Bob Corbett was crowned at the 2012 Toyota Star Maker at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) where he out-performed 19 other talented acts.

"This competition has kicked off the careers of some of the biggest names in country music.

"It's a truly amazing feeling to be the next Toyota Star Maker," Mr Corbett said about Australia's oldest and most prestigious music talent quest.

"2012 is really going to be my year."

The competition boasts a long list of country music stars as past winners including Beccy Cole, Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan, who performed on stage to add extra 'star shine' to the night.

Lee Kernaghan celebrates 30 years this year since winning the Toyota Star Maker title in 1982.

"To have my own name listed among some of my heroes is a real privilege," Mr Corbett said.

"This is a major turning point in my career and I can't wait for what's to come."

Mr Corbett has numerous accolades to his credit including nine 1233 Newcastle ABC Music Awards. In 2008 Mr Corbett reached the finals of both the MusicOZ and Australian Songwriters award for his critically acclaimed album 'Storyboard'.

In 2009, he received a grant from the Australian government which launched him and his band on a national tour.

Rural Press Events general manager Barry Harley said that the quality of performers continued to grow as did the legendary status of the event.

"Each year it gets harder and harder to choose the finalists," he said. 'There's such a high quality crop of performers in this country, and Toyota Star Maker plays a huge part in showcasing that talent. It keeps lifting the competition to new heights and setting the benchmark in Australian country music."