The hunt for the opening act for Shania Twain’s only Irish show this year is on.
And now with the Opening Act competition, The Late Late Show will crown the inaugural winner this week.
The winner won’t only earn the extraordinary opportunity to open for global superstar Shania Twain at her only Irish date in July, but they will also perform on the Late Late Show Country Music Special in October.
After strong competition from across the country, Paddy Treacy from Fermanagh, Jesse Sludds from Wexford, Caitlin Mackin from Armagh, Midnight in Vegas, a girlband with members from Dublin, Waterford and Essex and Ryan Phoenix from Cork have secured their place in the live show.
All five acts will perform live in studio on Friday night as they each hope to take home the prize.
Patrick Kielty will be joined on the night by a panel of special guests offering their insights from across the country music scene. The panel features Una Healy, the multi‑platinum singer who began her career with pop group The Saturdays and has since become one of Ireland’s most recognisable country voices.
Sandy Kelly, a true icon of Irish country music and The Late Late Show Country Hall of Fame 2026 inductee, Ben Earle, one half of The Shires, the UK’s most successful country duo and Tom Dunne, the unmistakable voice of Something Happens and well-known Irish radio broadcaster.
Of course, you’ll have your say too and Cliona Hagan will deliver the public vote as it comes in.
The Late Late Show will also pay tribute to the late Moya Brennan, honouring her extraordinary legacy and influence on Irish music.
Catch The Late Late Show this Friday at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
