Today the 2026 Countrytown Awards presented by Traveller Whiskey performance line up has officially been revealed, and it is stacked!
Set to celebrate the best and boldest in Australian country, this year’s event isn’t just about trophies, it’s about creating moments and celebrating another stellar year in country music in Australia.
The Countrytown Awards have quickly carved out a reputation for spotlighting both heavy hitters and the next generation talent, blending mainstream success with grassroots credibility. A fully fan-voted awards show, reflecting exactly what Australia’s country music audience is listening to, craving and turning up for.
In 2026 we are very excited to welcome homegrown stars Lane Pittman, Tori Darke, Rachael Fahim and five-time nominee Hayley Jensen who leads this year's nominations. Plus international talent Kaylee Bell (NZ) and Jake Worthington (USA) will all take to the main stage.
Guests will also be treated to two spotlight sets in the beer garden from up and coming stars Claudia Tripp and Riley Ziskey showcasing the incredibly bright future of Australian country music.
If you’d like to snag yourself a double pass to this invite-only show where you can rub shoulders and mingle with your favourite country artists, make sure you check out our socials to find out how.
COUNTRYTOWN AWARDS
2026 PERFORMERS
Kaylee Bell
With more than 100 million global streams and a CMA Global Artist of the Year win under her belt, Bell is no stranger to big moments. From viral smash Keith to opening for Ed Sheeran and Kane Brown, Bell has proven she can own any stage. After taking home Female Artist of the Year at the inaugural Countrytown Awards, she’s back - and bigger than ever.
Lane Pittman
Pittman is the breakout revolutionary bringing grit and arena level confidence to modern Australian country. After opening Luke Combs’ stadium tour and landing the #1 most-played Australian country song on radio in 2025 with Amen For The Weekend, Pittman’s momentum is undeniable. With Stagecoach Festival locked in, he’s not just thinking local - he’s thinking global.
Hayley Jensen
Leading the nominations this year, Jensen is having a moment. The independent powerhouse behind ARIA #1 album Country Soul has become Australia’s highest-selling female country artist, with stadium ready anthems and nearly 10 million streams to her name. When Jensen hits the stage, it’s big energy and bigger vocals.
Jake Worthington (USA)
Texas traditionalist Worthington is flying the flag for proper honky-tonk. Raised on Ray Price and George Jones, Worthington’s throwback sound has earned him major touring slots with Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert, plus buzz around his latest album When I Write The Song. If you like your country with steel guitar and zero apologies, he’s your guy.
Tori Darke
Bold, fearless and impossible to ignore, Darke has been carving out her lane with powerhouse singles like Trouble, Build Me A Man and her iconic hit My Boots Made Me Do It. With national radio support, a CBS sync on Sheriff Country, and a tour alongside Lee Kernaghan, Darke’s global rise is inevitable. Expect zero holding back.
Rachael Fahim
With over 17 million streams and five #1 singles on Australian Country Radio, Fahim has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in the game. From SXSW to massive national tours, her blend of country-pop polish and emotional storytelling has earned rare cross-format radio support. Gearing up to support Jordan Davis on his upcoming Australian arena tour, she’s also ready to drop her debut album with Island Records Australia.
Claudia Tripp
Fresh off being named 2025 Female Artist of the Year at the West Australian Country Music Awards, Tripp is right on the brink of blowing up. The country pop riser has lit up major stages including Strummingbird Perth alongside Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, The Perth Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival and even Optus Stadium at the AFL Grand Final. Expect high energy, big hooks and serious star power.
Riley Ziskey
Longreach local turned Brisbane based dream chaser, Ziskey is bringing blue collar grit to the awards stage. The auto electrician turned artist blends pop, rock and 90s country influences. In 2025 he played Ridin’ Hearts Festival in Sydney and Melbourne and more recently landed a Golden Ticket into the Top 30 on Australian Idol. With original music on the way, this feels like a watch this space moment in real time.
The 2026 Countrytown Awards
Presented by Traveller Whiskey
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Gold Industry partners - Island Records/Universal Music Australia, Live Nation, MGM Distribution, Sony Music Australia, Spotify, TEG Live, Warner Music Australia.
We also gratefully acknowledge our Silver Industry partners ABC Music, EMPRE, G.Y.R.O., Oztix, Wheelhouse Agency.
And finally, we’d like to extend our warmest thanks to CMC Rocks for their continued support.
The Countrytown Awards are assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
