By ANNA USHER

Four North Shore school kids aged just 11 to 14 have stunned judges at one of NSW’s most prestigious youth music competitions, claiming third place overall and walking away with a top individual honour.

Four Leaf Clover, whose members met through Big Music in Crows Nest, finished third at the YouthRock Finals 2026, beating dozens of bands stacked with performers up to 18 years old.

They were the youngest act in the entire competition.

The group also took home the coveted Aaron Chugg Award, given to the band displaying the most passion and commitment across the contest.

More than 50 school bands from across the state entered this year’s event, with only eight making it through to the finals.

The four-piece is made up of Pymble Ladies’ College student Kalash, 14, on vocals, Marist College Eastwood student Josh, 14, on guitar, Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College student Abby, 13, on drums, and Cammeray Public School student Skye, 11, on keys and harmonies.

Judges were blown away.

“You are all performing and writing well beyond your years,” one said.

“Much more together than some older bands, well done!” another wrote.

WATCH: Four Leaf Clover

A third judge flagged the group as ones to watch, writing: “Can’t wait to see what you develop into.”

Run as an official Youth Week program in partnership with NSW Education, YouthRock is one of the state’s most respected youth music contests, pushing teens to write and perform original material.

The competition has form for spotting future stars. Past alumni include Silverchair, Alex Lloyd and Short Stack.

Four Leaf Clover formed last year after the members crossed paths at Big Music, the long-running Crows Nest music school, where a shared love of performance quickly turned into a tight creative partnership.

Their next gig is the Pymble Ladies’ College Mid-Autumn Festival, with further live shows and original releases in the works.

Watch the band’s YouthRock Finals 2026 performance on YouTube.

Follow Four Leaf Clover on Instagram at @fourleafclover.band