A BAYSIDE woman who has been a regular on the Redland country music scene has collected one of Australia’s most prestigious awards in country music.
Felicity Kircher, 20, from Tingalpa, was crowned the 45th Toyota Star Maker winner following her remarkable performance of her original songs Dear Rose and Ultimatum at the Grand Final concert, a highlight of the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival.
By taking home the Toyota Star Maker prize, Kircher received a package worth more than $100,000, including the use of a RAV4 Hybrid AWD Cruiser for a year, the recording of a four-track EP, and a trip to Nashville to attend the CMA (Country Music Association) Festival.
Kircher, who says she applied for the award “on a whim”, only put in her application half an hour before nominations closed.
“I felt like a winner even before I got there,” she said.
“I was hoping to be the winner, but when my name was called out, I was in complete shock.”
Kircher began performing at 14 and quickly became a regular at the Redland Country Music events at the Redland Performing Arts Centre and Sands Hotel in Cleveland.
As an only child, Kircher expressed gratitude for her parents’ support and dedication to her music career.
Currently, Kircher tours with country legend Casey Chambers, where she plays fiddle and guitar, and provides backing vocals.
“At the end of the day, country music is all about storytelling,” she said.
Kircher joins a prestigious list of past Star Makers, including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Travis Collins, James Blundell, Beccy Cole, Samantha McClymont, Luke Austen, and Blake O’Connor.
