If you don’t already know it, CMAT – or, to give her full name, Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson – is fast becoming one of the biggest names in pop music. Blending country music and pop, her third album, Euro-Country, was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize this year. The idea of marrying the two genres is not entirely new; it has worked in the past for Kylie Minogue and Taylor Swift. However, until CMAT, no one has managed to present the fusion in such a cheeky, entertaining, funny, and commanding way.

Following the postponement of the original concert at the O2 Academy in Leeds due to an emergency tooth extraction, the Irish singer was firing on all cylinders. Tonight wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of her music and a chance to interact with her fans. Despite there only being twelve songs in the set, the show lasted over ninety minutes, due in most part to her chatting between the songs about body image, her last boyfriend, and attempting to mimic the best Yorkshire accent she could.

Her likeable and friendly personality made a connection within the first ten minutes of her arriving on stage – via an impromptu first song performed on the balcony as she sat among her fans. With the band and CMAT all energised, the atmosphere was electric – there is something so compelling and joyful about seeing an artist on her ascendancy, where who knows where it will end, as opposed to those on their descent who sometimes are past their peak both artistically and vocally.

The first time CMAT appeared at the venue was as a support act three years ago; she shared that she was so nervous then that she drank half a bottle of wine before her performance. Tonight was just as intoxicating, though in a more positive fashion. Her confident performance exuded a touch of youthful innocence, highlighted by her party piece dance routine at the top of a short flight of steps on stage, as well as her whole band joining in on an Irish dance.

With a giant euro coin behind her and the lighting at times in the European flag colours of yellow and blue, the atmosphere was in keeping with the theme of her Euro Country album, though the country reference here is to the musical one. CMAT never missed a chance to shine with her Irish charm, delivering fine renditions of songs like The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station and Take a Sexy Picture of Me.

Her audience was a mixed one, ranging from Generation Z to older fans who probably could associate the quirkiness of Cyndi Lauper and the down-to-earth attitude of Paloma Faith, all evident in CMAT.

By the time she encored with Stay for Something, singing the song in the stalls amongst her fans, the atmosphere had become even more intense. When CMAT is playing the larger venues, those present tonight will boast they were here; on a rainy autumnal Monday night in Leeds, it really didn't get any better than this. If you can see one of the remaining northern dates, do it; you won't regret it.

The tour continues with further dates in the north:
Tuesday 25th November - Manchester Academy
Wednesday 26th November - Sheffield Octagon
2026
Wednesday 11th March/Thursday 12th March - Manchester o2 Victoria Warehouse
The Piece Hall Halifax on Friday July 17
Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday July 18