Australia next country music star: Bob Corbett crowned 33rd Toyota star maker
(NewDesignWorld Press Center) - Note the name Bob Corbett, for he could be Australia's next big country music star.
Corbett was tonight crowned the 2012 Toyota Star Maker at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC), beating 19 other immensely talented acts in Australia's oldest and most prestigious music talent search.
"This competition has kicked off the careers of some of the biggest names in country music. It's a truly amazing feeling to be the next Toyota Star Maker. 2012 is really going to be my year," Corbett said.
Toyota Star Maker boasts a long list of country music stars as past winners. This year's finalists were joined on stage by 2011 Toyota Star Maker, Luke Dickens, and The McClymonts.
The night was also given extra star shine with a performance from country music legend Lee Kernaghan, who this year celebrates 30 years since winning the Toyota Star Maker title.
Corbett said: "To have my own name listed amongst some of my heroes is a real privilege. This is a major turning point in my career and I can't wait for what's to come."
Bob has numerous accolades to his credit including nine 1233 Newcastle ABC Music Awards. In 2009, he received a Grant from the Australian Government, launching him and his band on a national tour. The year prior, Bob released the critically acclaimed album Storyboard and reached the finals of both the MusicOz and Australian Songwriters Awards.
General Manager for Rural Press Events, Barry Harley, said that the quality of performers continues to grow, as does the legendary status of the event.
"Each year it gets harder and harder to choose the finalists. There's such a high quality crop of performers in this country, and Toyota Star Maker plays a huge part in showcasing that talent. It keeps lifting the competition to new heights and setting the benchmark in Australian country music," he said.
"Last year's winner, Luke Dickens, has made fantastic use of this opportunity, and I've no doubt that Bob will do exactly the same," Mr Harley said.
Toyota Manager events, promotions & sponsorships, Andrew Wearing, said Toyota's support of the competition stemmed from its commitment to supporting emerging country music talent, and regional Australia.
"Toyota has a longstanding connection with Australia's rural community. For years we've shown support through our involvement in country music festivals, as well as taking part in environmental initiatives, and fostering young sporting talent via grass roots programs," Mr Wearing said.
Judges for the 2012 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final were: Lyn Bowtell, Cheryl Byrnes, Matt Lawrence, Max Markson, Sunday Telegraph Entertainment Editor Jonathon Moran, Mark O'Shea, Jay Salley.
Corbett will perform this week at the Tamworth Country Music Festival:
• 23 January - The Longyard Hotel, 12pm
• 26 January - The Court House Hotel, 2.15pm
• 27 January - Shopping World (Guest Appearance), 9am
• 27 January - Imperial Hotel (Courtyard), 3pm
• 28 January - The Longyard (Front Deck), 10am
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