Australian Idol winner joins blockbuster NTI Townsville 500 entertainment line-up

The 2025 NTI Townsville 500’s massive entertainment program just got even bigger, with 2024 Australian Idol winner and rising country music star Dylan Wright confirmed to perform as part of the jam-packed off-track festivities from July 11-13.

Wright will take to the stage in front of what’s expected to be one of the biggest crowds in the event’s 17-year history.

Since capturing the nation’s attention with his Australian Idol win, Wright has rocketed to the top of the charts. His debut EP hit #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart in late 2024 and has already clocked up millions of streams. In 2025, he earned a Golden Guitar nomination for Best New Talent, further cementing his status as one of the most exciting young artists in Australian country music.

Currently signed to Sony Music Australia, Wright is fresh off a sold-out national tour and a major European run and recently featured as a special guest on Tina Arena’s national tour. His distinctive vocals are also behind the soundtrack to Qantas’ current TV campaign and a Top 5 hit single 'Deep End' with country-pop star Mel Dyer.

“I’m very excited to be performing at the NTI Townsville 500,” Wright said.

“It’s such a great event, and I can’t wait to bring some country energy to North Queensland. It’s going to be an unreal weekend.”

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said securing Dylan Wright was another major coup for this year’s Townsville event.

“Dylan’s success over the past year has been phenomenal, and we’re thrilled to have him join our live music lineup in Townsville,” Howard said.

“He’s an incredible talent with wide appeal, and the perfect fit for the electric festival atmosphere we’re building in 2025.”

Wright joins an all-star entertainment roster at the 2025 NTI Townsville 500, which includes:

The 2025 event marks the first time Supercars will race across all three days at Reid Park, including a Friday sprint race and two 200km feature races across the weekend.

With over two million fans having attended since Supercars debuted in Townsville in 2009, this year’s edition is set to break new ground with a fusion of motorsport, music, and extreme sports. Tickets for the 2025 NTI Townsville 500 are available now at Supercars.com.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the local population would balloon during the Supercars weekend, with an incredible 33,000 visitors flocking to the city,

"Townsville will be the event mecca of the country during the second week of July, with something on offer for everyone," she said.

"Whether it's three days at the race track, a night at the PBR or cheering on the Cowboys for the double-header, we will have it all.

"The inclusion of Dylan Wright to the program is the icing on the cake and something I know the many country fans from the North and surrounds will be very excited about and keen to support.

"The Supercars event has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2009, and has well and truly helped to put Townsville on the map as a sport and entertainment hub.

"The 2025 event is expected to bring a $53 million cash injection to our economy, which will be very much welcome especially off the back of the difficult start we had to year with the floods."

Townsville Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville was ready to get behind the star-studded event in its 17th year.

“We’re used to seeing the Supercars put on an action-packed event, but this year is lining up to be something really special,” Cr Greaney said.

“I’m really excited to see Dylan Wright bring a twist of country music to the event alongside the PBR and Townsville’s own 1RAR band.

“Townsville’s winter is the perfect summer and with Supercars as part of our massive events season, along with Our Townsville, Ephemera and VP80, there really is something for everyone and I can’t wait to show off what our city has to offer.”

The NTI Townsville 500 is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Events Program and Townsville Enterprise Limited.