Keith Urban Launches Scholarship to Cultivate Future Country Stars
Keith Urban is spearheading an initiative aimed at discovering the next generation of Australian country music talent. In collaboration with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Urban has established the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship. This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for an aspiring artist to immerse themselves in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, a hub for country music.
The selected artist will gain “unprecedented access” to Nashville’s rich musical landscape, which includes opportunities to perform, write, and network with industry professionals. Additionally, the scholarship includes 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.
“Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” Urban stated. The four-time Grammy Award winner expressed his hope that this scholarship will not only inspire him but also motivate others in the industry.
Urban has deep ties to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, tracing back to his early days as a busker. His career took a significant turn when he won the Star Maker competition at the age of 22. He has since garnered 15 Golden Guitar Awards and, earlier this year, was honored with the Roll of Renown for his significant contributions to the Australasian country music landscape.
Australia boasts a wealth of country talent, featuring renowned artists like Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, and Troy Cassar-Daley, alongside the late Slim Dusty. According to a report published by Luminate, Australia’s country music scene ranks third globally, following the United States and Canada. The report highlighted that Australians streamed country music a staggering 1.1 billion times during the first half of 2023, based on the top 500 songs in the genre.
Moreover, a recent report from Live Nation, titled “Step Into Country,” revealed that country music has successfully attracted new fans from Generation Z, indicating a bright future for the genre in Australia.
Applications for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship will be processed through an online submission platform, which will be available on the Tamworth Country Music Festival website starting in January 2026. This initiative not only emphasizes Urban’s commitment to the future of country music but also highlights the growing importance of fostering new talent within the industry.
