The first annual Countrytown Awards presented by Rum Co of Fiji are coming in hot, with over 30,000 votes cast across ten categories, celebrating the very best of Aussie country music over the past year. The final five contenders in each category have just been revealed, with winners being unveiled at an exclusive invite-only event in Brisbane on March 20.

Leading the charge with four finalist nods each are The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, and Kaylee Bell, while James Johnston and Taylor Moss are hot on their heels with three. The coveted RATU Signature Entertainer of the Year battle is stacked, featuring Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Keith Urban, Kaylee Bell, and The Wolfe Brothers.

Countrytown’s inaugural Legend Award has also been announced today, to be presented to none other than True Blue legend, John Williamson. With a fifty-five year career as one of the country’s most important songwriters and performers, Williamson will be honored with the accolade at the awards ceremony, on the eve of his final national tour which will wind its way across the country one final time this year. 

“Countrytown readers have turned out in their thousands and have not disappointed with their selections this year,” said Countrytown Content Director Megan Hopkins. “We’re proud to be celebrating the finest in new Australian talent as well as being able to honour important figures like John Williamson.”

“Australian country music has never been more popular and the Countrytown Awards are a fan-first celebration of our culture of our artists and industry.”

The winners will be revealed exclusively on Countrytown and at the live event in Brisbane on Thursday, March 20 in front of an audience of industry. Plus, a few lucky Countrytown readers who scored their way into this special night by voting in the 2025 awards. Keep your eyes on Countrytown this weekend - we’re dropping the hosts and performers lineup soon!

COUNTRYTOWN AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS

Breakthrough Artist of the Year

Bella Mackenzie

Josh Setterfield

Robbie Mortimer

Tyla Rodrigues

Wade Forster

Festival of the Year

CMC Rocks

Groundwater Country Music Festival

Gympie Music Muster

Savannah In The Round

Tamworth Country Music Festival

Australian Tour of the Year

Casey Barnes - Mayday Album Tour

Lee Kernaghan - Boys From The Bush Tour

Morgan Evans - Life Upside Down Tour

Taylor Moss - Firecracker Tour

The Wolfe Brothers - Still Livin’ The Dream Tour

International Artist of the Year

Cooper Alan

Kane Brown

Kip Moore

Lainey Wilson

Riley Green

Male Artist of the Year

Casey Barnes

James Johnston

Lane Pittman

Morgan Evans

Troy Cassar-Daley

Female Artist of the Year

Amber Lawrence

Kasey Chambers

Kaylee Bell

Max Jackson

Taylor Moss

Group or Duo of the Year

Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley

Homegrown Trio

The Buckleys

The Wolfe Brothers

Zac & George

Album of the Year

Casey Barnes - Mayday

Keith Urban - HIGH

Kaylee Bell - Nights Like This

Taylor Moss - Firecracker

Troy Cassar-Daley - Between the Fires

Song of the Year

James Johnston - BLAME

Kaylee Bell - Cowboy Up

Lane Pittman - Amen For The Weekend

Max Jackson - Hold My Horses

The Wolfe Brothers - Little By Little

Entertainer of the Year

Casey Barnes

James Johnston

Keith Urban

Kaylee Bell

The Wolfe Brothers

Presenting Partner: Rum Co Of Fiji
Gold Industry Partners: Live Nation, MGM Distribution, Sony Music, Spotify, Universal Island, Warner Music
Silver Industry Partners: ABC Music, Big Loud, Hemisphere Group, Wheelhouse Agency