In January 2024, Australian rodeo cowboy and country music artist Wade Forster became the 44th winner of Toyota Star Maker, Australia’s most prestigious country music competition.

Born in outback Queensland, Wade grew up immersed in both rodeo and country music. Though often praised for his voice, he didn’t pursue music seriously until later in life. In 2017, he left his hometown of Winton for work in Mount Isa, where he bought his first guitar for $50 and taught himself to play. By the time he left, he was performing at rodeos and sharing his music online.

In August 2023, Wade connected with U.S. country artist Cody Johnson, who was touring with Luke Combs, after Johnson mentioned wanting to compete in an Australian rodeo. A few days later, they were riding together at a Townsville event, and Cody later invited Wade to perform with him at Rod Laver Arena in front of 25,000 Luke Combs fans.

Inspired by legends like Dwight Yoakam, George Jones, and Tyler Childers, Wade’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he released a cover of Oneida by Tyler Childers, which gained significant attention. Encouraged by the response, he recorded his debut album, The Beginning, and began building a dedicated fanbase.

After graduating from The Senior Academy of Country Music in 2023, Wade returned to Tamworth with a goal to reach the Top 10 of Toyota Star Maker—which he achieved. Now performing across Western Queensland at rodeos and festivals like Savannah in the Round, Wade continues to blend his love for music and rodeo. Following his Star Maker win, his song Rodeo Romeo has been released to radio, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his career.

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