Keith Urban Helps the Next Generation of Country Stars in a Special Way
Keith Urban's undeniable talent has made him one of the most successful names in the country music industry—and he wants to help the next stars.
In a partnership with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Australian native, 57, has launched the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship. The program will bring an artist from the Land Down Under to Nashville, Tennessee, as part of an all-expenses-paid trip, Billboard reported.
The lucky musician will have "unprecedented access" to the city's music scene, including the chance to perform and write, per the outlet. The artist will also be introduced to personnel from the music business and have two days of recording time at Urban's studio, The Sound, which he purchased in June 2024, according to Mixonline.
"Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent. Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I'm hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others," Urban said, per Billboard.
The four-time Grammy Award-winner has a long history with the Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 1989, he won the Star Maker competition at the Australia-based event, which helped lead him to worldwide stardom. The "Blue Ain't Your Color' singer was just 22 at the time.
The 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival will take place from January 16-25.
"Held in Australia's Country Music Capital, Tamworth, the Toyota Country Music Festival is recognised as Australia's largest and longest country music festival in the southern hemisphere!" the festival's website states.
Artists interested in the Rising Scar Scholarship can apply at tcmf.com.au beggining in January 2026.
Country music is highly popular in the Land Down Under. According to a July 2023 report from The Music Network, data from Luminate placed Australia as the world's No. 3 market for country music, right behind the U.S. and Canada.
Urban is currently on his 2025 High and Alive World Tour, which began on May 22 in Orange Beach, Alabama.
The tour headed to Australia on August 13 and will also travel to Canada before returning to the U.S. The "Somebody Like You" singer will wrap up the tour on October 17 in Nashville.
Keith Urban Helps the Next Generation of Country Stars in a Special Way first appeared on Parade on Aug 19, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Keith Urban Helps the Next Generation of Country Stars in a Special Way originally appeared on Parade. Keith Urban's undeniable talent has made him one of the most successful names in the country music industry—and he wants to help the next stars. In a partnership with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Australian native, 57, has launched the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship. The program will bring an artist from the Land Down Under to Nashville, Tennessee, as part of an all-expenses-paid trip, Billboard reported. The lucky musician will have "unprecedented access" to the city's music scene, including the chance to perform and write, per the outlet. The artist will also be introduced to personnel from the music business and have two days of recording time at Urban's studio, The Sound, which he purchased in June 2024, according to Mixonline. "Sometimes all a musician needs is an opportunity to be heard or someone to help nurture their talent. Having the opportunity to do that not only inspires me, I'm hoping that in some way this scholarship will serve to inspire others," Urban said, per Billboard. The four-time Grammy Award-winner has a long history with the Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 1989, he won the Star Maker competition at the Australia-based event, which helped lead him to worldwide stardom. The "Blue Ain't Your Color' singer was just 22 at the time. The 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival will take place from January 16-25. "Held in Australia's Country Music Capital, Tamworth, the Toyota Country Music Festival is recognised as Australia's largest and longest country music festival in the southern hemisphere!" the festival's website states. Artists interested in the Rising Scar Scholarship can apply at beggining in January 2026. Country music is highly popular in the Land Down Under. According to a July 2023 report from The Music Network, data from Luminate placed Australia as the world's No. 3 market for country music, right behind the U.S. and Canada. Urban is currently on his 2025 High and Alive World Tour, which began on May 22 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The tour headed to Australia on August 13 and will also travel to Canada before returning to the U.S. The "Somebody Like You" singer will wrap up the tour on October 17 in Nashville. Keith Urban Helps the Next Generation of Country Stars in a Special Way first appeared on Parade on Aug 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
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