Late Late Show Country Music Special celebrates Dolly Parton and new talent

The Late Late Show returned on Friday with a Country Music Special that honoured Dolly Parton’s legacy and highlighted emerging Irish talent.

Host Patrick Kielty was joined by leading Irish country artists including Nathan Carter, Una Healy, Ashley Campbell and Cliona Hagan, who opened the show with a rendition of “Good Riddles (Time of Your Life)”.

Emerging artist Jesse Sludds back on the studio

Competition winner Jesse Sludds, who claimed The Late Late Show Opening Act title in April, performed alongside Una Healy. Sludds recounted opening for Shania Twain at Thomond Park in July before a crowd of 25,000, describing the experience as “absolutely fantastic”. He also announced his second single “Dear Home”, due out on 8 October.

Healy, a judge for the Opening Act search, advised Sludds to focus on songwriting and develop his folk‑influenced sound.

Healy also revealed she will join Duncan James, Anthony Costa and Samantha Mumba in the ABBA All Stars, set to tour the UK from February next year with Irish dates to follow.

The programme featured performances by Clodagh Lawlor, Claudia Buckley, Michael English, Chantelle Padden, Jimmy Buckley and Nathan Carter, who debuted his single “Walk on Faith”. Tributes to Dolly Parton included Cliona Hagan’s versions of “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colours”, and a duet of “Islands in the Stream” by English and Padden. Ashley Campbell performed “Gentle on My Mind”, while Jimmy Buckley sang “Rhinestone Cowboy”. The show closed with “Can the Circle Be Unbroken” and “Wagon Wheel”.

Interviews highlighted Dolly Parton’s impact as a singer, songwriter and actress, and praised her Imagination Library Foundation for providing books to children worldwide.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Emily MacDonald / Pexels.