Country Stars Is Searching For The Sunshine Coast’s Next Big Country Artist

A new talent search is coming to the Sunshine Coast, aiming to champion for the next big name in Australian country music.

Aptly named Country Stars, the contest promises “one of the largest prize pools ever seen on the Sunshine Coast”, with $15,000 in cash and lucrative career opportunities up for grabs. Included are packages for studio recording and distribution, filming, photography, mentoring, merchandise, hair, beauty and clothing – as well as a chance to perform at next year’s edition of the iconic Gympie Music Muster.

The competition came to life thanks to a vision from Col Finley, who after years of manifesting it, linked up with the Maleny Show committee to launch it in 2024.

Nominations for the inaugural edition of Country Stars are open from now until Wednesday May 1. To enter, you’ll need to head here and submit two videos of yourself performing. All the videos sent in will be judged by a panel of industry professionals, with a group of semi-finalists invited to perform live, acoustically, not only for them but a live audience as well.

Following the semi-finals, five artists from each section – juniors (between the ages of 12 and 17) and seniors (anyone over 18) – will be chosen to perform two songs with the purpose-built Country Allstars Band, and the two ultimate champions will be crowned from there. The semi-finals will be held on Friday May 31, with the finals going down the next day (June 1).

So say the board of organisers: “Country Stars will showcase our selected entrants' vocal and musical talents and is open to all. Who are not professional artists? We plan to grow into a national event with every state hosting. the Country Star event, and the winner of each state performing to be crowned Country Star Australia.”