The Royal Queensland Show (better known as the Ekka) is amplifying its commitment to emerging artists in 2026, with the Country Music Showdown offering more than $80,000 in prizes and introducing new career-focused workshops.
Entries for the national competition close on 30 June 2026, with finalists set to perform live at the Ekka on Saturday 15 August at XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill. Artists will compete across two categories: Junior (12 to 17 years) and Open (18 years and over).
This year’s prize pool includes a scholarship to the Academy of Country Music for the Junior Category winner. In a new addition for 2026, the Open Category winner will secure a performance slot at the final concert of the Queensland Music Trail.
Through its partnership with Queensland Music Trail, the Ekka will also award a wildcard entry to a remote Queensland artist discovered during the 2026 Outback Trail, providing a pathway for regional talent to perform in front of industry professionals.
The expanded format coincides with the Ekka’s 150th anniversary, with organisers introducing professional development initiatives designed to support artists beyond the competition stage.
For the first time, all finalists will attend an exclusive pre-competition workshop delivered in partnership with Performance Studios and featuring acclaimed country artist Tania Kernaghan as guest mentor. The session will offer performance coaching and industry guidance.
Following the event, the seven winners will take part in a dedicated songwriting workshop presented by I Heart Songwriting, focusing on collaborative writing and insight into professional songwriting practices.
Head of Ekka Entertainment and Education Tony Laffan said the competition continues to serve as a springboard for emerging artists. “For more than a decade, the Country Music Showdown has given up-and-coming country artists a platform to shine, grow and take the next big step in their careers,” he said.
“We’ve seen many of our winners go on to achieve national success, including Felicity Kircher and Jarrad Wrigley who both went on to win the prestigious Toyota Star Maker in Tamworth.”
“In 2026, we’re proud to be introducing more career-boosting opportunities - not just through prizes, but by providing meaningful industry workshops that can genuinely shape an artist’s future.”
Finalists are selected based on a submitted video featuring two live performances, with the competition open to amateur and semi-professional artists only.
Entries for the Country Music Showdown are now open and close on June 30, 2026. Enter via The Ekka’s official website.
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.
