Special guests announced for this week's Late Late Show Opening Act competition

This week’s Late Late Show brings the live finale of The Late Late Show Opening Act competition, as five finalists take to the stage on Friday night to perform their rendition of a country classic in the hope of being crowned Ireland’s new Opening Act.

The winner will earn the extraordinary opportunity to open for global superstar Shania Twain at her only Irish date this July, as well as perform on the Late Late Show Country Music Special next October.

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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 each hoping 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.

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.

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In a week where Ireland lost a true music legend, the Late Late Show will also pay tribute to the late Moya Brennan, honouring her extraordinary legacy and influence on Irish music.

As well as live performances from our finalists on the night, viewers will also be treated to a performance from British country music duo The Shires, the first British country group ever to get a Top 10 album on the UK pop charts.

All this and more on the Late Late Show Friday night on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.