JARRAD WRIGLEY CROWNED 46TH TOYOTA STAR MAKER WINNER

**Jarrad Wrigley named 46th Toyota Star Maker at the Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth**
**Prize package worth more than $100,000 includes a 12-month fully-serviced loan of Toyota’s highest selling vehicle - a RAV4 Hybrid AWD**

Jarrad Wrigley, Nundubbermere, QLD has been crowned the 46th Toyota Star Maker winner after delivering a standout performance at the Grand Final concert on Sunday evening, a highlight of the Toyota 54th Country Music Festival in Tamworth.

Blending traditional country roots with modern production, Jarrad Wrigley crafts songs that celebrate rural Australian life with honesty, humour and heart.

He arrived in Tamworth in 2022 as a complete unknown, performing more than 20 shows in six days across Peel Street, the Courthouse Hotel and the Toyota main stage, ultimately winning third place in the Busking Championships. That same year he released his first two singles while touring towns and cities nationwide.

A graduate of JMC Academy, Jarrad sharpened his craft by forming a band that played weekly throughout Queensland and New South Wales, also supporting mentor James Blundell. Momentum surged again in 2024 as he appeared at major festivals including Boon Lane Country Music Festival, Emerald AgGrow, Gympie Muster, Night in Nashville, Toowoomba Farm Fest, Wild As Country and Tamworth CMF. He also launched his JW merchandise brand, partnering with Thomas Cook Clothing to deliver premium products now worn by fans across the country.

National audiences came to know him as Farmer Jarrad, The Singing Cowboy on Farmer Wants A Wife (2025), a moment that rapidly expanded his loyal fanbase. Crowned the 2025 Ekka Country Music Showdown Grand Champion, Jarrad is now recording his debut EP, set for release in January 2026. With authenticity and work ethic at his core, he’s fast becoming one of Australian country music’s rising forces.

By taking home the Toyota Star Maker prize, Jarrad received a package worth more than $100,000, including the use of a RAV4 Hybrid AWD Cruiser for a year, the recording of a four-track EP, and a trip to Nashville, USA, to attend the CMA (Country Music Association) Festival along with additional career-building opportunities.

Jarrad was officially presented with his Toyota vehicle today by Tim Easey, Tamworth City Toyota Dealer Principal.

Presenting the award at the 2026 Grand Final concert, Toyota Australia Manager of Communications, Ellie Gibbs, congratulated the winner and acknowledged the strength of this year’s competition.

“This year’s Grand Final showcased an outstanding group of emerging artists, and I’d like to congratulate all of the finalists for the incredible talent, professionalism and passion they brought to the stage.”

“Throughout the evening Jarrad stood out with both the judges and the audience with his performances on the night.”

“The year ahead presents an incredible opportunity to build momentum, connect with new audiences and continue sharing his music. We’re proud to welcome Jarrad into the Toyota Star Maker family and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Hosted by five-times Golden Guitar Award winner, the 1991 Toyota Star Maker Gina Jeffreys, who together with husband Rod McCormack, also provided entertainment midway through the show. Gina sang Dancing With Elvis, Cash, Girls Night Out and Stop In The Name of Love.

The Grand Final concert once again attracted thousands of festivalgoers from far and wide to Toyota Park, which saw ten of the brightest emerging country music stars perform two songs each.

This year’s Grand Final featured standout performances from fellow finalists Jaydin Shingleton (Coomera QLD, formerly Westport NZ), Jess Crossman (Walwa VIC), Josie (Douglas QLD), Liam Maihi (Sanctuary Point NSW), Mackenzie Lee (Abermain NSW), Mackenzie May, (Tannum Sands QLD), Ruby Jane (Benalla VIC), Sarah Catania (Greensborough VIC) and returning finalist Bryce Sainty, (Springfield NSW).

They each sang two songs, backed by the Star Maker Allstar Band with Rod Motbey, Clare O’Meara, Glenn Wilson, James Gillard and Eddy Santacreu, in front of a packed Toyota Park.

The Grand Final concert featured a special performance by 2025 Toyota Star Maker winner, Felicity Kircher, who returned to stage to show just how far she’s progressed since winning in 2025. She performed songs from her new EP which she will launch on Tuesday, 20 January at 3pm at Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar.

During the last 45 years more than 500 artists have performed as finalists in the Toyota Star Maker competition, cementing its reputation as Australia’s longest running and most respected country music talent search.

Jarrad now joins an illustrious group of past winners who have used Toyota Star Maker as a career springboard to national and international success, including global superstar Keith Urban, as well as household names like Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Sam McClymont and 2024’ winner real-life cowboy, Wade Forster.

Star Maker Coordinator and judge Cheryl Brown says, “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.”

Jarrad was selected as 2026 Toyota Star Maker by an expert panel of judges at Toyota Park, including:

Cheryl Brown, Toyota Star Maker Coordinator.

Justin Thomson - Content and Music Director, and presenter of iHeartCountry Australia.

Brogan White, of Stephen White Management, artist manager of The Wolfe Brothers and Max Jackson

Beau Thomas, Chief Artist Officer at TOBE Artists who are a full-service artist management and creative company responsible for building and managing the careers of James Johnston and Zac & George and Tom Inglis who continues to provide consultation to Star Maker.