The Tamworth Country Music Festival, Australia’s most prestigious country music event, and global superstar Keith Urban today announced the creation of the “Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship,” a groundbreaking initiative designed to support emerging Australian country music artists. The scholarship, which will bring an artist to the country music capital of the world, will provide unprecedented access to Nashville’s music scene – a chance to perform, write, record, meet industry personnel and enjoy two days of recording time at Urban’s recording studio, The Sound (formerly the legendary Tracking Room).
The scholarship represents yet another effort by Urban to inspire and nurture developing artists, something he has done for the better part of his career. Urban has consistently used his platform to champion up-and-coming musicians, whether through surprise collaborations, bringing emerging artists on tour as support acts, or participating in music education programs that provide aspiring musicians with industry insights and opportunities.
“Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” said Urban. “Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I’m hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others.”
Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the Tamworth Festival said the team is honoured and excited to be partnering with Keith to advance one lucky individual each year with this unique scholarship.
“Whether it be as a busker on Peel St – the ‘boulevard of dreams’, working one of the venues, winning a talent search, or receiving a Golden Guitar, Tamworth offers every conceivable stepping stone to achieve within the industry,” he said. “Keith is the living embodiment of the Tamworth Festival pathway to success and together we want to help give other artists the opportunity to take Australian country music to the world. It’s wonderful that Keith continues to recognise and support the industry that helped shape his career and we are so pleased to be partnering with him.”
The scholarship winner will receive comprehensive support with all expenses covered including flights, accommodation, and all related costs. The Tamworth Country Music Festival team will manage the selection process and provide support by facilitating industry meetings and performance opportunities.
Applications will be managed through an online submission platform at www.tcmf.com.au/keith-urban-rising-star, which will launch in January 2026.
Urban’s connection to Tamworth runs deep – from his early days busking at the festival and performing at local venues, to his Star Maker competition victory at age 22 that set him on a trajectory to global superstardom. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of the opportunities the festival provides to emerging artists. In January 2025, at the Golden Guitar Awards, Keith was presented with the Roll Of Renown, the greatest honour in Australasian country music.
Since those humble Tamworth beginnings, Urban has become one of the world’s most celebrated musicians, winning four GRAMMY Awards, thirteen CMAs (including two for Entertainer of the Year), fifteen ACMs, three AMAs, 6 ARIA Awards and 15 Golden Guitar Awards. He’s collaborated with artists ranging from Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones to Post Malone and P!nk, and is a member of both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.
The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship launches as Urban makes his way around Australia on his High and Alive World Tour – his first Australian concerts since December 2022.
Applications for The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship open in January 2026
at www.tcmf.com.au/keith-urban-rising-star
Media Release: Tamworth Country Music Festival
