Felicity Kircher ProfileThe Royal Queensland Show’s beloved Country Music Showdown is back for 2025, and it’s bigger than ever. With a total prize pool now valued at over $70,000, this year’s competition is set to be the ultimate launchpad for rising country music stars across Australia.
Now open for entries, the Showdown gives aspiring artists aged 12 and up the chance to perform live in front of Ekka crowds and a panel of industry judges. Finalists will hit the stage at the XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill on Sunday 17 August, competing across two categories: Junior (12–17 years) and Open (18+ years).
In 2025, the competition ups the ante with an increased $3,000 cash prize for the Open Category winner, who will also score a paid performance at Lefty’s Music Hall in Brisbane - a new addition to the winner’s calendar. They'll also return to play Ekka 2026 and appear on stage at the iconic Gympie Music Muster.
But the rewards don’t stop there. This year’s prize pool includes the coveted Troy Cassar-Daley Scholarship to the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, professional music video and website services, a photo shoot package, musical gear, and interviews and airplay on KIX Country.
Tony Laffan, Head of Ekka Entertainment and Education, said the competition continues to uncover the next wave of Australian talent. “We were thrilled to see Felicity Kircher, a past winner of both our Junior and Open categories, recently named the 2025 Toyota Star Maker at the Tamworth Country Music Festival,” he said. “It’s proof that this competition can be the start of something big.”
Think you’ve got what it takes? Submit your entry now
