Winner of Toyota Star Maker 2010

Queenslander Luke Austen has been crowned 2010 winner of Australia’s oldest and most successful country music talent search, Toyota Star Maker.

Luke won the title from four fellow grand finalists after competing with all 19 finalists during yesterday afternoon.

The original 20 was reduced by one due to prior illness while last night's grand finalist number was also reduced by one due to the illness of Rick Caballo who, although competing successfully during the day was not able to go on last night.

Luke won the talent search from fellow grand finalists Chelsea Basham (from WA), Tori Darke (NSW), Cory Harvgreaves (Qld) and Mandi Jarry (NSW).

Luke's win was a popular one with the audience and he said he was excited by the prospects that lay ahead.

"It’s an amazing feeling to be awarded a prize that has started the careers of some of the biggest names in country music," Luke said. "It’s a huge opportunity and I intend to make the most of it."

Based in Margate, singer, songwriter and guitarist Luke has a wealth of experience in the country music industry.

Since winning the perpetual musicianship award at Charters Towers Country Music Talent Quest in 1997, Luke has since added to his trophy cabinet and broadened his horizons, touring with some of Australia’s best known country stars.

In 2000 and 2004, he completed four tours of Australia with legendary bush balladeer Brian Young and, in 2004, he became a fulltime member of Troy Cassar-Daley’s touring band.

Last year, Luke released a five-track CD, No Stranger To The Rain.

General Manager of Rural Press Events Barry Harley said the quality of performers continued to grow in line with interest in the event.

"This year we are celebrating the 31st year of Star Maker. As the years go by we continue to enjoy a high standard of entrants which keeps taking country music to new heights.

"Toyota Star Maker is the number one benchmark in showcasing Australian country music’s best new talent,” Barry said.

"Liam Brew (last year's winner) has made fantastic use of this opportunity and I have no doubt that Luke Austen will do the same."

Toyota’s Manager of Sponsorship and Promotions Wayne Gabriel said the finalists were of an extremely high standard and were all to be congratulated.

"The success of previous Star Maker winners has no doubt provided motivation for many of our finalists today.  The title, as well as the prize package, provides Luke with everything he needs to kick start his career in 2010," he said.
 
“The quality of the performances was excellent and all finalists have spent an incredible amount of time fine-tuning what they presented. The judges certainly had a tough job and I don’t envy them."

The 2010 Toyota Star Maker prize package is bigger and better than ever and includes...

Use of the title Toyota Star Maker 2010 winner, a "big budget" recording session with one of Australia’s top producers, an album recording contract with award-winning Compass Brothers Records, a Maton guitar, 12 months use of a new, fully serviced, Toyota motor vehicle, a fuel card for the 12 months after winning.

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