Thornton Young Award

17/12/2025

Thornton Young Award winner William Alexander performing “I Still Hold Your Love Dear” live at LWM House.

15/12/2025

Lindsay Waddington Music and the CMAA - Country Music Association of Australia are proud to announce Brooke Seabrook from Southeast Queensland as the winner of the 2026 Thornton Young Award.
The award will be presented to Brooke during the highly anticipated Back to the Bush Concert at Bicentennial Park as part of the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The Thornton Young Award is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging talent in Australian bush and heritage music. As part of the award package, Brooke will have the opportunity to record a brand-new single at the renowned LWM Recording Studio, courtesy of Lindsay Waddington Music. This collaboration will provide professional production support and the opportunity to further develop Brooke’s artistry and profile within the Australian country music industry.
Brooke Seabrook’s selection as the 2026 Thornton Young Award recipient marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With upcoming recording, performance and development opportunities, she is well placed to make a strong contribution to the future of Australian country and heritage music.
Lindsay Waddington Music and the CMAA would like to commend all entrants for the exceptionally high calibre of submissions received this year. The depth of talent made the judging process both humbling and challenging. Sincere thanks are also extended to the specialist judging panel for their time, expertise and dedication in selecting the ultimate winner.
Lindsay Waddington Music and the CMAA also wish to acknowledge and thank the many businesses and individuals who have generously supported the Thornton Young Award through music services, guest appearances and other valuable contributions.

12/12/2025

A big congratulations to our 2025 Thornton Young Award winner, William Alexander, on announcing his signing with Cheatin' Hearts Records.
It’s fantastic to see his hard work and momentum recognised as he steps into an exciting new chapter of his career.👏🎶

Stoked to announce my signing to Cheatin' Hearts Records!

I'm very much looking forward to working together on some new music in 2026 with some announcements coming very soon!

Head to the link in the comments, sign up to the newsletter and keep up to date with all new music news.

11/12/2025

✨ Celebrating Our Thornton Young Award Winners✨

With a brand new Thornton Young Award winner being announced on Monday, we would like to recognise the two incredible artists who have already become part of our family.

Paul Ricketts (2024) and William Alexander (2025) weren’t just winners, they became people we care about, cheer for, and feel genuinely proud of. Watching them grow, create, and chase their dreams has been one of the greatest joys of this award.

Once you’re part of the Thornton Young Award family, you’re always part of it.
Paul and William will forever hold a place with us, we couldn’t have asked for better people to welcome into our family, and we absolutely love having them as part of it. Their achievements so far make us incredibly proud, and we’re excited for everything still to come.

On Monday, we’ll be welcoming a new member to our family, and we can’t wait! ✨

04/12/2025

There are certain people you come across in your life that can alter the course of the journey you're on. For me, this man has played a huge role in my life over the last 12 months.

Being fortunate enough to win the 2025 Thornton Young Award brought Waddo and I together in the studio and ever since he's been an incredible teacher, mentor and mate. It's been a hell of a year and I'll always be grateful for how much you back me mate!

You gotta find your people in this business. I consider myself lucky!

📸 by Maddison Waddington

03/12/2025

Congratulations William Alexander #11 on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart with "I Still Hold Your Love Dear".
If you haven't had a chance yet, do yourself a favour and have a listen!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5Af2dqLRZjPE4BMoCM834C?si=XZn1cuk-TC6JAZGxx8o3fQ

William Alexander · single · 2025 · 1 songs

27/11/2025

Congratulations to our 2024 Thornton Young Award winner, Paul Ricketts, on the release of his brand-new single “I’m Just Like You.”
We love having Paul as part of our Thornton Young family and are so proud of everything he’s achieved. It’s been incredible watching him grow as an artist.

🎧 Do yourself a favour and support Aussie music! Download and stream Paul’s new single, available on all major streaming services.

https://gyro.to/imjustlikeyou

18/11/2025

Congratulations William Alexander on your Golden Guitar nomination in Bush Ballad of the Year for “Wild Roan Brumby”!

13/11/2025

Huge congratulations to our Thornton Young Award winner, William Alexander, on the release of his brand-new single “I Still Hold Your Love Dear.”

It’s been incredible watching William this year, his dedication, creativity, and passion have truly shone. We love seeing how far he’s come, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!

🎧 Show your support and stream the new single on all major platforms:
👉 https://ditto.fm/i-still-hold-your-love-dear?fbclid=IwY2xjawODSCJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUcUtEQjhOVWpKQTFDdFAzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiYQFvJm-Gns_iiiWP_haTy13fYjCer6svf2wxkvlY3PMaCMcjWCYuRkIwnj_aem_38zKD2r7O2bBxazOEeoKlQ

Let’s give William all the love he deserves! 💛✨

10/11/2025

⏰ REMINDER: Today is the LAST DAY to enter! ⏰
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2026 Thornton Young Award. An amazing opportunity for an Australian artist who sings in true balladeer, bush ballad, or heritage style. 🇦🇺🎶

If you know someone who tells Australia’s stories through music, now is the time to give them a gentle push in our direction. Or if that artist is you, get your application in before it’s too late!!

👉 Nominate or apply here: https://lindsaywaddington.com/thorntonyoungaward

Please share, your post might be the one that reaches the perfect entrant. 🌾✨

New Australian Balladeer Award "Thornton Young Award"

05/11/2025

🚨 Nominations Closing Soon! 🚨
Nominations for the 2026 Thornton Young Award are closing soon - so if you’ve been thinking about entering, now is the time!

In this video, Lindsay sits down with John Williamson to talk about the Thornton Young Award.

If you know an artist who sings about Australia in true balladeer, bush ballad, or heritage style now’s your chance to let them know and encourage them to enter.

🗓️ Final days - nominations close Monday, 10th November.
👉 Nominate here: https://lindsaywaddington.com/thorntonyoungaward

Let’s celebrate and support the next generation of authentic Australian storytellers.