The winner will perform alongside the country music icon at Thomond Park this July.
Category: Arts & Culture
Country music legend Shania Twain has unveiled an exciting opportunity for aspiring artists in Ireland. The winner of the upcoming Late Late Show Opening Act competition will have the chance to support Twain at her highly anticipated concert at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick on July 7, 2026.
The competition, which is set to debut on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, will feature five acts, announced on April 13, 2026. These finalists will compete on April 17, performing their favorite country songs in front of a live studio audience and a judging panel that includes popular singer Una Healy. The ultimate winner will be determined through a combination of votes from media and industry juries and public voting.
In a video message aired on the Late Late Show, Twain expressed her excitement about the competition, stating, "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." This announcement has sparked enthusiasm among country music fans and aspiring performers alike.
Patrick Kielty, the host of the Late Late Show, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, saying, "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."
In addition to performing at the concert, the winner of the Opening Act competition will also feature on the annual Late Late Show Country Special later in 2026, providing them with even more exposure and experience.
Shania Twain, a five-time GRAMMY winner, is known for her chart-topping hits such as "Any Man of Mine," "That Don’t Impress Me Much," "You’re Still the One," and "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her the best-selling female country pop artist of all time. Twain's concert at Thomond Park will mark her only Irish performance in 2026.
Joining Twain at the concert will be special guest Sophie Ellis-Bextor, a British pop sensation known for her infectious dance hits like "Murder on the Dancefloor" and "Take Me Home." Ellis-Bextor's vibrant energy is expected to set the stage for a memorable night, appealing to both her fans and Twain's audience.
The anticipation for this concert is already building, with tickets currently on sale. Fans are eager to witness what a spectacular outdoor concert experience, featuring a unique blend of country and pop music.
As Twain continues to work on her seventh album, set for release in 2026 under Republic Records, she remains a prominent figure in the music industry. Her upcoming biopic and various film and television projects also highlight her enduring influence and versatility as an artist. Twain has headlined major music festivals and has a reputation for captivating live performances, making her concert in Limerick a must-see event.
With the Late Late Show Opening Act competition, aspiring musicians have the chance to perform in front of a large audience and to gain invaluable experience in the music industry. The announcement of the finalists on April 13 will be a key moment for many hopeful artists looking to make their mark.
As the date of the concert approaches, the excitement surrounding Shania Twain's performance in Limerick continues to grow. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on RTÉ's social media accounts and the Today with David McCullagh show for updates on the finalists and the competition.
Shania Twain's concert at Thomond Park on July 7, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the summer, combining the thrill of live music with the opportunity for new talent to shine. With a mix of established hits and fresh performances, this event a celebration of country music in Ireland.
As Twain prepares to take the stage, she remains a symbol of resilience and creativity in the music world, continuously inspiring new generations of artists. The Late Late Show Opening Act competition is not just a chance for one lucky performer; it’s a reminder of the vibrant music scene in Ireland and the enduring appeal of country music.
Fans and aspiring musicians alike are counting down the days to this extraordinary event, where dreams may just come true on the stage of Thomond Park.