[4] Over the years, several now-notable Australian artists had been discovered through the initiative, including Missy Higgins (2001), Killing Heidi (1996) and Grinspoon, the first winners in 1995.

[3] In 2006, former Triple J manager Linda Bracken ideated an online platform that would allow unsigned musicians to be heard by the station's team, as well as by listeners.

[8] On 18 December 2024, the New South Wales Police Force alleged that two men used the Unearthed website– particularly its profile customisation features, like writing a user bio– to recruit a Goulburn Correctional Centre inmate to carry out a stabbing on gang leader Bassam Hamzy in February that year.

[10] Seeing the success of the website, Unearthed executive producer Stephanie Carrick and ABC Music director Chris Scaddan ideated with creating a dedicated digital radio station to accompany the online platform.

Recent acts to have found success with the initiative include Hockey Dad (2014), The Kid Laroi (2018), Genesis Owusu (2015) Japanese Wallpaper (2014) and Gretta Ray (2016).

[15] Celebrating 15 years of the competition in 2023, Triple J held a one-night, all-ages concert during Vivid Sydney featuring notable past entrants, including Lastlings and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

[27] In the past, these competitions have also seen entrants remix songs from Lorde and DMA's,[28][29] as well as creating "DIY supergroups" out of samples from notable artists provided by Triple J.

[31] Writing for online magazine Tone Deaf in 2022, Holley Gawne wrote Triple J has been "so successful ... in boosting the profiles of some of the industry’s biggest and brightest.

"[1] In its first form as a regional talent competition, Unearthed discovered then-local musicians Missy Higgins and Sophie Koh, and bands Grinspoon, Killing Heidi and Sick Puppies.