A star is born in Tamworth

Rachael Fahim named 2017 Toyota Star Maker.

Cherrybrook country music singer Rachael Fahim was announced the 2017 Toyota Star Maker at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on January 22. Pictures: Supplied

• Filmmaker’s lucky break
• Make a date to see Calendar Girls

Cherrybrook singer Rachael Fahim has joined the ranks of country music superstars Lee Kernaghan, Keith Urban and Beccy Cole after being named the 2017 Toyota Star Maker at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Fahim won over the judges in the finals of the 38th annual competition on January 22 with her original song Confetti as well as a rendition of the Dolly Parton classic Jolene.

Fahim said she “squealed a little bit” when she was announced as the winner.

“I was in a bit of a shock,” she said.

Previous winners of the annual talent search include Kernaghan, Urban and Cole as well as James Blundell, Samantha McClymont and Luke Austen.

Fahim, who spoke to the Times during a break in one of her performances at the music festival, said taking part in the competition had already given her “so much exposure”.

“All of this just really benefits a career – my career – in the country music scene, so it is a real privilege,” she said.

Fahim, who headed home from the festival today, also won a Toyota car for a year, return airfares to the Country Music Awards in Nashville in June and the chance to record three songs and video clips, along with a stack of other prizes.

Fahim said the “whole experience was just insane”.

“It’s just a whirlwind. I’m living in a bubble,” she said.