Country stars join Patrick Kielty tonight for Late Late performances
Patrick Kielty, host of the RTÉ The Late Late Show. (Image: Andres Poveda)
Friday 02 October 2026
Ashley Campbell, Nathan Carter and Una Healy will join Patrick Kielty tonight as The Late Late Show’s Country Music Special returns with live performances, a Dolly Parton tribute and a surprise Hall of Fame induction.
Viewers can watch on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 9.35pm tonight, Friday 2 October, with a surprise opening performance featuring some of Irish country music’s biggest names.
The line-up brings together established performers and emerging talent, including Jesse Sludds, whose win in the show’s Opening Act competition led to a support slot for Shania Twain.
Ashley Campbell remembers touring with her father
American singer-songwriter Ashley Campbell will join Kielty direct from Nashville to discuss her love for Ireland and life on tour with her late father, country music legend Glen Campbell.
She will also recall Shane MacGowan’s backstage visits and perform Gentle On My Mind, a song closely associated with her father.
Nathan Carter will perform his new single, Walk on Faith, from his album Doing Alright, and discuss plans for his first performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall this Halloween.
Dolly Parton tribute and country crossover performance
Cliona Hagan will join fellow country performers to celebrate Dolly Parton’s life and musical legacy through stories and performances of some of her best-loved songs.
The tribute will explore Parton’s career and her connection to Ireland.
Una Healy will also chat to Kielty before teaming up with Clodagh Lawlor and Claudia Buckley to perform a country crossover hit, with the song’s title being kept under wraps.
Opening Act winner returns after Shania Twain show
Jesse Sludds returns to the studio after winning The Late Late Show’s Opening Act competition in April and going on to open for Shania Twain at Thomond Park in Limerick in July, in front of 25,000 people.
He will announce the release of his new single, Dear Home, and update viewers on life since the competition.
Healy, who helped launch the talent search and served on its judging panel, will also return for tonight’s special.
Hall of Fame surprise still to come
Jimmy Buckley, Sandy Kelly, David James, Trudi Lalor and Ciarán Rosney are also due to appear during the evening.
The newest inductee into The Late Late Show Country Music Hall of Fame will be surprised live on the programme, leaving viewers to discover who receives the honour when the special airs tonight.
