Irish country singer Jesse Sludds wins The Late Late Show competition, to open for Shania Twain

Jesse Sludds, a 19‑year‑old musician from Wexford, was selected as the winner of The Late Late Show Opening Act competition held by RTÉ in April. A panel that included Una Healy, Sandy Kelly, Ben Earle and Tom Dunne, together with jury and public votes, chose him over other contestants from across Ireland.

The prize gives Sludds a slot opening for Shania Twain at Thomond Park in Limerick this summer and a performance on The Late Late Country Special in October. He quit his job at a pizzeria to pursue music full‑time, saying, "Life has been fantastic. I’ve been so busy, the win actually hasn’t even sunk in yet," and has been busking and playing pubs while preparing for the high‑profile gigs.