Thousands of country music fans packed Toyota Park for the Grand Final, where each of the 10 finalists performed two songs. The night was compered by 88.9FM’s Ray McCoy, with the band including talented musicians Ian Lees, Glenn Wilson, Clare O’Meara, Rod Motbey, who were led by the fantastic Sam Hawksley.
Loren Ryan impressed the judges with a stellar performance of her original songs Bounce Back and Suddenly.
Star Maker coordinator and judge, Cheryl Brown said: “The judges had a difficult time coming to a final decision tonight, as they so often do, and after taking all elements into consideration, it was Loren we felt most ready.
“We were amazed at the social and musical diversity amongst the finalists. Max Jackson’s past eight months has been really rewarding and we look forward to making the year ahead just as memorable for Loren.
“Whilst there is only one winner, the nine grand finalists should be proud of their performances tonight. It validates their worth in the Australian country music industry and we hope that they can carry on long after the festival, knowing that they were chosen among the best new artists for the year.”
Toyota Star Maker producer Barry Harley said: “Congratulations to Loren, who is a very deserving winner of the 2023 Toyota Star Maker title.
“This competition has launched the careers of some of the nation’s top artists including Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Sam McClymont, Lyn Bowtell, Kirsty Lee Akers, Blake O’Connor, Brad Cox and international superstar Keith Urban, and Loren Ryan is now included in that illustrious Star Maker winner’s list,” he said.
Loren now takes the crown from Newcastle singer-songwriter Max Jackson, who became the 42nd Star Maker winner in 2022 at the 50th Toyota Country Music Festival. Crowds at the Grand Final concert were treated to one last performance from Max as the reigning Star Maker, singing songs from her new EP Out Here which she will launch this Wednesday at Tamworth’s Moonshiners Bar. And in a sign of gratitude and support from Toyota Australia, Max was given extended use of her Toyota Vehicle until the end of March, 2023.
Kaylee Bell returned to the Star Maker stage to celebrate her 10-year anniversary since winning in 2013. Kaylee is the 'Most Streamed Female Country Artist' in Australasia for the past four years with over 40 million streams.
She performed Small Town Friday Nights and her hit song Keith, a tribute to 1990 Star Maker Keith Urban, which has become a global hit with over 30 million TikTok plays.
Both artists are nominated in the 2023 Toyota 51st Golden Guitar Awards - Max is a nominee in the New Talent of the Year category and Kaylee is nominated for three Golden Guitar Awards for Toyota Albumof the Year, Contemporary Country Album of the Year and also Vocal Collaboration of the Year with James Johnston.
In awarding the winner, Toyota Australia Senior Manager of Marketing Integration, Tim Stuckey, said that the line-up of artists that performed tonight showcased the remarkable strength and talent that underpins country music in Australia.
“On behalf of Toyota Australia, I would like to congratulate Loren on taking out the 2023 Toyota Star Maker title.”
“The Toyota Star Maker is widely known as a platform for country music artists to achieve their dreams and Loren was truly a deserving winner of the 2023 Star Maker competition.
“We hope the prizes Loren takes home will help set up what is going to be an incredible career in music, and we wish her all the best for the future.” Mr Stuckey said.
As the 2023 Toyota Star Maker winner, Loren not only holds the title for a year, but receives a significant 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 2023 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 and music products from Maton, Fender and Jands.
*Source: Maddie Kulk, Senior Account Manager, C7even
Maddie.kulk@c7even.com.au 1300 C7EVEN
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