Keith Urban, the acclaimed Australian country musician, has initiated a new scholarship aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of country music talent. In collaboration with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship offers one aspiring artist a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, the heart of country music.
The scholarship provides the recipient with “unprecedented access” to Nashville’s music industry. This includes opportunities to perform, write, and meet with key industry figures, alongside two days of professional recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound. All expenses for the winner, including flights and accommodation, will be covered. Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner, expressed his belief in the importance of providing opportunities for emerging musicians. “Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” he stated, adding that he hopes the scholarship will inspire others in the industry.
Urban’s connection to the Tamworth Country Music Festival has deep roots, beginning during his early days busking and gaining momentum when he won the Star Maker competition at the age of 22. Over his successful career, he has earned 15 Golden Guitar Awards and was recently honored with a place on the Roll of Renown, recognizing his significant contributions to the Australasian country music scene.
Australia boasts a rich country music heritage, featuring exceptional artists such as Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, Troy Cassar-Daley, and 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, Australians streamed country music over 1.1 billion times, based on the top 500 songs in the genre.
A recent report by Live Nation, titled “Step Into Country,” highlights that country music is gaining traction among younger audiences, particularly those in Generation Z. This trend underscores the genre’s evolving appeal and suggests a bright future for country music in Australia.
Applications for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship will be accepted through an online submission platform, launching in January 2026. Aspiring artists can find further information and details on how to apply at tcmf.com.au. This initiative not only aims to elevate individual talent but also to strengthen the entire Australian country music landscape.
