Keith Urban has unveiled the Rising Star Scholarship, aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of Australian country music talent. In collaboration with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the scholarship will provide a promising artist with a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene in Nashville, often regarded as the heart of country music.
The scholarship winner will gain “unprecedented access” to Nashville’s music industry, which includes opportunities to perform, write, and network with key industry figures. Additionally, they will enjoy two days of recording time at Urban’s own studio, The Sound. All expenses, including flights and accommodation, will be fully covered for the recipient.
Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner, expressed his passion for nurturing talent, stating, “Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent. Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I’m hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others.”
Urban’s Deep Connection with Tamworth
The connection between Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival runs deep, dating back to his early career when he performed as a busker. His rise to prominence began when he clinched the Star Maker competition at the age of 22. Since then, he has amassed an impressive 15 Golden Guitar Awards and received the prestigious Roll of Renown earlier this year, recognizing his significant contributions to the Australasian country music scene.
Australia boasts a wealth of country talent, including acclaimed artists such as Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, and Troy Cassar-Daley, as well as the late Slim Dusty. According to data from Luminate, Australia’s country music scene ranks third globally, following the United States and Canada. In the first half of 2023, Australian listeners streamed country music a remarkable 1.1 billion times among the top 500 songs in the genre.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A recent report from Live Nation titled “Step Into Country” highlights the growing appeal of country music among younger audiences, particularly Generation Z. This demographic shift underscores the importance of initiatives like the Rising Star Scholarship in fostering new talent and ensuring the genre’s continued evolution.
Applications for the scholarship will be managed through an online platform at tcmf.com.au, set to launch in January 2026. Urban’s initiative not only promises to elevate emerging artists but also aims to reinforce the community spirit within Australia’s dynamic country music landscape.
With this scholarship, Urban is making a significant commitment to the future of Australian country music, providing vital opportunities for artists to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.
