A major 90s pop star and a rising Irish talent have been confirmed as support acts for Shania Twain’s upcoming Limerick show this summer.
The Canadian country-pop icon Shania Twain is set to perform at Thomond Park Stadium on July 7, marking her only Irish date on the tour, with fans set to hear some of her biggest hits live.
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Ahead of the highly anticipated gig, it has been confirmed that Sophie Ellis-Bextor, best known for her smash hit Murder on the Dancefloor, will join the bill.
The British singer rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s and is widely known for her energetic live shows and dancefloor anthems, often incorporating iconic hits from artists such as Madonna, Cher, ABBA, and Donna Summer into her performances.
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Joining her on the line-up is Wexford teenager Jesse Sludds, who secured his place after winning The Late Late Show Opening Act contest last week.
The brand-new competition, hosted by Patrick Kielty, aimed to find Ireland’s next breakout country music star, with five finalists performing live in Dublin for the chance to open for Twain and earn a slot on the Late Late Show Country Special later this year.
Sludds impressed viewers and judges alike with his rendition of Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, ultimately winning after a combined public vote, music industry jury vote, and country music jury vote.
Reacting to his win, the 19-year-old admitted: “Oh wow, I did not expect that at all. And to think that I wasn't going to do it (enter the competition) because I didn't think I was country enough!”
He added: “I had seen it online at first and I was like, 'Nah...', and then I had so many people talking to me I was like, 'Ah sure, go on then!' But, eh, wow!”
During the show, host Patrick Kielty noted the nerves of the young performer, saying he was “shaking”, before adding: “So many people at home are going to be so proud of you tonight.”
The judging panel also had high praise for Sludds, with Una Healy describing him as “very special”, Sandy Kelly calling him “an amazing voice”, Ben Earle of The Shires labelling him “a star”, and broadcaster Tom Dunne saying his performance was “sensational”.
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The Limerick concert comes amid a busy period for Shania Twain, who is currently working on her seventh studio album, expected to be released later this year.
A source said: “Shania initially started working on the album in early 2024, but put the record on hold to focus on her Come On Over: All The Hits residency in Las Vegas.
“Since then she’s been playing shows across America and hitting the studio.
“She’s really been inspired by being on the road and playing shows once more.
“Shania has always had this deep love of life but turning 60 last summer also reinvigorated her. She’s been super-inspired.”
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The singer herself also teased new music in a post shared on Instagram last May, writing: “Papped by my own husband on the way to what turned out to be a great writing session! I’ve been lucky enough to find a little time to hide away and put down the ideas that have been spinning around in my head since the last album.
“Funny to hear your own thoughts, feelings and daydreams being realised into actual songs.”
With a global superstar, a nostalgic 90s favourite, and a newly discovered Irish talent all on the same bill, the Thomond Park show is shaping up to be one of the standout gigs of the Irish summer.
