Award-winning country music trio The Dollys are set to kick off their summer performance season in Tamworth, Australia, where they will attend the prestigious Country Music Association of Australia’s music academy. The trio—comprising Maia Fletcher, Millie Cottam, and Tahla Ward—will join 27 other students from Australia, New Zealand, and Nashville for an immersive musical experience.
The academy’s rigorous selection process required applicants to demonstrate exceptional musical talent and a commitment to pursuing a career in music. Fletcher secured her spot through the Macca’s Golden Gig Scholarship, while Cottam and Ward were granted entry via the Whitney Family Scholarships.
The Dollys, who have earned recognition as two-time finalists for NZ Entertainer of the Year, will also participate in the Tamworth Country Music Festival and attend the Academy of Country Music during their stay. Their musical journey began through country music competitions, where Ward and Fletcher originally performed as a duo. They later decided to form a group and entered a competition for fun—ultimately winning the contest.
This year alone, The Dollys have earned accolades in 11 different competitions, including the Capital Country Music Association’s national champion title, the Matamata Country Music Awards’ best duo/group, and the Southland Music Awards’ people’s choice award.
Miss Ward shared that the group has been fundraising to support their time in Australia, adding, “It’s been a huge year for us, and we’re so excited about the opportunity to gain more exposure internationally.”
The Dollys’ debut original song, “Weathering the Storm,” has garnered more attention than they anticipated, spurring them to continue developing their songwriting. The trio plans to record their second original song in Tamworth in January, although the title will remain under wraps for now.
While in Australia, The Dollys will also be supporting the popular country group Brother Hollow, marking a significant step in their growing international presence. Ward expressed excitement about the opportunity: “It’s such a great opportunity for us to perform for a larger audience and expand our reach globally.”
With a promising future ahead, The Dollys are ready to make their mark on the international country music scene.
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