Artists honoured at the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards
Troy Cassar-Daley cleans up at Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards, with 5 accolades, while Max Jackson takes home 2 awards including Female Artist of the Year. Keith Urban was honoured as 2025 inductee of the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown and awarded a Golden Guitar in Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for HIGH.
The awards, presented by Tamworth Regional Council, focused on recordings released between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 and were honoured across 17 categories. Now boasting 45 Golden Guitar awards, Troy Cassar-Daley remains the artist with the most Golden Guitars in Australia. Tonight, he was named Male Artist of the Year, with his remarkable 2024 album Between The Fires claiming Toyota Album of the Year and Alt/Americana Country Album of the Year. Tonight, Troy Cassar-Daley took to the stage with a moving performance of his hit song Some Days, which was awarded Song of the Year, while Windradyne was recognised as Heritage Song of the Year.
The awards, presented by Tamworth Regional Council, focused on recordings released between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 and were honoured across 17 categories. Now boasting 45 Golden Guitar awards, Troy Cassar-Daley remains the artist with the most Golden Guitars in Australia. Tonight, he was named Male Artist of the Year, with his remarkable 2024 album Between The Fires claiming Toyota Album of the Year and Alt/Americana Country Album of the Year. Tonight, Troy Cassar-Daley took to the stage with a moving performance of his hit song Some Days, which was awarded Song of the Year, while Windradyne was recognised as Heritage Song of the Year.
This year’s Golden Guitar Awards night was extra-special, with the arrival of Keith Urban, who tonight accepted the Roll of Renown honour and the 2025 Golden Guitar for Top-Selling Australian Country Album for 2024. Urban has become a global icon who has won 4 GRAMMY© Awards, 13 CMAs, (two for Entertainer of the Year), 15 ACMs, 3 AMAs, 6 ARIA Awards and 15 Golden Guitar awards including the Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for HIGH.
“To be honoured with the Roll of Renown and Top Selling Country Album award is truly humbling. When I think back to my first time in Tamworth, just a kid on Peel Street, I never could’ve imagined this moment,” said Urban. “Tamworth’s always been the heartbeat of Aussie country music—where artists, songwriters, and fans come together. To be recognised alongside the legends of this genre is a dream come true. I’m extremely grateful for this honour, and really looking forward to coming back here and touring Australia in August.”
Tamworth Country Music Festival Ambassador and 2024 New Talent of the Year Max Jackson took home 2 more trophies. Amid hosting the evening, Max was named Female Artist of the Year, while her hit single A Little More Country won Single of the Year. The audience was also treated to a performance her winning song.
“To be honoured with the Roll of Renown and Top Selling Country Album award is truly humbling. When I think back to my first time in Tamworth, just a kid on Peel Street, I never could’ve imagined this moment,” said Urban. “Tamworth’s always been the heartbeat of Aussie country music—where artists, songwriters, and fans come together. To be recognised alongside the legends of this genre is a dream come true. I’m extremely grateful for this honour, and really looking forward to coming back here and touring Australia in August.”
Tamworth Country Music Festival Ambassador and 2024 New Talent of the Year Max Jackson took home 2 more trophies. Amid hosting the evening, Max was named Female Artist of the Year, while her hit single A Little More Country won Single of the Year. The audience was also treated to a performance her winning song.
Tamworth’s very own Ashleigh Dallas added to her haul of Golden Guitar awards, with her album Setting Suns winning Traditional Country Album of the Year. Released in September 2024, produced by her father Brett Dallas, earned a #1 spot on ARIA Australian Country Chart.
After coming in at 4th in the top 5 Top-Selling Australian Country Albums for 2024, Casey Barnes’ Mayday was awarded Contemporary Country Album of the Year. The fun-upbeat album was produced by Michael DeLorenzis & Michael Paynter (MSquared)
Australian singer-songwriter Colin Buchanan took home Bush Ballad of the Year for his song Laura & Giselle. The light-hearted track was inspired by his daughter’s journey to Broken Hill for university placement. The award brings the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s tally to 10 Golden Guitar awards.
Bluegrass Recording of the Year went to Kristy Cox for Let It Burn. This is the 7th time the Billboard topping artists has taken home the award.
Instrumental of Year was awarded to Lindsay Waddington feat Brendan Radford for their song The Red Centre.
Directed by 2025 Galaxy of Stars Inductee Luke O’Shea and Jay Seeney (Blacklist Productions), Dharawal recorded by Luke O’Shea, was honoured as CMT Video of the Year.
