Caitlin Mackin Joins The Late Late Indicate Opening Act Finalists
The search for Ireland’s next country music star has intensified with the announcement of 24-year-old Cullyhanna musician Caitlin Mackin as a finalist for The Late Late Show Opening Act. Mackin is one of five acts set to perform live on Friday, April 17, at 9:35 pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player, competing for a career-defining opportunity to open for global icon Shania Twain.
The Stakes: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Prize
The competition offers a massive platform for emerging talent. The winner of the competition will secure the spot to open for Grammy winner Shania Twain during her performance at Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick on July 7. In addition to the stadium appearance, the winning act will earn a place on the annual Late Late Show Country Special, hosted by Patrick Kielty, later this year.
Breaking Stereotypes in Country Music
For Caitlin Mackin, this competition is about more than just the prize; it’s about representation. Speaking on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1, the Armagh native opened up about her identity as a half-Filipino, half-Irish performer.
“To be honest, growing up there was never a country star who looked like me. Being half Filipino/half Irish, I’ve always had to ‘prove’ being Irish to people,” Mackin stated. “It’s not a norm for someone who looks like me to perform country and I want to break those stereotypes and prove that anyone can be into country and perform country.”
Mackin’s passion for the genre was fostered early on, listening to country music on CDs in her father’s van. Her musical foundation includes studying musical theatre, playing piano, and spending 12 years involved in Irish dancing, which she credits for her love of traditional Irish country music.
A Rapid Rise to the Spotlight
Mackin’s trajectory in 2026 has been remarkably fast. After picking up the guitar two years ago and taking lessons in Newry, a TikTok post in 2024 led to her first gig on New Year’s Eve of that year. Since then, she has been performing every weekend.
Her recent professional milestones include:
- Performing at Iur Fest in Newry last year.
- Opening for The High Kings in both Derry and Letterkenny in January 2026.
- Being selected as a finalist for the first-ever Late Late Show Opening Act.
The Competition Line-up
Mackin joins a competitive field of five performers. She is the third finalist to be revealed, following the announcements of Paddy Treacy and Jesse Sludds. The finalists will be judged on their individual styles and performances as they vie for the chance to share the stage with Shania Twain.
Key Takeaways: The Late Late Show Opening Act
- Performance Date: Friday, April 17, 2026, at 9:35 pm.
- The Grand Prize: Opening for Shania Twain at Thomond Park, Limerick, on July 7.
- Additional Reward: A performance slot on the Late Late Show Country Special.
- Featured Finalists: Caitlin Mackin, Jesse Sludds, and Paddy Treacy (among five total acts).
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