finalist will perform two songs at the Grand Final, putting their talent, individuality, and stage presence to the test in front of a live audience.
For almost five decades, Toyota Star Maker has helped shape the careers of some of Australia’s best-known country music performers.
More than 500 artists have competed as finalists. Past winners include Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Kirsty Lee Akers, Lyn Bowtell, Kaylee Bell, Max Jackson, and Wade Forster.
The competition’s legacy continues to be felt across the industry. The 2026 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards Male and Female Artists of the Year, Wade Forster and Max Jackson, are both Star Maker alumni.
Both have also been nominated for Best Country Album at the 40th ARIA Awards, alongside fellow Star Maker winners Keith Urban and Rachael Fahim. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, 18 November.
The Grand Final will also welcome back the 46th Toyota Star Maker, Jarrad Wrigley, who has had a busy year of festivals, touring, and recording since taking the title.
His Star Maker EP, produced by Adam Surace, will be launched on Tuesday, 19 January 2027, at The Longyard Hotel. It features his previously released single Borderline Crazy, alongside Wear The Hat.
“For more than three decades, Toyota has proudly supported Toyota Star Maker, helping to launch the careers of some of Australia’s most renowned country music artists while continuing to provide a platform for exceptional emerging talent,” said Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo.
“Toyota has a long history supporting customers and communities in regional and rural Australia.
“We are honoured to support a program that champions the next generation of country music artists and contributes to the enduring strength of the Australian country music industry.”
The Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival runs from 14 to 24 January 2027. More than 300,000 people are expected to converge on Tamworth for hundreds of artists and thousands of shows.
The Toyota 55th Golden Guitar Awards will be held on Saturday, 23 January 2027.
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