The Late Late Show will crown the inaugural Opening Act live on Friday night with the winner set to open for country music star Shania Twain in Limerick this July.
Friday's show will also pay tribute to the late Clannad singer Moya Brennan, who passed away aged 73 during the week.
Five finalists will perform their rendition of a country classic in the hope of being crowned Ireland’s new Opening Act, with the support slot in Thomond Park and an appearance on the Late Late Show Country Music Special next October as the prize.
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.
Host Patrick Kielty will be joined Friday night by a panel of special guests offering their insights from across the country music scene.
The panel features Una Healy, the singer who began her career with pop group The Saturdays and has since become one of Ireland’s most recognisable country voices; Irish country music star and Late Late Show Country Hall of Fame 2026 inductee Sandy Kelly; Ben Earle, one half of UK country duo The Shires; and Tom Dunne, front man of Something Happens and radio broadcaster.
Judging will be carried out by two juries made up of leading music industry and country music experts.
But the final decision won’t be left to the experts alone as viewers at home will also have their say. Public voting lines will open live during the show, giving audiences the chance to help choose Ireland’s new Opening Act. Cliona Hagan will deliver the public vote as it comes in.
The Late Late Show, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Friday, 9.35pm
