The NATIONAL TALENT QUEST is hosted by the CCMA annually during The Tamworth Country Music Festival. The National Talent Quest has been an important talent search for over 50 years and has unveiled some of the greatest Australian Country Music Talent over the decades.
The National Talent Quest is OPEN to ALL ARTISTS & MUSICIANS, to perform in their respective age category and specialist musical genre sections.
Junior: 17 & Under ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Senior: 18+ ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Golden Senior: 50+ ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Australian Heritage: Open ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Gospel: Open ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Instrumental: Open ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
Virtual: Open ($220 StarCentral Bronze Package + Certificate & Entry into National Champion)
National Champion
$1000 Development including upgrade to a Star Central Gold Marketing Package + Trophy
(Sponsored by STAR CENTRAL@LBS Music Group & CCMA)
Birdie Nichols is a true cowgirl at heart, hailing from the wide-open spaces of Arizona. A passionate country artist and songwriter, she brings the raw, authentic spirit of the West to every note. With a love for Western heritage and storytelling, her music reflects the grit, grace, and timeless traditions that make the West so special. Whether she’s strumming a guitar under a desert sky or writing songs that speak to the soul, Birdie Nichols is dedicated to sharing the stories of cowboys, outlaws, and the beauty of the American West with the world. Join her on a musical journey through the rugged landscapes and heartfelt moments that define country living.
2026 WINNER - Junior
2026 WINNER - Senior
2026 WINNER - Golden Senior
2026 WINNER - Instrumental
2026 WINNER - Australian Heritage
2026 WINNER - Gospel / Inspirational
2026 WINNER - Virtual & National Champion
Fifteen-year-old Sophie Toyne from Whanganui NZ possesses a voice that transcends her years – a soft lilt imbued with remarkable power and emotion, instantly captivating all who listen. Her stage presence is already significant, evidenced by numerous awards on both sides of the Tasman. In a standout achievement, she won the 2024 Intermediate MLT Gold Guitar award, capturing the attention of many country music fans and in Tamworth, where she also achieved further success winning the CCMA National Champion 2025.
JUNIOR - Sophie Toyne (NZ)
SENIOR - Amy Maynard (NZ)
GOLDEN SENIOR - Anne Fraser
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE - Jack Gregory
INSTRUMENTAL - Anthony Baxter
GOSPEL - Amy Maynard (NZ)
NATIONAL CHAMPION - Sophie Toyne (NZ)
The Dollys are a harmony centric trio hailing from Southland, New Zealand. Maia Fletcher, Tahla Ward and Millie Cottam shine individually but when their voices blend together something very special happens that draws listeners in from the very first note. Known for their rich vocals and heartfelt story telling, the young group blends traditional country roots with a fresh modern edge. Their signature sound is built on seamless three part harmonies that capture the hearts of audiences where ever they perform. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of classic country greats whilst adding their own youthful energy.
JUNIOR - Kassidy Jewell
SENIOR - Dollys (NZ)
GOLDEN SENIOR - Justine Bishop (NZ)
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE - Amy Ryan
INSTRUMENTAL - Anthony Baxter
GOSPEL - Troubadours (NZ)
NATIONAL CHAMPION - Dollys (NZ)
Amy is a young artist with big dreams and a voice that carries the soul of country and folk traditions. She has had the rare privilege of collaborating with both Australian and American folk, bluegrass, and country music icons—an experience that has shaped her into a performer well beyond her years. In 2019, a family holiday to Tamworth, proved to be a turning point in Amy’s journey as her passion for performing, songwriting, and storytelling truly took flight. Busking along Peel Street, she quickly developed both confidence and a strong work ethic that would set her apart. By 2021, at just eleven years old, Amy graduated from the prestigious Country Music Academy, marking a milestone few her age achieve.
JUNIOR - Amy Ryan
SENIOR - Maddie Warden
GOLDEN SENIOR - Jude D'Lasselle
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE - Andrew Ryan
INSTRUMENTAL - Troy Rowland
GOSPEL - Klancie Freebody
NATIONAL CHAMPION - Amy Ryan
JUNIOR - Bailey Perrie & Jake Murdoch
SENIOR - Tayla Clavarino
GOLDEN SENIOR - Sandra Beynon
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE - Tayla Clavarino
INSTRUMENTAL - Kieran James
GOSPEL - Tayla Clavarino
Tayla Clavarino is an Australian country/modern singer and award-winning performer who hails from Gippsland Victoria. She has been singing since she was 4 and started vocal coaching when she was 8 years of age. At that time Tayla was a member of the Wellington young voices, which afforded her the opportunity to play a part in the stage production "Oliver". Later that year she performed in the State School Spectacular in Melbourne. Tayla has made multiple trips to Tamworth, NSW, where she has won an array of accolades including the 2012 Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) Talent Quest - Junior, CCMA 2018 & 2020 National Champion title. She has been involved in industry development, including scholarships in Tamworth.
JUNIOR - Jacinta Byrne
SENIOR - Tayla Clavarino
GOLDEN SENIOR - Brett Rostron
AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE - Ocean Waitakia
INSTRUMENTAL - Troy Rowland
GOSPEL - Ocean Waitakia
NATIONAL CHAMPION - Tayla Clavarino
JUNIOR - Jorja Daltan
SENIOR - Harriett Kelly