After weeks of fan voting, we have tallied the numbers on Australia’s biggest fan voted country awards show and today we reveal the finalists for the 2026 Countrytown Awards presented by Traveller Whiskey.
The awards have quickly become one of the most exciting fan-driven moments on the Australian country music calendar.
A celebration of the artists, songs and live shows that defined the past year. Unlike traditional industry awards, the Countrytown Awards are 100% fan voted, making the finalists a true reflection of what Australian country fans are actually listening to, streaming and showing up for.
From breakout new artists making serious noise to established stars continuing to dominate the charts and festival stages, this year’s finalists promise to showcase just how strong Australian country music is right now.
As all eyes turn to the Countrytown Awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, March 19, where the event will bring together artists, fans and industry from across the country to celebrate a massive year for the genre.
With live performances from Kaylee Bell, Jake Worthington, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen, Tori Darke and Rachael Fahim. Plus acoustic sets from Riley Ziskey and Claudia Tripp it’s shaping up to be a seriously stacked day of country music.
Rounding out the lineup, are 2026 hosts Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckerlsey who are set to bring plenty of laughs and chemistry to the day.
Full list of finalists are below.
2026 COUNTRYTOWN AWARDS FINALISTS
Female Artist of the Year
Amy Sheppard
Hayley Jensen
Kaylee Bell
Max Jackson
Tori Darke
Male Artist of the Year
Casey Barnes
James Johnston
Keith Urban
Morgan Evans
Wade Forster
Group or Duo of the Year
KINGSWOOD
Sons Of Atticus
The Buckleys
The Wolfe Brothers
Zac & George
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Abbie Ferris
Jake Whittaker
Josie
Piper Butcher
Tyla Rodrigues
International Artist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
LeAnn Rimes
Luke Combs
Song of the Year
Australian Made - The Wolfe Brothers
BACK IN THE DAY - James Johnston
Country Soul - Hayley Jensen
Man I’m Turning Out To Be - Lane Pittman
My Boots Made Me Do It - Tori Darke
Album of the Year
Australian Made - The Wolfe Brothers
Country Soul - Hayley Jensen
Cowboy Up - Kaylee Bell
Gooseneck Party - Wade Forster
WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME - James Johnston
Festival of the Year
CMC Rocks QLD
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Gympie Music Muster
Strummingbird
Tamworth Country Music Festival
Australian Tour of the Year
Hayley Jensen - Country Soul Tour
Keith Urban - HIGH AND ALIVE World Tour
Lee Kernaghan - Boys From The Bush Concert Tour
Max Jackson - Little More Country Tour
Wade Forster - The Dying Breed Tour
Entertainer of the Year
Casey Barnes
Hayley Jensen
James Johnston
The Wolfe Brothers
Wade Forster
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.
