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Applications for
KEITH URBAN
Rising Star Scholarship
now open

Submissions here

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Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival have joined forces to launch the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship, with applications now officially open. Click here for more information on how to enter. Designed to provide an emerging Australian country artist with a career-defining Nashville experience, the scholarship offers unprecedented access to the US country music industry –  including opportunities to perform, write, record, meet key industry personnel, and enjoy recording time at Urban’s Nashville studio, The Sound (formerly the legendary Tracking Room).

The creation of this first-of-its-kind initiative was initially announced in August 2025, generating widespread excitement across the Australian country music community. Now open for applications, the scholarship represents a significant new pathway for artists ready to take their next step onto the international stage.

Australia’s premier country music event, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, together with global superstar Keith Urban, created the scholarship to support artists who are already gaining traction locally and are primed for international expansion. Rather than focusing on early discovery, the Rising Star Scholarship is tailored to artists who have demonstrated momentum and are positioned to benefit from targeted, high-level industry support in the US market.

The scholarship is the latest expression of Urban’s deep commitment to emerging artists – a commitment that has seen him champion talents including Taylor Swift, Morgan Evans, Kelsea Ballerini, and Maren Morris, alongside ongoing tour support, mentorship and education initiatives that elevate new voices at critical career moments.

“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, but I’m also hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others.” Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, said the Festival is honoured to partner with Urban on the initiative.

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“The opening of this scholarship coincides with the 54th Tamworth Country Music Festival, which is in full swing this week,” Ross said. “This scholarship truly reflects the shared values both the Festival and Keith Urban promote – offering meaningful platforms for artists to progress at every stage of their careers. 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 thrilled to be partnering with him.”

The successful scholarship recipient will receive comprehensive support, with all expenses covered including flights, accommodation and associated costs. The Tamworth Country Music Festival team will manage the application process, with the final recipient selected by Urban.

Urban’s connection to Tamworth runs deep — from his early days busking at the Festival and performing at local venues, to winning the Star Maker competition at age 22, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to global superstardom. In January 2025, Urban was honoured with the Roll of Renown at the Golden Guitar Awards, the highest accolade in Australasian country music.

Since those humble beginnings, Urban has become one of the world’s most celebrated artists, earning four GRAMMY© Awards, thirteen CMAs, fifteen ACMs, three AMAs, two People’s Choice Awards and celebrated nine consecutive gold, platinum or multi-platinum albums. Urban consistently reminds music lovers around the globe why he is one of the world’s best live performers. His concerts have become legendary – as unpredictable as they are explosive. An experience of emotion, musical texture, energy and showmanship.

Applications are now open and will be managed via an online submission platform here

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