KENNY Crawford is through to the semi-final of this year’s Glór Tíre after impressing the judges with his rendition of Tennessee Whiskey.

The Porthall man is being mentored by country star Johnny Brady on the new series of the hit T4 talent search.

Kenny performed two songs – a soulful cover of Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey and One More Last Chance by Vince Gill.

So taken by him were regular panellists Caitriona Ní Shuilleabháin and Jo Ní Chéide along with guest judge Eddie Rowley, showbusiness editor with the Sunday World, that he was their first choice to go through to the next round.

“It’s been great and the feedback has been brilliant,” said the Donegal singer ahead of the next stage of the show.

Kenny’s musical career began in 1987 with pub gigs and back-to-backs. Ten years later his brother Vincent convinced him to team up with fellow musician Dermot McGavigan to form the band New Beats.

New Beats toured for three years before Kenny returned to solo performing. Around the same time he was invited to join Mickey Joe Harte and Finnian Drumm in Tenerife where they spent several summers playing in the bars and clubs there.

Now though Kenny has his eye firmly on the Glór Tíre title and the €5,000 cash prize. In addition the winner gets to join singer Mike Denver for a week of shows in Portugal this summer.

“I’m enjoying it and it’s a good opportunity to put myself out there and to sing among my peers,” he said.

“The plan hopefully is to get a band on the road and to play a few bigger venues and festivals because usually I’m out there on the road on my own and it can be a lonely enough experience.”

Now in its 18th season, this year’s Glór Tíre has a new studio, set and format. The seven-part series is being filmed in Studio 5, Cue One, in Claregalway.

“Studio 5 is beautiful and I have to say that all the staff, the production team, everyone has been really nice.

“It’s a new experience for me and now it’s just about seeing how far I can go in the competition.”

Kenny will be back on screen on February 8 when he will perform another Vince Gill hit, Go Rest High on that Mountain.

Viewers should also keep an eye out for a second Lifford link as musician and singer Finnian Drumm will be part of the Glór Tíre band, providing backing for some of the contestants.

While Kenny is already safely through after being given the thumbs up by the judges, four other participants will sing for their Glór Tíre lives on February 8.

In all five contestants will compete in the semi-final with three going on to the final on February 22.

You will need to download the show’s app to vote and for further information log onto www.tg4.ie