Australia’s leading country music talent search, the Toyota Star Maker, is back for its 47th iteration at the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
This year will see a new top 10 vying for the top spot on Sunday 17th January 2027 on the main stage of Toyota Park in front of thousands of spectators and streamed across the world. This year’s top 10 consists of three male and seven female performers representing Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland.
Toyota Star Maker Coordinator, Cheryl Brown, says the standard of entries this year was exceptional, leading many would-be competitors missing out by a mere whisker.
“Talent, experience, drive and commitment are key to what we’re looking for in a winner, and all 10 finalists appear to have elements of these traits,” Brown said. “The one who exhibits them all will no doubt deliver on the night.”
With nearly 50 years of Toyota Star Maker careers having been built already, with the likes of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Kirsty Lee Akers, Lyn Bowtell, Kaylee Bell, Max Jackson and Wade Forster taking the prize, whoever takes the top spot is sure to find themselves amongst heavyweights in the industry and an expectation to represent Australian country music on the international stage.
The competition’s legacy has resonated with real-time effects in the industry, with 2026 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards Male and Female Artists of the Year, Wade Forster and Max Jackson, among its alumni. Both previous winners have also been nominated for Best Country Album at the 40th ARIA Awards, alongside fellow Star Maker winners Keith Urban and Rachael Fahim, with the winners to be announced on 18 November.
The competition will also welcome back the 46th Toyota Star Maker, Jarrad Wrigley, who has enjoyed a busy year of festivals, touring and recording since taking the title. His next release, the Star Maker EP, produced by Adam Surace, will be launched on Tuesday, 19 January 2027, at The Longyard Hotel. The EP features his previously released single Borderline Crazy, alongside Wear The Hat.
With only two songs on the night, each 2027 finalist will showcase why they should be the one to carry on the Toyota Star Maker champion torch and enter the annals of Tamworth Country Music Festival history forevermore.
Let’s take a look at who the Top 10 finalists are and why you should be rooting for them come the summertime.
Bianca Joulianou, 27, Hurstville NSW
At 19, Bianca Joulianou started learning guitar for the first time, where she began crafting songs that capture the raw highs and heartbreaks of life. Influenced by legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, as well as contemporary stars like Ella Langley and Tyler Childers, Joulianou is ready to be versatile enough to take up the mantle of Toyota Star Maker.
She has quickly made a name for herself, seizing every opportunity that comes her way and recently shared the stage with 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright, supported Shannon Noll at his headline show in Ballina, and performed alongside Thirsty Merc at last year’s Sunset Sounds Festival.
Beyond music, Joulianou is also a dedicated mental health support worker, using her platform and passion to inspire others. She has even helped a client rediscover his love for playing guitar. Hurstville, it’s time to get behind her; take this as your call to arms for it to be Joulianou season!
Hayden Phillis, 20, Como, Sydney NSW / Robertson, Southern Highlands NSW
Hayden Phillis is an emerging Australian country, roots, and folk artist whose gritty Americana sound delivers authentic, purposeful Australian stories. Inspired by idols like Shane Nicholson and the folk, bluegrass and contemporary country movements, his songwriting explores lived experiences and the complex issues facing youth today.
A three-time graduate of the CMAA Academy of Country Music, Phillis has earned recognition at major events, placing in the Top 12 at the 2025 Gympie Music Muster Mothertone Talent Search and EKKA Country Music Showdown, and the Top 10 at Tamworth Country Music Festival’s Best of Buskers.
His debut album, Too Young, recorded at Rabbit Hole Recording Studio with Bill Chambers, received strong industry reviews, seven Apple Music editorial playlist placements and recognition in NSW Parliament. His music has surpassed 150,000 Spotify streams. In 2026, Phillis performed at the National Folk Festival and began exploring Nashville’s songwriting community.
Collaborations with Australian and American writers, like Kevin Welch, have helped shape Phillis’ upcoming second album, following the release of the new single Stick Poke Tattoos in July. With a distinctive voice, thoughtful storytelling and a growing national profile, Hayden is carving out a compelling place in Australian country and folk music. If you’re from Como or Robertson, now is the time to rally behind Hayden!
Jacynta’lee, 33, Atherton Tablelands Qld
Jacynta’lee hails from Malanda in Far North Queensland, known for her fearless approach to songwriting and captivating live performances. She has been practising her craft from the age of six. Her quest to this competition was further propelled when she received the CMAA Junior Academy Scholarship in 2009, so she’s been working on this career for a lifetime.
