Golden Night in Tamworth: Winners Announced for 53rd Golden Guitar Awards

The Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards lit up Tamworth last night, celebrating the very best in Australian country music. With 17 categories recognizing work from October 2023 to September 2024, the evening was filled with historic wins and unforgettable performances.

Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the night, taking home five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Toyota Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Some Days.” His total tally of Golden Guitars now stands at an incredible 45, cementing his place as Australia’s most decorated country artist.

Global country superstar Keith Urban added a new accolade to his collection with the prestigious Roll of Renown induction and Top Selling Australian Country Album for HIGH. Reflecting on his journey from Peel Street to global stardom, Urban described the honour as a dream come true.

Max Jackson, last year’s New Talent of the Year, added two more awards to her name, including Female Artist of the Year, while delivering a stunning performance of her winning single, “A Little More Country.”

Local favourite Ashleigh Dallas celebrated another win with Setting Suns crowned Traditional Country Album of the Year, and Casey Barnes’ upbeat album Mayday secured Contemporary Country Album of the Year.

Collaborations shone brightly as The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell’s “Beer in a Bar” earned Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Meanwhile, bluegrass queen Kristy Cox picked up her seventh Golden Guitar for Let It Burn.

Emerging talent also took centre stage. Lane Pittman, currently on tour with Luke Combs, was named New Talent of the Year, marking an exciting chapter for the former Tamworth local.

The night reflected the heart and talent of country music in Australia, wrapping up one of the busiest and most vibrant festival’s in recent memory.