The Late Late Show Opening Act, the search for Ireland’s newest country music star, will air live on Friday 17 April on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
The winner of The Late Late Show Opening Act will land the opportunity of a lifetime this summer when they join GRAMMY Award-winning music icon Shania Twain in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick in July.
In a video message aired on tonight’s Late Late Show, Shania Twain announced the incredible prize. She said, “I’ll be back performing my headline show in Ireland this summer. I’m so excited to announce that the winner of The Late Late Show Opening Act will be my opening act for my only Irish date in Limerick on July 7.”
Presenter Patrick Kielty said, “Shania Twain is a true country icon and we’re so excited she’s agreed to give our winner the chance to be her opening act in Thomond Park.
“For any country fan, Shania’s gig this summer will be an absolute highlight and for our winner to walk out on stage and perform will be a proper pinch me moment.”
As well as sharing the stage with Shania Twain, the lucky performer will also win a spot on the annual Late Late Show Country Special later this year.
Five acts, set to be announced from Monday, will compete to become the first winner of The Late Late Show Opening Act on Friday 17 April on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
The finalists will perform their favourite country song in front of a studio audience and star studded panel, including Una Healy, and the overall winner will be decided by media and industry juries as well as a public vote.
The five finalists will be announced on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio1 and on RTÉ social accounts from Monday, 13 April.
Shania Twain will play Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick on 7 July 2026.
The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.
-ENDS-
Friday, 10 April 2026
