EVEN back in her school days, Rachel Cubis never once imagined she’d one day be performing at one of Australia’s biggest music festivals.
But on January 16, Rachel’s tribute show, A Night with Adele, is a headline act during opening night of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Rachel will perform A Night with Adele at West Diggers’ Events Centre – a tribute show that evolved after she was spotted performing karaoke while on holidays.
“I was on a cruise back in July and there was a singer doing a number of tribute acts,” Rachel said. “She saw me singing Adele during some karaoke sessions, and spoke to me about putting an Adele tribute performance together – she believed I could take it far.
“I’ve also loved Adele since her first album, 19, was released in 2008. She is an amazing artist and all of her songs are written from her own life experiences, which I find so inspiring.”
Rachel is still coming to terms with the fact she’ll be performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival – an iconic event on the Australian music calendar.
“Performing at the Tamworth festival is honestly a dream come true,” Rachel said.
“To be involved in such an event that attracts more than 50,000 people, and to be among so many talented singers and musicians, is a privilege.
“This is by far the biggest step I’ve taken in my singing career, and I still can’t believe I’ve been given the opportunity to perform at Tamworth,” she said.
Rachel road-tested her Adele tribute show at Social Co House in Moree in October – and the response was incredible.
“I had such an amazing night and received so much mind-blowing feedback,” Rachel said.
“Everyone there was so supportive and danced and sang the night away.”
A few days later, Rachel received the news she’d be traveling to Tamworth in January to perform A Night with Adele.
“The week following my Adele tribute in Moree, I secured the show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival,” Rachel said.
“I could not believe the opportunity I was being given.”
Rachel’s love of music – all types – goes back a long way.
She’s been singing since her childhood days, and began in school choirs and even a school band – Blackrose.
However, finding herself performing on stage came about quite accidentally, she says.
“It started in high school when I studied music,” Rachel said.
“I had a great teacher and friend group. I would say it was accidental as I never really saw myself as a singer.
“The moment I realised was probably during a performance in high school when I sang Buses and Trains by Bachelor Girl in front of the whole school and got some great feedback.
“I went to school with country star, Travis Collins, and sang with him often during our senior years at high school,” Rachel said.
“Apart from the performances at school, my next public performance was during a show that Moree Arts and Community Theatre group put on in 2021 – Sirens and Seamen.
“Ironically, I sang Water Under the Bridge, by Adele,” she smiled.
With a deep appreciation of Adele’s artistry, Rachel brings her own warmth and authenticity to the stage, and honours Adele’s music while making the performance uniquely her own.
Rachel’s genuine connection with audiences and her ability to channel emotion through song makes A Night With Adele a truly special experience.
While Rachel finds creativity and motivation from Adele and such singers as Kelly Clarkson, Tina Arena, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood, her true inspiration comes from family – husband Mark and children Mackenzie, Piper and Logan – and especially her late dad, Robert Swan.
“My dad is my No.1 inspiration,” Rachel smiled.
“Most people called him Tom, and sadly he passed away five years ago.
“Dad was always in my corner with my music, and would show videos of me performing to anyone he could . . . he was always so proud,” she said.
On January 16 at West Diggers Tamworth, audience members will experience an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless music of one of the world’s most iconic artists, Adele.
A Night With Adele is a breathtaking live tribute to one of the best.
Rachel’s soulful voice and emotional depth capture the heart and power of Adele’s greatest hits. From Someone Like You and Hello to Rolling in the Deep and Easy on Me, every song is delivered with passion and authenticity.
Expect moments of laughter, tears and pure joy as Rachel takes the audience on an emotional journey through Adele’s remarkable catalogue.
Whether a lifelong fan or new to Adele, Rachel’s tribute performance is a night that will stay with the audience long after the final note.
Rachel Cubis: A Night With Adele
When: Friday, January 16, 2026
Where: West Diggers Tamworth Event Centre
Time: 7pm
