Keith Urban Introduces “Rising Star Scholarship” to Nurture Tomorrow’s Country Music Stars

Keith Urban is spearheading a search for Australia’s next country music sensation.

Originally from New Zealand and raised in Australia, the multi-platinum artist has joined forces with the Tamworth Country Music Festival to launch the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship. This initiative will whisk one emerging performer to Nashville to immerse them in the heart of country music.

The chosen scholar will enjoy unparalleled access to Nashville’s thriving scene: live performances, collaborative songwriting sessions, introductions to key industry figures, and two days of studio time at Urban’s own facility, The Sound.

All travel expenses and accommodations will be fully covered.

“Occasionally, all an artist requires is a chance to showcase their voice or guidance to cultivate their gifts,” says Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner. “Providing that platform stirs my own passion, and I hope this scholarship likewise ignites inspiration in others.”

Urban’s connection to the Tamworth festival began with street performances and crystallized when he won the Star Maker competition at age 22. Since then, he has collected 15 Golden Guitar Awards and, earlier this year, was inducted into the Roll of Renown for his extraordinary contributions to Australasian country music (source).

Australia boasts a rich lineage of country talent—from ARIA Hall of Famer Kasey Chambers to Brad Cox, Troy Cassar-Daley and the legendary Slim Dusty. According to data published by Luminate, Australian country tracks were streamed over 1.1 billion times in the first half of 2023, ranking the nation third globally behind the U.S. and Canada.

A recent Live Nation report, “Step Into Country,” highlights how the genre has captivated a growing Gen Z audience.

Applications open via the online portal at tcmf.com.au in January 2026.

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