In a move that has sent ripples through the global country music scene, superstar Keith Urban has unveiled a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Australian country music artists. Announced in August 2025, the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship, launched in partnership with the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival, offers an unparalleled opportunity for one emerging Australian artist to immerse themselves in the heart of the country music world—Nashville, Tennessee. This groundbreaking scholarship is not just a ticket to Music City; it’s a comprehensive, life-changing experience designed to catapult a deserving talent toward international stardom. With a host of extraordinary perks, this initiative underscores Urban’s deep commitment to giving back to the industry that shaped his remarkable career.
A Star’s Journey Inspires a New Path
Keith Urban’s story is one of grit, talent, and seizing the right opportunities. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Urban’s rise to fame began on the streets of Tamworth, where he busked as a young musician and later clinched the prestigious Star Maker competition at the age of 22. That early success at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Australia’s largest and most revered country music event, set him on a trajectory to global acclaim. Today, Urban boasts an illustrious career with four Grammy Awards, 13 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and 15 Golden Guitar Awards, among others. His induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and membership in the Grand Ole Opry cement his status as a titan in the industry.
Yet, Urban has never forgotten his roots. His connection to Tamworth, often dubbed the “Country Music Capital of Australia,” runs deep. The festival, which draws over 300,000 attendees annually and hosts thousands of performances across 10 days, has long been a launchpad for Australian artists. Urban’s own journey from busking on Peel Street to headlining arenas worldwide serves as a testament to the festival’s role in fostering talent. Now, through the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship, he’s paving the way for another artist to follow in his footsteps.
“Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent,” Urban said in a heartfelt statement. “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.”
The Scholarship: A Golden Ticket to Nashville
The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity tailored to empower an emerging Australian country music artist. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville, the global epicenter of country music, where they will gain unprecedented access to the industry’s inner workings. This isn’t just a vacation—it’s a carefully curated experience designed to equip the recipient with the tools, connections, and exposure needed to succeed on an international stage.
The scholarship’s perks are nothing short of extraordinary. The winner will have the chance to perform in Nashville, showcasing their talent to audiences and industry professionals in the city where country music thrives. They will also participate in songwriting sessions, a cornerstone of Nashville’s creative culture, collaborating with seasoned songwriters to hone their craft. Additionally, the recipient will meet with key industry personnel, from producers to label executives, gaining insights and forging connections that could shape their career.
Perhaps the most exciting perk is the opportunity to record for two full days at Urban’s own studio, The Sound, formerly known as the legendary Tracking Room. This state-of-the-art facility has been a hub for countless hit records, and the chance to create music there is a dream come true for any aspiring artist. All expenses, including flights, accommodation, and related costs, will be covered, ensuring the winner can focus entirely on their craft without financial burdens.
Tamworth’s Role: A Legacy of Opportunity
The Tamworth Country Music Festival, held annually in January in New South Wales, is more than just a celebration of country music—it’s a cultural institution that has shaped the careers of countless artists. From buskers on Peel Street to performers at the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, the festival offers a platform for talent at every level. Its partnership with Keith Urban for this scholarship marks a new chapter in its storied history.
Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the Tamworth Festival, described Urban as “the living embodiment of the Tamworth Festival pathway to success.” He emphasized the festival’s commitment to nurturing talent, noting that the scholarship aligns perfectly with its mission to propel Australian country music onto the global stage. “Together, we want to help give other artists the opportunity to take Australian country music to the world,” Ross said. “It’s wonderful that Keith continues to recognize and support the industry that helped shape his career.”
The selection process for the scholarship will be managed by the Tamworth Country Music Festival team, with applications opening in January 2026 via an online platform at www.tcmf.com.au/keith-urban-rising-star. While specific eligibility criteria have yet to be announced, the process promises to be open and accessible, ensuring that artists from diverse backgrounds have a shot at this transformative opportunity.
Urban’s Commitment to Mentorship
The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship is the latest in a long line of efforts by Urban to support emerging artists. Throughout his career, he has consistently used his platform to mentor up-and-coming musicians, whether by inviting them to collaborate, bringing them on tour as supporting acts, or participating in music education programs. His recent collaboration with Blake Shelton on the CBS reality competition series The Road further highlights his dedication to guiding aspiring artists as they chase their dreams.
Urban’s approach to mentorship is rooted in his own experiences. When he moved to Nashville in 1989, he faced the challenges of breaking into a competitive industry. Songwriting sessions in windowless rooms with strangers were daunting, but they taught him invaluable lessons about craft and resilience. “It was such a training ground for me,” Urban has said. “As tough as it was, it’s probably where I learned the most about songwriting.” Now, he’s determined to make the journey easier for the next generation.
The scholarship also reflects Urban’s belief in the power of opportunity. By providing access to Nashville’s vibrant music scene, he hopes to inspire not only the winner but also other aspiring artists who see the scholarship as a beacon of possibility. “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,” he said.
The Bigger Picture: Australian Country Music on the Global Stage
Australia’s country music scene is thriving, ranking third globally behind the United States and Canada, according to streaming data from Luminate. Artists like Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, and Troy Cassar-Daley have helped cement the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of talent. The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship arrives at a time when the genre is gaining traction with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, as noted in a recent Live Nation report titled “Step Into Country.”
By offering an Australian artist a chance to immerse themselves in Nashville, Urban is not only nurturing individual talent but also strengthening the bridge between Australian and American country music. The scholarship has the potential to elevate Australian artists on the global stage, showcasing the unique perspectives and sounds that have made the country’s music scene so vibrant.
A High Note for Urban’s Career
The announcement of the scholarship comes as Urban continues his High and Alive World Tour, which recently brought him back to Australia for his first performances there since 2022. The tour, featuring rising stars like Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, and Karley Scott Collins, underscores Urban’s ongoing commitment to supporting new talent. Meanwhile, he’s also working on a new live album, with a recent release of “Long Hot Summer” offering fans a taste of what’s to come.
For Urban, the scholarship is a way to give back to the industry that gave him his start. From his early days in Tamworth to his current status as a global icon, he has never lost sight of the importance of opportunity. The Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship is a testament to his legacy—not just as an artist, but as a mentor and champion of the next generation.
Looking Ahead
As applications for the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship prepare to open in January 2026, anticipation is building among Australia’s emerging country music artists. The chance to perform, write, and record in Nashville, with the guidance of industry professionals and access to Urban’s own studio, is a dream come true for any aspiring musician. For one lucky artist, this scholarship could be the stepping stone to a career as illustrious as Urban’s own.
The initiative also serves as a reminder of the power of music to inspire and connect. By investing in the future of Australian country music, Keith Urban is ensuring that the genre continues to thrive, both at home and abroad. As the world watches, the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship is poised to become a defining moment in the journey of Australia’s next country music superstar.
