Jarrad Wrigley has officially joined the ranks of Toyota Star Maker Winners.
The Queensland local has been crowned the 46th winner, following a massive Grand Final concert at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Ten of Australia’s most exciting emerging country artists took to the stage, but by the end of the night, it was Wrigley who took the top spot.
The win comes with a seriously life changing prize package worth more than $100,000. Along with the Toyota Star Maker title, Wrigley takes home a brand new fully serviced Toyota, a fuel card for the year, a 10-day Nashville trip courtesy of Chris Watson Travel, a performance at CMA Fest, tickets to four major Country Music Association concerts, and a four-track fully produced EP.
Add in guitars from Maton and Fender, boots and a hat from Outback King and Corral Boots, major festival slots across Australia, a full marketing and photo package and $1,000 cash, it’s clear this win sets him up to catapult to the next level in his career.
Wrigley’s journey to this moment has been anything but overnight. He first arrived in Tamworth in 2022 as a complete unknown, playing more than 20 shows in six days and landing third place in the Busking Championships.
Since then, he’s released music, toured relentlessly, built a loyal fanbase, and sharpened his craft after graduating from JMC Academy. His sound blends classic country storytelling with a modern edge, celebrating rural Australian life with humour, heart, and honesty.
Momentum really picked up over the past two years. Wrigley hit major festivals, launched his JW merchandise brand with Thomas Cook Clothing, and became a familiar face nationwide as Farmer Jarrad, on Farmer Wants A Wife in 2025. That same year, he was crowned the Ekka Country Music Showdown Grand Champion. He’s now recording his debut EP, due for release in January 2026.
Star Maker Coordinator and judge Cheryl Brown said the decision wasn’t easy. “I don’t think anyone wanted to be a judge tonight because the talent was as strong as it’s ever been.
“Jarrad Wrigley won tonight because the judges felt he was the most ready, however, they are certain that the nine other finalists have their place in the country music industry and look forward to seeing each of them follow their dreams.”
Toyota Star Maker Producer Barry Harley echoed the sentiment, saying, “Toyota Star Maker is a truly special and unique element, and the festival wouldn’t be the same without it.
“Once again, we were blown away with the extraordinary level of talent from the top 10 finalists. The future of country music is in great hands with a huge variety of emerging Australian artists.
“A huge congratulations to Jarrad Wrigley and each of our finalists.”
For Wrigley, it’s proof that the last few years of hard work has paid off and that things are only just getting started.
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.
