Singer Caitlin Mackin has been announced as the third hopeful taking part in The Late Late Show Opening Act this week.
She is one of five acts who will perform live on the first-ever The Late Late Show Opening Act on Friday, 17 April on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9:35pm.
Each act is in with a chance of winning the opportunity to open for Grammy winner Shania Twain when she plays Limerick's Thomond Park in July.
A special message from the one and only SHANIA TWAIN 🤩🤩
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The winner of next week's #LateLate Opening Act will land the opportunity of a LIFETIME this summer when they join the country music ICON in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick in July 🤠👏🎶 pic.twitter.com/6QRj6zb7e9
The winner will also get a spot on the annual Late Late Show Country Special presented by Patrick Kielty later this year.
Armagh native Caitlin Mackin joins the previously announced Jesse Sluds and Paddy Treacy in Friday's line-up.
Introducing herself on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1, she said: "To be honest, growing up there was never a country star who looked like me.
"Being half Filipino/half Irish, I've always had to 'prove' being Irish to people.
"It's not a norm for someone who looks like me to perform country, and I want to break those stereotypes and prove that anyone can be into country and perform country.
"From a young age, I always wanted to be a singer, which then led to wanting to be a country singer.
"This was influenced by those that have been on The Late Late Show Country Special in the past, such as Nathan Carter, Lisa McHugh, and Daniel O'Donnell, so being able to share the stage with them is a dream being accomplished.
"I am so excited to listen to the other four acts and their individual styles and how they compare to my own.
"I am so excited also to interact with the crowd and share my happiness with them as I'm living my dream. You won't see the smile drop off my face."
Two further hopefuls will be unveiled on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1, between 9:00am and 11:00am, on Thursday and Friday, with listeners getting to know each finalist for the first time.
The five finalists will compete on The Late Late Show Opening Act on Friday, 17 April on RTÉ One at 9:35pm.
