Country Music Showdown

Competition Overview

The Ekka's Country Music Showdown is the ultimate search for Queensland's next country music star.

Musicians aged 12 years and over compete for career-boosting prizes, performing two songs in either the Junior or Open category.

Put on your boots and cheer on the best country music talent Queensland has to offer.

Details:

Completed

Entries Open

30 Jun 2026

Entries Close

15 Aug 2026

Judging Commences

The Ekka’s Country Music Showdown is back, and bigger than ever in 2026!

With a massive prize pool valued at over $70,000, this is your chance to take the stage, be discovered, and kickstart your country music career.

2025's Prize Pool consisted of over $70,000 in cash and prizes:

$3,000 in cash (distributed amongst winners)
A write up in Countrytown
Radio interviews with Capital Radio, KIXFM & Iheartcountry (with airplay of current single)
Scholarship to the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth (for the winner of the Juniors Category)
A paid performance at Lefty's Music Hall (Brisbane) for the Open's Winner
Performance slots at Ekka 2026
Tamworth CMF performances thanks to Mike Vee Management, along with performances at the Gympie Music Muster
Professional music video production services thanks to Slow Cooked
Website production services by Deeper Look
Professional photo shoot package with Renee Brazel Photography
Guitar Brothers Gift Packs
Tanglewood TWOT2E Guitar thanks to Riffs & Flicks
Songwriting workshop with I Heart Songwriting Club
Entertainment vouchers thanks to Maniax and Archie Brothers.