A star in the making

TEAK Fairfull will realise a childhood dream next week when she takes the stage in the finals of the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The Tatham singer, who reached the Top 12 of The Voice in 2015, has performed in Nashville and Stockholm, but making the Top 10 of Star Maker feels especially meaningful.

“I’m so excited, I was running around the farmhouse in tears when I heard the news,” Fairfull said.

“It’s brought up a lot of childhood memories. I’ve been going to the festival with my family since I was a tiny, little girl. I’ve been singing since I was 10.

“I’m turning 40 this year, so I thought, ‘I’ve got to do this’.

It’s an absolute privilege to make the Top 10.”

Star Maker has launched the careers of country music stars like Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell, and Beccy Cole.

The winner secures a lucrative recording deal, but Fairfull says the industry support is what matters most.

“It would mean everything to get my music out there, and have the right people around me to be able to do that,” she said.

Fairfull grew up in Grafton, spent time in central Queensland, and often visited her grandparents in Caniaba. Now living on a farm in Tatham, she says, “It’s good to get back to my roots.” The mum of three will have her family in the audience as she performs two original songs in the final. Her children, who’ve grown up attending rodeos with her, will cheer her on in Tamworth.

The 2025 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final will take place at 7pm on Sunday, January 19 at Toyota Park in Tamworth, as part of the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival.