triple j’s Unearthed High returns for another year in 2026 – and this year’s competition arrives earlier and comes with bigger prizes than ever before.
As triple j Unearthed is seeking the best high school-aged talent across the country, the early launch of this year’s competition gives artists more time to write, upload, and share their music with the world, while impressing music fans at Australia’s national youth broadcaster.
Last year’s Unearthed High was won by 16-year-old rapper DRIZZZ, while Kyla Belle took home the Indigenous Initiative.
In its near-two-decade run, Unearthed High has acted as the first crucial stepping stone for some of Australia’s biggest names, such as The Kid LAROI, Ninajirachi, Genesis Owusu, Teenage Joans, Hockey Dad, and Mariae Cassandra, to name a few.
This year’s Unearthed High and Indigenous Initiative winners will take home “career-defining” prizes, per a press release.
The titular winner will win a songwriting session with one of Australia’s favourite artists, whether it’s G Flip, The Rions, Genesis Owusu, or Kinder. Plus, flights and accommodation will be included in the prize, along with “hands-on industry support.”
Meanwhile, the artist who takes home the Indigenous Initiative win will have their next single mixed by Grammy Award-winning engineer Eric J Dubowski, who’s worked with the likes of Tame Impala, Dua Lipa, and Flume. They’ll also receive mentorship from Nooky, host of triple j’s Blak Out and member of 3%, and score radio play on triple j.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
In 2026, Unearthed High Frequency will return, hosted by singer and rapper REDD. They’ll handpick the best new entries each week and play them every Thursday from 4 pm on Unearthed Radio.
The triple j Unearthed team is launching this year’s competition this week with help from the Australian youth music organisation, The Push. Launching on-site in schools across the country, music fans in schools will be part of workshops and witness live performances by Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Baker Boy.
To enter this year’s Unearthed High competition, upload your song/s to triple j Unearthed and tick the box that confirms you’re an Unearthed High artist. You can find more information here.
