The Late Late show will feature some of Ireland’s best-known singers this week for the Country music special.
With the death of Big Tom this week, there will be a special tribute to the star with a panel discussing his legacy.
Daniel O’Donnell, Nathan Carter, Susan McCann, Paddy Cole and Fr Brian D’Arcy will join Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late couch to discuss the impact Big Tom had on the Irish country scene.
Viewers will find out why the Castleblaney man, who passed away this week at the age of 81, was one of the most beloved singers in the country. The show will also feature some of his best known hits.
Speaking about the show, host Ryan Tubridy said: “This week, more than any, we have seen how the country scene in Ireland is part of the fabric of who we are. It is only fitting that we should pay tribute to Big Tom. As one of the best-loved singers in Ireland, he paved the way for a lot of today’s biggest performers.
“We’ll be hearing from some of those who knew him best and celebrating the popularity of the music that he loved so much. There is something for everyone in this show from the die-hard fans to those looking to dip their toe into country waters.”
This year’s Late Late Show Country Special will also put a focus on the wide appeal of country music by featuring some of the crossover hits that have broken out of the scene to make it big in the mainstream.
Boyzone singer Ronan Keating will be telling viewers about the country origins of one of his biggest solo hits When You Say Nothing At All and he’ll be performing it with one of the newest stars of the scene, Lisa McHugh.
Derek Ryan and Sandy Kelly will sing the classic Islands in the Stream and Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan will be bringing viewers their version of Hurts So Good. In ‘Circle of Friends’, the stars of country will celebrate some major hits and a special nod will go to Rhinestone Cowboy singer Glen Campbell.
Ryan will also be joined by Gloria, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley, Declan Nerney,Mike Denver, Michael English and Robert Mizzell as The Late Late Show dons its Stetson and goes full country for the night.
The Late Late Show Country Special airs this Friday, RTÉ One, April 20th at 9.35pm.
