Chelsea Evans and Jason McCahill to compete on TG4 music series Glór Tíre

Donegal will have two entrants among the eight emerging Country and Irish singers fighting it out for the title of Ireland’s Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2024.

Chelsea Evans from Dunfanaghy, and Jason McCahill from Ramelton, will appear on the 20th season of TG4’s long-running, hit Country music show, which begins broadcasting in March. Both performers are well aware that being on this show is a big opportunity.

“I’ve always been a fan of Glór Tíre,” says Chelsea. “It is a fantastic platform for up-and-coming Country Music singers to showcase their talent and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help progress in their music career.”

“I have been singing in hotels and pubs since the age of 15,” says Jason, “so to get the chance to perform and experience all this show has to offer will be a great opportunity for me.”

Chelsea cites Dolly Parton, Lisa McHugh, and Trisha Yearwood as her inspirations, while Jason’s influences are Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Jimmy Buckley. Still only 19, Chelsea has already released her debut album, Where I Belong, while Jason has earned a reputation for his commitment to charity work.

“Apart from singing and performing I am extremely proactive in charity work,” he says, “having helped raise over €120,000 in our local area in the last few years in events we have run. I love getting involved in volunteer work.”

Each contestant on Glór Tíre is being mentored by an established Country and Irish artist. Jaason will be mentored by Co Galway singer, Claudia Buckley, described as “the hottest act in Irish Country Music” at the Hot Country Awards 2022. Chelsea’s mentor will be Jim Devine, the Co Tyrone singer, known for the songs ‘Leighann Loves to Dance’, ‘Baby Baby’, and ‘We’re Here to Stay’.

Jason will appear on Glór Tire on Tuesday, March 19, while Chelsea will be on the Tuesday, March 26, episode. 

Glór Tíre, broadcast on Ireland’s national Irish language station, TG4, and produced by Galway production company, Gael Media, is widely regarded as the premier platform for new and emerging Country and Irish talent, and as essential to the lifeblood of the genre.

Season 20 will be presented by Aoife Ní Thuairsig. The judges will be RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta’s Jó Ní Chéide and Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin, along with guest judges, Eddie Rowley from the Sunday World and Trudi Lalor, singer and editor of RSVP Country.

Broadcast dates for Glór Tíre Season 20 are March 12, 19 and 26, April 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 9.30pm on TG4.