An emerging Australian country artist will get the chance to write, record, and perform in Nashville next year, after Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival reopened applications for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship.
The four-time GRAMMY Award winner and the festival have opened the 2027 round following a successful inaugural year that has already made a significant impact on its first recipient.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival team will manage the application process, with Urban choosing the final recipient. Applications close on Tuesday, 2 February 2027.
The scholarship offers access to the US country music industry, including chances to perform, write, and record in Nashville, meet key industry figures, and take part in dedicated recording time at Urban’s Nashville studio, The Sound, formerly the legendary Tracking Room.
Flights, accommodation, and associated expenses will be covered for the successful 2027 recipient.
Urban’s own link to Tamworth goes back to his early days busking at the festival and his win in the Star Maker competition at age 22. In January 2025, he was honoured with the Roll of Renown at the Golden Guitar Awards, one of the highest honours in Australasian country music.
“I know firsthand how important it is to have people believe in you and give you opportunities to grow as an artist,” Urban said.
“That’s what this scholarship is all about – giving an emerging Australian artist the chance to connect with some incredibly creative people and be inspired by what’s happening in Nashville.”
The first scholarship went to 27-year-old Ethan Calway from Warragul, Victoria, whose guitar work, emotive vocals, and authentic approach to country music made him stand out from a strong national field.
Since then, his career has gathered pace. Previously absent from major festival line-ups, he has played Deni Ute Muster and Gympie Music Muster, and has appearances lined up at the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s opening concert and the 20th anniversary edition of CMC Rocks QLD in March 2027.
He has also released his latest single, Round The Bend, recorded at The Sound.
“Before the scholarship, I wasn’t playing any major festivals,” Mr Calway said.
“Since then, things have really taken off, and I’ve had opportunities I never imagined would come my way so quickly.”
He said the time in Nashville had changed his songwriting.
“Being in Nashville was an incredibly inspiring experience,” he said.
“It’s such a special place for music, and being immersed in that environment pushed me creatively and gave me a new perspective on where I want to take my career.”
“The songs I’m writing now are a lot deeper than anything I’ve written before, and the advice Keith shared with me has helped cement my sound and given me a clearer sense of direction.”
Urban said he had enjoyed watching the first recipient grow.
“It’s been great to see what Ethan has done with the opportunity so far, from developing his songwriting to getting out on some major festival stages,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes it from here, and to help another young artist take that next step in 2027.”
Tamworth Country Music Festival Executive Producer Peter Ross said the response to the first round showed how much these chances matter to artists.
“The level of interest we received from artists around the country highlighted just how valuable opportunities like this are for the industry,” Mr Ross said.
“We’re excited to see the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship return in 2027 and to continue working alongside Keith to invest in the future of Australian country music.”
Urban has long backed emerging artists through mentoring, collaboration, touring opportunities, and industry development. Outside music, he set up the Keith Urban Just Cause Fund in 2019 with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which supports non-profit organisations making a difference in their communities.
From his Tamworth beginnings, Urban has gone on to win four GRAMMY Awards, 13 CMA Awards, 15 ACM Awards, three American Music Awards, and two People’s Choice Awards, along with nine consecutive gold, platinum, or multi-platinum albums.
“This scholarship is about more than one opportunity,” Mr Ross said.
“It’s about helping artists build connections, develop their craft and gain the experience needed to reach new audiences.”
“Keith’s career demonstrates what’s possible, and we’re proud to partner with him to help the next generation pursue their own ambitions on the world stage.”
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