‘A huge platform’: Rising country star to open for Shania Twain in Limerick

JESSE Sludds from Wexford won The Late Late Show Opening Act and will now open for Shania Twain at her Thomond Park gig in Limerick this July.

As well as sharing the stage with Shania Twain, Jesse will also perform on the annual Late Late Show Country Special later this year.

Jesse was one of five performers who performed live on the first ever The Late Late Show Opening Act on Friday on RTÉ One.

Prior to performing on the popular chat show on Friday Jesse said:

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“I’m most excited about the opportunity to perform in front of a wider audience and connect with new people. It’s a huge platform. Of course, there are nerves, it’s a big stage, but I think that just shows how much it means to me.

“I think country music is having a moment because it’s real. It tells stories people have actually lived; love, heartbreak, growing up, and everything in between. It’s also evolving and blending with other genres, which is bringing in new audiences while keeping its roots.” 

Shania Twain will play Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick on 7 July 2026. 

In a video message aired on The Late Late Show, Shania Twain announced the incredible prize, saying:

“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.”