Drawing on influences from country, blues, pop and country rock like Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Maren Morris, Jacynta’lee has developed a bold and contemporary sound that sets her apart. Since launching her recording career with her debut single Dream in 2021, she has continued to build momentum, co-writing with Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter, with releases including Relationship Status, Take My Hand, Get Me Some and That's Alright.
Known for her authentic storytelling and energetic performances, Jacynta’lee connects with audiences through songs inspired by real-life experiences, country living and the hardworking Australian spirit from the far, far north.
With a growing catalogue of original music and an expanding fan base, Jacynta’lee continues to establish herself as one of Australia's exciting emerging country music artists. Far North Queensland, it’s time to sound off and get behind Jacynta’lee!
Kaitlyn Thomas, 26, Rifle Range Qld
Kaitlyn Thomas is no stranger to the country music festival circuit or competitions. Inspired by the likes of Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow and Ann Wilson, Thomas came into her career as a fierce competitor in the Gympie Music Muster Mothertone Talent Search, the top 30 on Australian Idol 2023, and was previously a finalist in the 45th Toyota Star Maker.
Born and raised in rural Victoria, Thomas’ love for music came at a very early age. Soaking up the music that was being played around her while growing up, they inspired her to begin writing her own songs at the age of 8. And she hasn’t looked back since.
Kaitlyn Thomas is a graduate of both the junior and senior CMAA Academy of Country Music and was awarded Australian Youth Songwriter of the Year in 2012 and again in 2018. Personal highlights also include performing at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café and Honky Tonk Central in 2016 and receiving an endorsement from Maton Guitars.
Thomas has developed her craft under the guidance of some well-regarded producers and mentors, including supporting artists such as Casey Donovan, Beccy Cole, Darlinghurst and Andrew Swift. Thomas also had the pleasure of touring with Carter & Carter on their Taste of Tamworth Tour and working with musicians of the calibre of guitarist Brett Garsed, who is best known for his work with John Farnham and US rock group Nelson. Rifle Range, guns up for Kaitlyn as she goes for the competition bullseye this time!
Keely Ellen, 20, Bargara Qld
Another 2025 Australian Idol Top 21 finalist, Keely Ellen, returns to the competition ferocious for the win. Competing twice in the Gympie Music Muster Mothertone Talent Search and the Ekka Country Music Showdown, Ellen was the Blacklist Breakout Competition 2026 winner.
Ellen has shared the stage with renowned artists like Bill Chambers, Brad Butcher, Chelsea Basham, Travis Collins, The Wolfe Brothers, Catherine Britt, and has been mentored by Lyn Bowtell as part of the CMAA Junior Academy.
Her country pop melodies and powerful vocals were made famous when she brought Kyle Sandilands to tears on her season of the show, and now she is looking to forge a path on her own, inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift and with hits like Red Head co-written with Katrina Burgoyne; she is ready to make that happen in Tamworth. Grab an ice-cold Bundy and make a toast because this country queen is firing up her cowboots and ready to start the party nationwide.
Lily-Grace Grant, 18, Lennox Head NSW
Lennox Head native, Lily-Grace Grant has been making waves all year with her recent Top 12 placement on the 2026 Australian Idol billing and a tour with Idol Winner Dylan Wright to boot. Lily-Grace has been captivating audiences with her heartfelt songwriting, powerful vocals and authentic country sound since she wrote her first song at just eight years old.
Her growing list of achievements includes performing with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd in front of 20,000 people, appearances at major country music events, and recognition through numerous talent quests and songwriting competitions across Australia. With original releases including Wild Child, Damn Hard Working Man and Permanent Scar, Grant continues to establish herself as a rising star to watch.
Grant will perform live at the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival with fellow Australian Idol finalist Harlan Goode and has worked with industry greats like Matt Fell and Jeff King. Lennox Head, it’s time to come out for Lily-Grace Grant again and see her take the top spot this time!
Sarah Catania, 26, Smith’s Gully Vic
Sarah Catania is another stalwart of the Australian country music competition circuit with songwriting that captures the complex emotions and uncertainties of navigating life in your twenties. Influenced by renowned artists such as Ella Langley, Shania Twain, and Carrie Underwood, Catania is breathing new life into the Australian Country Music scene, blending tradition with a refreshing, contemporary sound.
