Winners From The 2023 Golden Gig Talent Search Announced

Winners of the 2023 Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s talent search were announced on January 21 at the 51st Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth, with 16-year-old Caitlyn Jamieson from Bouldercombe in Queenland crowned the winner of the senior division.

2022 Golden Gig competitor, Imogen Hall from Muswellbrook was awarded second place, while The Voll Sisters from Highfields in Queensland claimed third.

In the junior division, 10-year-old Stevie Wright from Pagewood, NSW was crowned the winner, with 11-year-old Charli Sullivan from Gerringong, NSW in second and Mudgee’s Layla White in third.

Toyota Country Music Festival Manager, Barry Harley said, “Each of the ten finalists did a magnificent job today, and there was some fantastic talent on show, making it an extremely difficult choice for the judges. I congratulate all of the winners and I look forward to watching their musical journeys into the future.”

The top five artists from each age group were invited to perform at the Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s grand final concert on the Macca’s Stage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Their performances impressing the judging panel, which was made up of country music artists and industry representatives.

“The overall winners of each division will also have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry, with mentoring sessions with Amber Lawrence as part of their prize package,” said Harley.

As well as a mentoring session with Lawrence, the winner of the senior division (13 to 17 years) will receive a scholarship to the Country Music Association of Australia’s Junior Academy, valued at $3,300, while the winner of the 12 years and under division will walk away with $500 cash. Both winners will also receive additional prizes thanks to Yamaha and Capitol Music.

Second and third place of each division will also receive cash prizes and a voucher from Capitol Music.

Diana Grosmann, Market Director for NSW and ACT, McDonald’s Australia, said, “On behalf of McDonald’s, we would like to congratulate the incredible winners of the Golden Gig and each of the finalists who made it this far. The Golden Gig, sponsored by Macca’s is a platform for young country music artists to kick start their musical career and learn from some of the best in the industry.

Over the past week, we have seen hundreds of talented young musicians take to the stage for a chance to be crowned the winner of the Golden Gig. It’s been fantastic to shine a spotlight on the musical talents from across Australia and we can’t wait to see what our winners do next.”