A Hunter Valley teenager is poised for a career-defining moment at the heart of Australian country music. Mackenzie Lee, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Abermain, has been named one of ten finalists for the coveted 2026 Starmaker competition at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
From Peel Street Busker to Starmaker Finalist
Despite her youth, Mackenzie is no stranger to the Tamworth festival. Her journey began at just 11 years old, busking on the famous Peel Street and captivating passers-by with her youthful charm and determination. Now, eight years later, she returns to the country music mecca for what could be her biggest breakthrough yet.
The Starmaker final will be held at Bicentennial Park on January 18, 2026. Winning the title is widely regarded as one of the clearest pathways to success in the Australian country music scene, with alumni including global superstar Keith Urban and icons like Lee Kernaghan and Gina Jeffreys.
"It's absolutely exciting. I'm still pinching myself about it," Mackenzie says of her nomination. She and fellow 19-year-old Mackenzie May from Tannum Sands in Queensland are the youngest nominees in this year's field.
A Hunter Valley Pedigree and Authentic Sound
The Hunter Valley has a rich history with the Starmaker competition. Previous winners from the region include Kurri Kurri's Kirsty Lee Akers (2007) and Newcastle's Bob Corbett (2012). Other notable Hunter alumni are Lyn Bowtell, Travis Collins, and Max Jackson.
Mackenzie's sound is rooted in genuine country authenticity. Dressed in trucker caps, boots, and denim, her music reflects a true passion for the genre, not just a passing trend. Her early influences were American legends Patsy Cline and Waylon Jennings, but her newer material draws inspiration from modern stars like Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs.
"When I was younger, I used to write what you see [in other people's music] because I hadn't lived that many experiences yet," she explains. "As I get older, I tend to write from my stories." Her recent singles, such as "Damn That's Right" and "Love It Country," celebrate classic country themes of bonfires, tailgates, and wide-open skies.
A Landmark Year Ahead, With or Without the Crown
Regardless of the Starmaker outcome, 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for Mackenzie Lee. In August, she was a joint winner of the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search. The prize is a trip to Nashville in May 2026, where she will record a new single and make crucial industry connections.
"It'll be my first time actually leaving the country," she laughs. The opportunity underscores the significant momentum building behind her career.
Mackenzie credits her family, particularly her grandmother Vicki and mother Donita Hall, for their unwavering support and management of her career, including her social media presence. She began playing guitar at eight, writing songs soon after, and has been performing in pubs and clubs since she was 14, steadily building her confidence.
"You don't really love music if you lose [the nerves] completely," she muses. "A little nerves are good." With a major competition on home soil and a life-changing trip to Music City on the horizon, those nerves are likely to be channelled into what could be the start of something very big for this talented Hunter Valley local.