A Melbourne native, Catania began performing in the local music scene and has since gained significant recognition. Since releasing her debut single, Venus and Mars, in October 2022, she has performed over 200 shows, including appearances at festivals such as the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Gympie Music Muster.
In addition to her debut single, Catania has released three more tracks: Little She Knows, Here I Am, and Those Kind of Men, with Little She Knows making an impressive debut, reaching No. 11 on the Australian iTunes Country Charts.
Catania graduated from the CMAA Academy of Country Music and was a top-three finalist in the 2024 Gympie Muster Mothertone Talent Search and placed in the top 10 of the 2023 KIX Start competition. Catania has supported respected artists such as Andrew Swift, Shane Nicholson, Taylor Moss, Wade Forster, and Amber Lawrence, making her a viable and strong contender for Star Maker again. Victoria, it’s time to get behind Sarah Catania!
Saralyn, 37, Chisholm NSW
Saralyn is a rising force in Australian country music, celebrated for her powerhouse vocals, heartfelt songwriting and magnetic stage presence. Based in the Lower Hunter Valley, Saralyn blends raw country grit with soulful storytelling, inspired by Lainey Wilson, Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton.
A seasoned performer with more than 15 years of stage experience, Saralyn stepped into the national spotlight on The Voice Australia in 2025 and continues to build strong momentum. In 2024, she was crowned the winner of the Gympie Music Muster Mothertone Talent Search, where the win earned her a trip to Nashville and performance opportunities at the Deni Ute Muster and Gympie Music Muster in 2025.
With more than 30,000 followers, over 200,000 streams, five singles in high rotation on ABC Country and two CMT music video premieres, Saralyn is fast cementing her place as a standout voice in modern country music. Her singles have charted nationally, including I Would Run, White Butterfly, Freedom Train and Cowgirl Blues.
She was named Most Promising Future Star at the People’s Choice Awards in Tamworth and joined the Songbird Sessions tour with MusicNSW in 2025. She’s already selling out shows in Tamworth, and this year she is coming for the title of Toyota Star Maker to complement her already prolific lineup of crowns. Hunter Valley, raise a glass to Saralyn this summer!
Tate Cole, 23, Woodford Qld
Growing up around the Australian rodeo circuit under the tutelage of his father, Tate Cole brings a classical style of country music to the table in 2026. Blending bush balladeering, western swing, blues and southern rock, Cole developed his deep connection to the stories of country living and life on the road, which helped shape his songwriting ability.
Since the release of his debut single in March 2025, Cole has steadily built momentum in the country music scene, performing at Gympie Music Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and Lasso Country Music Festival. With releases such as Dying Breed, Anymore and Man In The Moon, he brings his traditional style of country music to the forefront of audiences’ minds.
Cole has also supported artists Andrew Farris and Cody Pennington on tour, as well as established Australian acts including Hayley Jensen, Taylor Sheridan and Briana Dinsdale. With a strong connection to country life and a growing catalogue of honest, story-driven songs, Cole is ready to bring the title of Toyota Star Maker to his hometown of Gympie in a melding of two of Australia’s leading country music festivals.
Zac Weeks, 28, Smithton, Tas
Tasmania’s only entry for Toyota Star Maker 2027 is everyman country rock artist Zac Weeks, who is known for energetic shows, authentic storytelling, and modern country hooks. Weeks has developed a loyal audience through consistent touring and performances across Tasmania, and with his strong social media game, he is not one to be slept on.
Weeks has appeared at major Australian country music events including the Deni Ute Muster, along with regional festivals such as the Good Gumnuts Festival and the Devil Country Muster. He has also supported leading Australian country artists including The Wolfe Brothers, Wade Forster, Shannon Noll, Lane Pittman, Andrew Swift, and Amber Lawrence.
In 2026, Zac was selected to attend the CMAA Senior Academy of Country Music, where he was mentored by Gretta Ziller and competed as a finalist in the TMFM Discovered competition that same summer. Weeks’ growing profile was recognised at the 2025 Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards, where he was named Rising Star and received nominations for Male Artist of the Year, Performer of the Year, and New Artist of the Year.
With songs such as Long Neck Long Gone, Rent Free and Shotgun Lover, it’s time for Tasmania to tune in and tune up to The Forged frontman Zac Weeks to bring the title of Toyota Star Maker down under to Tasmania!
The 47th Toyota Star Maker will be held on Sunday 17 January 2027 on the Toyota Park main stage at 7 pm AEST and will be streamed on the Tamworth Country Music Festival website.
