The 46th annual Toyota Star Maker announced the top 10 finalists for 2026 this morning, putting us one step closer to discovering the next breakout name in Australian country music. With the genre exploding globally and finding a whole new wave of younger fans and artists, the timing couldn’t be better for emerging artists hoping to level up.
Star Maker has long been the country industry’s ultimate launchpad - the competition that helped kickstart the careers of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Kaylee Bell, Max Jackson and Wade Forster. And on Sunday, 18 January 2026, one new artist will join that legacy live at Toyota Park during the opening weekend of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
According to Toyota Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown, this year’s talent is next level. “We haven’t seen as strong a top 10 final as this one in some years and I can see there’s going to be some feisty discussions between the judges, on the finals night. 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. The one who exhibits them all will no doubt deliver on the night.”
2026 TOYOTA STAR MAKER TOP 10 FINALISTS
Bryce Sainty, 33, Springfield NSW
Jarrad Wrigley, 23, Nundubbermere QLD
Jaydin Shingleton, 26, Coomera Qld (formerly Westport NZ)
Jess Crossman, 29, Walwa VIC
Josie, 23, Douglas QLD
Liam Maihi, 34, Sanctuary Point NSW
Mackenzie Lee, 19, Abermain NSW
Mackenzie May, 19, Tannum Sands QLD
Ruby Jane, 23, Benalla VIC
Sarah Catania, 25, Greensborough VIC
More than 500 artists have stood on the Star Maker stage over the 45 years, but Brown says the recent success of previous winners has raised the bar even higher. “The commitment to their careers has been extraordinary,” she says, pointing to the massive momentum of recent champions Bell, Jackson and Forster.
Bell’s career has taken her across New Zealand, Australia, the US and UK, with a 2026 slot at C2C Berlin and even an on-stage moment with Jelly Roll after he watched her perform at Strummingbird Festival.
Forster has become one of the most in-demand new artists in both Australia and the US, while Jackson continues to surge, earning a nomination for TikTok Australia’s Music Artist of the Year.
The grand final will also feature a performance from reigning winner Felicity Kircher, whose Star Maker EP Fair Weather drops 20 January at Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar. Produced by Brandon Dodd, it includes originals such as Fair Weather, Irish Blessing, Midnight and Stuck on Trying.
Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley says the brand is proud to continue backing emerging talent. “Star Maker has become a launch pad for many successful careers… helping new artists find their voice and keeping Aussie country music thriving as its popularity grows among younger audiences.”
The Toyota Star Maker Grand Final kicks off at 7pm on Sunday, 18 January 2026 at Toyota Park and will no doubt be one of the biggest nights of the entire Tamworth Country Music Festival.
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.
