New Zealand’s Maia Fletcher crowned senior winner of the 2024 Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s at Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth
26 January 2024
Winners of the 2024 The Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s talent search have been announced today at the 52nd Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth with 17-year-old Maia Fletcher from New Zealand being crowned the senior winner of the competition.
15-year-old Lucy Beveridge from Stewart Brook, NSW was awarded second place in the senior division, while 14-year-old Robbi Morgan from Hornsby, NSW claimed third.
In the junior division, 11-year-old Isabelle Voll from Highfields, Qld was crowned the winner, with 12-year-old Charli Sullivan from Gerringong, NSW in second and 9-year-old Daniel Win-Cohan from Cootamundra NSW in third.
Toyota Country Music Festival Manager, Barry Harley, says each of the finalists showcased remarkable performances.
“The abundance of talent on display, not only today but across the whole competition, made it a truly challenging decision for the judges,” says Mr Harley.
“I extend a massive congratulations to the winners and finalists of this year’s competition, and I look forward to seeing them back performing at the 2025 Toyota Country Music Festival.”
The Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s, featured the top five artists from each age group who were invited to showcase their talents at the grand final concert today on the Macca’s Stage during the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The judging panel, consisting of country music artists and industry representatives, was thoroughly impressed by each of their performances.
“The overall winners in each division will also enjoy the chance to learn from one of the industry’s finest, as mentoring sessions with Amber Lawrence are included in their prize package,” says Mr Harley. Top of Form
As well as a mentoring session with Amber Lawrence, the winner of the senior division (13 to 17 years old) will receive a scholarship to the Country Music Association of Australia’s Junior Academy, valued at $3,300, as well as three separate professional mentoring sessions, a Takamine electric-acoustic guitar from Pro Music Australia, plus cash and a voucher from Capitol Music Tamworth.
The winner of the 12 years and under division will receive three professional mentoring sessions, a Takamine electric-acoustic guitar from Pro Music Australia, plus cash and a voucher from Capitol Music Tamworth.
Second and third place of each division will also receive cash prizes and a voucher from Capitol Music.
Adrian Sippel, Licensee for McDonald’s in Tamworth, said, “As one of the largest employers of youth in Australia, McDonald’s has been sponsoring the Tamworth Country Music Festival for four years in a row and is committed to supporting the next generation, setting them up for future success.
“It has been an incredible week watching young country music artists from all over Australia take to the stage, so a big congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the Golden Gig.
“The Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s is an opportunity for music talents to learn from some of the best in the industry and we look forward to watching them develop and grow in their musical career.”
The winners will be invited back to perform on the Macca’s Stage tomorrow.