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| Toyota Star Maker Competition |
In January 2025, Toyota Australia will mark a significant milestone: 30 years of continuous sponsorship of the Toyota Star Maker competition, Australia's longest-running and most prestigious country music talent search. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent in the Australian country music scene, Toyota has helped transform Star Maker into a launchpad for future stars. The competition, which boasts a prize pool of over $100,000, has helped nurture the careers of some of the biggest names in Australian country music, and with this anniversary, Toyota is celebrating not just its legacy, but the next generation of country music talent.
A Legacy of Support for Country Music
Toyota’s contribution to the Australian country music industry stretches back decades. Since its initial involvement with the Country Music Awards in 1994, Toyota has supported the genre through a variety of initiatives, festivals, and events, including the Gympie Music Muster. Their role as a sponsor has gone beyond Star Maker, supporting country music in Australia in many creative ways—from the Toyota Busking Championships to the Toyota FanZone and the Toyota Tailgate.
Over the years, Toyota has aligned itself with several high-profile country music ambassadors, including the likes of Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts, and various Star Maker winners. More recently, Tamworth City Toyota has also lent its support to local talent like Zac & George, James Johnston, Aleyce Simmonds, and Ashleigh Dallas. Through these partnerships and events, Toyota has been instrumental in providing a platform for emerging artists to develop and showcase their talents.
Toyota’s Commitment to Nurturing New Talent
Toyota Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo, expressed the company’s pride in reaching this 30-year milestone. He emphasized the importance of Star Maker in helping emerging country artists take their first steps toward a successful career in the industry.
“As the longest and most respected country music talent search, the Toyota Star Maker competition continues to unearth talented newcomers and provide them with enormous career opportunities,” said Naidoo. “The substantial prize package and competition experience fully immerse the winner into the country music industry and provide a platform to launch their career.”
This year’s competition offers a $100,000+ prize pool, which includes a fully-serviced Toyota vehicle, as well as a variety of media exposure, performance opportunities, and support that will help propel the winner's career to new heights.
The Star Maker Launch Pad
The Toyota Star Maker competition is not just about winning; it’s about building a career. Each year, the competition showcases 10 finalists, all of whom have already started their journey as country artists and are ready to take their music to the next level. Cheryl Brown, the Toyota Star Maker Manager, described the competition as the perfect opportunity for artists who are passionate and determined to make their mark in the country music scene.
“Star Maker is a launch pad, designed for individuals who’ve already begun their journey as a country music artist and who are ready for a long and successful career in the music business,” said Brown. “If you’re ready to make your mark, then I encourage you to get your entry in.”
With a history that includes Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, and Kaylee Bell, among many others, the Star Maker title continues to carry immense weight. Past winners have gone on to headline festivals, top the charts, and become household names in the Australian music scene.
The 2025 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final
As entries open for the 2025 competition, aspiring country artists across Australia are encouraged to submit two original tracks, along with their career achievements and a personal statement explaining why they believe they are ready to be the next Toyota Star Maker. The top 10 finalists will be selected to perform at the 2025 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final during the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival on Sunday, January 21, 2025.
Since its inception, Star Maker has played an essential role in elevating the careers of countless artists. Wade Forster, the 44th Toyota Star Maker, has already experienced the life-changing impact of winning. “Star Maker has introduced me to Australian fans and the industry. It’s been a year of firsts, including my first national tour support and my first time heading to Nashville’s CMA Fest,” said Forster. “I’m just so grateful for the prize pool, including the Toyota car and fuel card. It’s made a huge difference to my career.”
A Bright Future for Country Music
The future of Australian country music looks bright with the support of sponsors like Toyota. Whether through artist sponsorships, talent competitions, or special events, Toyota continues to have a profound impact on the industry. The Star Maker competition remains a cornerstone of this support, offering emerging artists a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage.
As the 45th Toyota Star Maker competition gears up, Toyota invites all aspiring country music artists to take the leap and enter the competition. With a rich history, a powerful network of industry professionals, and a significant prize pool, this is an unmissable opportunity for any artist looking to make a name for themselves in the Australian country music scene.
For more information on entering the Toyota Star Maker competition, visit their official website and take your first step toward a career in country music today.
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