Logan country singer-songwriter Jake Whittaker has been named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2026 Countrytown Awards.
The Stockleigh-based musician accepted the award at The Triffid in Brisbane on Thursday, adding another milestone to a career that has continued to gain momentum since his top six finish on Australian Idol last year.
Mr Whittaker said he did not expect to take home the award.
“I genuinely didn’t think I was getting this today, and so I didn’t think I’d write anything down,” Mr Whittaker said.
“There are unlimited thank yous I have.”
During his acceptance speech, Whittaker thanked the people around him, including his songwriting collaborators, family, producer Jared Adlam and his wider team.
Mr Whittaker also received a nomination in the Country category at the Queensland Music Awards for his single In My Blood.
“I was a little surprised and stoked to get the nomination,” Mr Whittaker said before the award winners were announced.
“I didn’t even expect the nominations in the first place, so whatever happens, I’ll just be grateful.”
Mr Whittaker said he had been focused on performing live and releasing new music.
“I’ve been working the hardest I ever have towards music, doing gigs, releasing music and really putting everything into it,” he said.
“To start seeing results come from the hard work, the proof’s in the pudding.”
His latest releases, Boots On and Trouble With You, are currently sitting in the Countrytown Hot 50 chart.
Mr Whittaker is also preparing to release a new single ahead of an upcoming EP launch show at Beenleigh Tavern on 9 May.
Whittaker has been performing to growing audiences, including appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, a recent tour in New Zealand and upcoming shows at several regional festivals.
