Aspiring young performers from across the Sunshine Coast are being invited to step into the spotlight, with auditions now open for STARS alive! 2026, the popular youth talent competition presented by the NOOSA alive! Festival.
Open to performers aged 8 to 18 years, Noosa STARS alive! provides a unique opportunity for singers, musicians, dancers, bands and variety performers to showcase their talent in front of industry judges and live audiences.
Produced by NOOSA alive! Festival Director, Ian Mackellar and hosted by Festival CEO and media identity Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi, the competition has become one of the region’s premier annual platforms for emerging young performers, helping participants gain confidence, performance experience and community recognition.
Teen performing at Noosa alive! talent competition Stars alive! Credit @Ian Waldie Photography
Successful auditionees will progress to the STARS alive! Finals at the STARS alive! Showcase & Free Community Day at Tewantin-Noosa Lions Park on the Noosa River, where they will compete for a share of valuable cash prizes, industry recognition and the opportunity to perform as part of the renowned NOOSA alive! Festival program in 2026.
The all-ages family-friendly event also boasts performances by former STARS alive! winners and will feature a surprise performance set by a Golden Guitar-winning country music star.
Now entering its fifth year, STARS alive! has established itself as a launching pad for aspiring performers across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Many previous finalists have gone on to secure further performance opportunities and continue to develop their artistic careers.
Girl singing at Stars alive!, the Noosa alive! talent competition. Credit @Ian Waldie Photography
Uncovering young talent
Festival Director Ian Mackellar said the competition continues to uncover extraordinary local talent while providing young performers with invaluable opportunities.
“STARS alive! is about giving young people a professional stage to showcase their talents, build confidence and pursue their passion for performance. Every year we are inspired by the calibre of talent that emerges from our community. Since its inception five years ago, we have unearthed some amazing young talent who are now performing professionally around Queensland and Australia.”
The competition forms an important part of the broader NOOSA alive! Festival, celebrating creativity, community and artistic excellence while nurturing the next generation of performers.
Young artists are encouraged to apply early and prepare their best performance piece for the auditions. Registrations close 5pm on Friday June 26.
Stars alive! details
- Event: STARS alive! 2026 Auditions
- Eligibility: Noosa and Sunshine Coast residents aged 8–18 years
- Registrations close: 5pm, Friday, June 26.
- Audition Categories: Vocalists, musicians, dancers, bands and variety performers
- Applications: Via Noosa alive website. Entries close COB
- Further Information: Available at the NOOSA alive! website
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