Max Jackson Crowned 2022 Toyota Star Maker

Carrington singer-songwriter, Max Jackson has been crowned the 2022 Toyota Star Maker, following her captivating performance of her songs Life of the Party and Runnin’ at the 42nd grand final concert, held at the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival on April 19.

She wrote in part on Facebook, “💕 OH WHAT A FEELIN’! I am waking up this morning as Star Maker 2022 and no words could express my excitement & gratitude… I feel like I’m floating on a cloud and I’m about to hit the ground Runnin’ for the year ahead.”

Toyota Star Maker producer, Barry Harley said, “A very big congratulations to Max, our 2022 Toyota Star Maker winner. Toyota Star Maker has been a launch pad for some of Australia’s biggest country stars including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Sam McClymont, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, Blake O’Connor and Brad Cox and I have no doubt this is just the beginning for Max.” 

In addition to the title of Toyota Star Maker winner, Jackson receives a prize package, which includes 12-months use of a brand-new Toyota vehicle and fuel card, a trip to Nashville for the CMA Festival in June 2022 courtesy of Chris Watson Travel, photo portfolio with Andrew Pearson Photography, a recording session and production of two professional video clips, plus the opportunity to perform at major festivals and events across Australia.  

Jackson now takes the crown from singer-songwriter Sammy White, who became the 41st Star Maker winner in 2020. Sammy’s support by Toyota and Star Maker was extended by 12 months after COVID-19 cancelled the 2021 event. White is also a finalist in the ‘New Talent of the Year’ category at the 2022 Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards – taking place on Wednesday, April 20.  

Following the postponement of Star Maker from January to April, the finalists had a greater opportunity to prepare for the event whilst gaining new followers and creating relationships. When coming to their decision, the judges considered the finalists’ entry, their individual interviews, and their preparation, before choosing the one who they believed stood apart from all other finalists. 

The illustrious panel of judges include CMAA Chairman Dan Biddle; KIX Country National Content Director, Justin Thomson; the long-time manager of Troy Cassar-Daley, Roxanne Brown; Major Events Gold Coast Director, Mark Duckworth and the Pub Group’s Craig Power.

Thousands of country music fans packed Toyota Park for the grand final on April 19, hosted by 88.9FM Tamworth content director Ray McCoy, which saw 10 grand finalists perform two songs each, backed by an a-grade band that featured Rod Motbey, Ian Lees, Glenn Wilson, Gary Day and musical director Sam Hawksley. 

Fans were also treated to performances by 1997 Star Maker winner, Lyn Bowtell as well as 1982 Star Maker winner Lee Kernaghan. Bowtell wowed the crowd with a taste of her latest single I Won’t Do That Again, while Kernaghan performed Outback Club and Boys From The Bush.

As well as Jackson, the top ten finalists included Billie-Jo Porter, Brittany Elise, Charlie Fittler, Clancy Pye, Heath Lancaster, Loren Ryan, Katie Jayne, Jade Gibson and Jake Davey. 



Jackson released her critically acclaimed debut album, Life Of The Party in 2020. Particularly inspired by female writers who really have something to say, Jackson’s witty lyrics and “bare all” approach might, at times, remind listeners of her inspirations, Kacey Musgraves, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crowe and Dolly Parton. Her mentor of 12 years is Gina Jeffreys, whom she often tours with.

Before releasing her own music, Jackson was happily the behind-the-scenes songwriter, honing her craft on multiple trips to Nashville and Los Angeles, writing with established International and Australian artists on their projects. Notably, she co-wrote Astronomical with Nashville pop artist Svrcina, which, to date has had over 3.4 million YouTube views and was placed in the TV Series, Legacies. 

For further information on the Toyota Star Maker competition visit starmaker.com.au

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Follow Max Jackson on her Facebook page here.