After coming in at 4th in the top 5 Top-Selling Australian Country Albums for 2024, Casey Barnes’ Mayday was awarded Contemporary Country Album of the Year. The fun-upbeat album was produced by Michael DeLorenzis & Michael Paynter (MSquared)
Australian singer-songwriter Colin Buchanan took home Bush Ballad of the Year for his song Laura & Giselle. The light-hearted track was inspired by his daughter’s journey to Broken Hill for university placement. The award brings the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s tally to 10 Golden Guitar awards.
Bluegrass Recording of the Year went to Kristy Cox for Let It Burn. This is the 7th time the Billboard topping artists has taken home the award.
Instrumental of Year was awarded to Lindsay Waddington feat Brendan Radford for their song The Red Centre.
Directed by 2025 Galaxy of Stars Inductee Luke O’Shea and Jay Seeney (Blacklist Productions), Dharawal recorded by Luke O’Shea, was honoured as CMT Video of the Year.
Country-rock duo from Tasmania, The Wolfe Brothers along with New Zealand’s Kaylee Bell were awarded Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Expecting her first child this year, Kaylee was unable to make it to this year’s awards. The winning song Beer in a Bar was released in September 2024 and peaked at #2 on the chart.
Another duo, highlighted tonight was Zac & George. Their journey towards stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, and tonight they were awarded Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year. Zac & George have earned three top 10 Australian singles, millions of online streams, sold-out headline shows, and an ever-expanding social media presence.
While he couldn’t be present tonight, former Tamworth-local Lane Pittman was awarded New Talent of the Year. The 18-year-old, is supporting US superstar Luke Combs during his Australia and New Zealand tour. Lane started 2024 with his first Golden Guitar nomination in January and shortly released his debut self-titled EP moments before performing in front of thousands at CMC Rocks in March. The six track EP secured the #1 spot in ARIAs Top 20 Australian Country Albums, #14 ARIA Top 50 Country Albums and #8 ARIA Australian Album Chart and has recently re-entered the Top 10 AIR Album charts.
Another duo, highlighted tonight was Zac & George. Their journey towards stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, and tonight they were awarded Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year. Zac & George have earned three top 10 Australian singles, millions of online streams, sold-out headline shows, and an ever-expanding social media presence.
While he couldn’t be present tonight, former Tamworth-local Lane Pittman was awarded New Talent of the Year. The 18-year-old, is supporting US superstar Luke Combs during his Australia and New Zealand tour. Lane started 2024 with his first Golden Guitar nomination in January and shortly released his debut self-titled EP moments before performing in front of thousands at CMC Rocks in March. The six track EP secured the #1 spot in ARIAs Top 20 Australian Country Albums, #14 ARIA Top 50 Country Albums and #8 ARIA Australian Album Chart and has recently re-entered the Top 10 AIR Album charts.
Tim Easey, Dealer Principal, Tamworth City Toyota attended the awards on behalf of Toyota Australia and extended congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2025 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards for their outstanding musical accomplishments and significant contributions to the country music industry.
“For 33 years, Toyota Australia has proudly supported the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which each year celebrates the heart and soul of the vibrant country music scene,” he said. “The dedication and passion of these artists is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to be a part of an event that showcases such incredible talent that defines the Australian country music industry.”
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said:
“It’s great to be back in Tamworth to congratulate the winners of the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards. Tonight’s honour roll shows that our country music scene is one of the best in the world. We have an incredible depth of home-grown country music talent and the NSW Government is rebuilding our live music scene to provide more stages for that talent to shine and create unforgettable experiences for music fans. The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a great example of what can be achieved with the promotion of Australian live music and an entertainment precinct where fans can walk from gig to gig.”
Audiences were treated to 14 performances tonight, including a number of award-winning songs. Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards Executive Producer, Peter Ross, says the performances on stage tonight was a true reflection of the diversity of talent across Australia and New Zealand.
“Tonight’s performances were incredibly special, with a showcase of some of Australia’s best country music performers.
On behalf of Tamworth Regional Council, I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners who attended tonight’s awards and I look forward to another exciting and prosperous year of Australasian country music.” Mr Ross said.
Chairman of the Country Music Association of Australia, Mr. Dobe Newton said: “On behalf of the Board of the Country Music Association of Australia, I would like to congratulate tonight’s winners, nominees and everyone who brought the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards show to life.”
“For 33 years, Toyota Australia has proudly supported the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which each year celebrates the heart and soul of the vibrant country music scene,” he said. “The dedication and passion of these artists is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to be a part of an event that showcases such incredible talent that defines the Australian country music industry.”
