The Cowboy of Country: Johnny Quinn Brings the Lost Art of Yodeling to IGT
Every now and then, a performer steps onto the Ireland’s Got Talent stage not to chase the latest musical trends, but to keep a classic legacy proudly alive. That was exactly the case for 60-year-old country singer Johnny Quinn, who rocked a full Western-style outfit and channelled pure, old-school saloon energy to reintroduce Ireland to the rare and difficult art of yodeling.
In his initial audition, Johnny immediately won over the panel with his distinct Swiss-inspired country yodeling. It was an act so infectious and joyful that it had the entire auditorium clapping along in unison. The performance earned him a clean sweep of four enthusiastic “yeses,” with Louis Walsh eagerly demanding to hear more.
The video tracking Johnny’s journey also features his high-stakes return in the semi-finals, where he stepped up his presentation with full Western staging, complete with a saloon backdrop and a lasso prop. Performing a lively rendition of Slim Whitman’s classic “Casting My Lasso,” Johnny delivered flawless vocal flips and incredibly sustained yodels that left the panel grinning from ear to ear. Denise Van Outen admitted her “cheeks hurt from smiling,” praising the joyful nature of the act.
However, the feedback took a slightly realistic turn when it came to commercial appeal. While Louis Walsh noted that Johnny flawlessly honors the spirit of country icons like Slim Whitman, he openly questioned whether there is a viable commercial market for traditional yodeling today. Michelle Visage stood up for his technical skill, emphasizing that regardless of the genre’s popularity, Johnny is an undeniably elite yodeler who brings pure happiness to the stage. Jason Byrne provided the ultimate comedic relief, joking that Johnny should bring his cheerful yodeling straight into political chambers to sort out Brexit and cheer up the nation’s most miserable rooms. Despite the debate on his commercial future, Johnny expressed pure gratitude, stating he had never witnessed an experience so unbelievable in his entire life.
