Overview
- Jesse Sludds was named the winner Friday after the public vote and two industry juries were combined.
- The full-time musician impressed with a cover of Tracy Chapman's Fast Car during the live broadcast.
- His prize includes opening Shania Twain's Thomond Park concert in July and kicking off The Late Late Show Country Special in October.
- Five finalists from across Ireland competed, including Paddy Treacy, Caitlin Mackin, Ryan Phoenix, and the trio Midnight in Vegas alongside Sludds.
- Host Patrick Kielty led a panel of Una Healy, Sandy Kelly, Ben Earle and Tom Dunne in a show that also paid tribute to Clannad singer Moya Brennan.