Ryan Phoenix Announced as Finalist for The Late Late Show Opening Act Cork singer Ryan Phoenix has been confirmed as the fifth and final contestant in The Late Late Show Opening Act competition, set to air live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Friday, 17 April 2026. The announcement was made during an interview on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1 earlier that morning. Phoenix joins four other acts—Paddy Treacy, Jesse Sludds, Caitlin Mackin, and Midnight in Vegas—who were revealed earlier in the week. Each performer will compete live for the opportunity to open for Grammy-winning artist Shania Twain during her Thomond Park concert in Limerick this July. The winner of the inaugural Opening Act will not only secure the prestigious support slot for Twain’s Irish show but will also earn a featured spot on the annual Late Late Show Country Special, hosted by Patrick Kielty later in the year. Speaking about the opportunity, Phoenix said he has “waited years” for such a chance. “I’m excited to share my music with a wider audience and push myself to the next level,” he stated. He acknowledged the nerves surrounding the live performance but framed them as a sign of how much the moment means: “The nerves are definitely there, although how you can tell the difference between nerves and excitement? I can’t! I think it’s a good thing, it means it really matters.” Performing on The Late Late Show Country Special would “mean everything” to the Cork native, who described it as “an iconic platform” and “an incredible opportunity to represent Irish country music and take a considerable step forward in my career.” Opening for Shania Twain in Limerick, he added, would also be “an incredible experience.” The Late Late Show Opening Act airs live tonight at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Viewers can tune in to watch the five finalists perform and vote for their favorite act to win the chance to open for Shania Twain this summer.
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