A talented young singer is calling on Donegal to support her on a thrilling journey through Ireland’s biggest country music talent show.
Ailish McBride (19), a student from Creeslough, is one of six finalists in ‘Glór Tíre’ on TG4. The show sees hopefuls battling it out with help from Ireland’s biggest country music stars to be crowned the winner.
Ailish is enjoying the experience so much that she doesn’t want to leave!
She is singing under the mentorship of Monaghan country star Ciaran Rosney. With the contest now in full swing, she is hoping that the Donegal public can vote her through to the live shows.
Ailish has been on the country music scene for around three years and has already shared the stage with some of Ireland’s top country stars.
Ciaran Rosney was so impressed by Ailish’s voice that he chose her as his contestant on Glór Tíre this year. The duo collaborated on a new single, Golden Ring, which reached No 1 on the Irish iTunes Country Charts this week.
Ailish had her big moment on the Glór Tíre stage two weeks ago at the Quays in Galway.
Ailish told Donegal Daily: “It’s a great experience so far and it’s been great to get out of my comfort zone.
“We got a good reaction after the show, our song choices went well so hopefully I can keep picking the right ones. I’ve got a great mentor in Ciaran, he’s been really helpful to me and he’s taken the time to record a single with me.”
Following her first TV appearance, Ailish has from until the start of the live shows on 5th March to campaign to keep her place in the competition. The voting results will be announced live when one contestant will be eliminated.
Ailish has to make it through four nights of live shows before the 2019 winner is revealed.
She said: “I don’t want to it end! Everyone is so nice, from the contestants to the crew behind the scenes to the judges, it’s a really nice atmosphere in the place. It doesn’t feel like A competition.
“The judges give advice but it’s the public who decides.”
As well as being a gifted songstress, Ailish is a second year veterinary nursing student at LYIT.
She has been enjoying great airtime with her new single and counts Loretta Lynn, Louise Morrissey and Shania Twain as her main influences.
With Creeslough and beyond behind her, Ailish is hoping to go all the way to win this year’s Glór Tíre with the help of her supportive voters.
“Last year’s show had Donegal singers Conor O’Donnell and Gary Fitzpatrick and they both did really well. I’m hoping I can do just as good,” Ailish said.
You can vote for Ailish free on the Glor Tire app or by phone:
The Glor Tire app is available for download for free from the Apple & Android stores
To vote for Ailish by call or text:
ROI Numbers: 1513 415 102 / Glor2 to 53307
NI Numbers: 0901 6566 102 / Glor2 to 60999
Cost: €0.61/ £0.51 per call from an Eircom/ BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobile cost more. €0.60/ £0.50 per text. Network charges vary. 18+. Service Provider Phonovation Ltd.
Helpline Number 0818 217 100 (ROI) 0800 028 3874 (NI)