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said:
“It’s great to be back in Tamworth to congratulate the winners of the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards. Tonight’s honour roll shows that our country music scene is one of the best in the world. We have an incredible depth of home-grown country music talent and the NSW Government is rebuilding our live music scene to provide more stages for that talent to shine and create unforgettable experiences for music fans. The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a great example of what can be achieved with the promotion of Australian live music and an entertainment precinct where fans can walk from gig to gig.”
Audiences were treated to 14 performances tonight, including a number of award-winning songs. Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards Executive Producer, Peter Ross, says the performances on stage tonight was a true reflection of the diversity of talent across Australia and New Zealand.
“Tonight’s performances were incredibly special, with a showcase of some of Australia’s best country music performers.
On behalf of Tamworth Regional Council, I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners who attended tonight’s awards and I look forward to another exciting and prosperous year of Australasian country music.” Mr Ross said.
Chairman of the Country Music Association of Australia, Mr. Dobe Newton said: “On behalf of the Board of the Country Music Association of Australia, I would like to congratulate tonight’s winners, nominees and everyone who brought the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards show to life.”
53rd Country Music Awards of Australia Album of the Year: BETWEEN THE FIRES
Troy Cassar-Daley | Producers: Troy Cassar-Daley, Jeff McCormack, Jordan Power
Alt Country Album of the Year: BETWEEN THE FIRES
Troy Cassar-Daley | Producers: Troy Cassar-Daley, Jeff McCormack, Jordan Power
Contemporary Country Album of the Year: MAYDAY
Casey Barnes | Producers: Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter, MSquared
Traditional Country Album of the Year: SETTING SUNS
Ashleigh Dallas | Producer: Brett Dallas
Male Artist of the Year: TROY CASSAR-DALEY
Female Artist of the Year: MAX JACKSON
Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year: ZAC & GEORGE
Vocal Collaboration of the Year: BEER IN A BAR
The Wolfe Brothers & Kaylee Bell
Bush Ballad of the Year: LAURA & GISELLE
Colin Buchanan | Songwriter: Colin Buchanan
Heritage Song of the Year: WINDRADYNE
Troy Cassar-Daley | Songwriter: Troy Cassar-Daley
Instrumental of the Year: THE RED CENTRE
Lindsay Waddington feat Brendan Radford
Bluegrass Recording of the Year: LET IT BURN
Kristy Cox
New Talent of the Year: LANE PITTMAN
Song of the Year: SOME DAYS
Troy Cassar-Daley | Songwriters: Troy Cassar-Daley & Kevin Bennett
CMT Video of the Year: DHARAWAL
Luke O’Shea | Director: Luke O’Shea & Jay Seeney, Blacklist Productions
Single of the Year: LITTLE MORE COUNTRY
Max Jackson
Top Selling Album of the Year: HIGH
Keith Urban
Troy Cassar-Daley | Producers: Troy Cassar-Daley, Jeff McCormack, Jordan Power
Alt Country Album of the Year: BETWEEN THE FIRES
Troy Cassar-Daley | Producers: Troy Cassar-Daley, Jeff McCormack, Jordan Power
Contemporary Country Album of the Year: MAYDAY
Casey Barnes | Producers: Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter, MSquared
Traditional Country Album of the Year: SETTING SUNS
Ashleigh Dallas | Producer: Brett Dallas
Male Artist of the Year: TROY CASSAR-DALEY
Female Artist of the Year: MAX JACKSON
Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year: ZAC & GEORGE
Vocal Collaboration of the Year: BEER IN A BAR
The Wolfe Brothers & Kaylee Bell
Bush Ballad of the Year: LAURA & GISELLE
Colin Buchanan | Songwriter: Colin Buchanan
Heritage Song of the Year: WINDRADYNE
Troy Cassar-Daley | Songwriter: Troy Cassar-Daley
Instrumental of the Year: THE RED CENTRE
Lindsay Waddington feat Brendan Radford
Bluegrass Recording of the Year: LET IT BURN
Kristy Cox
New Talent of the Year: LANE PITTMAN
Song of the Year: SOME DAYS
Troy Cassar-Daley | Songwriters: Troy Cassar-Daley & Kevin Bennett
CMT Video of the Year: DHARAWAL
Luke O’Shea | Director: Luke O’Shea & Jay Seeney, Blacklist Productions
Single of the Year: LITTLE MORE COUNTRY
Max Jackson
Top Selling Album of the Year: HIGH
Keith Urban
