NEWS & UPDATES ~ FEBRUARY 2007

Vote For Nicky – Most Attractive Man Of The Month – 28 February 2007

Ya, as Nicky won the Most Attractive Man of the week competition a few weeks ago he’s up for Most Attractive Man Of The Month in Hello Magazine’s website so start voting!

Voting will end on March 30, 2007 and you can vote every 15 minutes.

CLICK HERE to vote

Credit/Source: www.hellomagazine.com / Thanx Karina for emailing me know about it

Many New Tour Pictures, Videos & A Review Added – 28 February 2007

Yeepee! Loads of new tour pictures!

80 new OFFICIAL TOUR PICTURES from Westlife’s concert in Sydney!

57 new OFFICIAL TOUR PICTURES from Westlife’s concert in Melbourne.

Lisa’s REVIEW and TOUR FANPICTURES from the Sydney concert. Thanx so much for letting me use them Lisa!

10 TOUR VIDEOS from youtube.

Credit/Source: Wenn / Newscom / www.gettyimages.com / Splashnews / www.hitthelights.com.au / Thanx Lisa / Thanx Alfee & Pia for getting some of the pictures

Tour Reviews From Adelaide & Melbourne – 27 February 2007

I added two SPOILER REVIEWS from the Adelaide and Melbourne concerts.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Westlife; Four Boys, Fortune and Fame! – 27 February 2007

I found this new kinda interview lol searching online

Listen again to Em, Wippa & Ollies hilarious Westlife radio play narrated by Rachel Corbett.

Can't listen online? Read the full script below.

Listen Again

NARRATOR: The four handsome boys of Westlife are hanging out before their gig at Challenge Stadium. They're nervous about the upcoming meet and greet with the fans

NICKY: Do we really have to go through this right before the show?

NARRATOR: Nicky whined

NICKY: We are always meeting the fans before the show, then they get put in the front row and they think they are so much more special than everyone else. Remember what happened last time with Basil Zempilas

SHANE: Why are you even asking, these things have helped us get where we are now

NARRATOR: Shane snapped. He was having trouble gelling up his hair and hadn't gotten enough sleep after a massive night at "The Bog"

NICKY: Whoa boy, calm down. Think happy thoughts. You're acting like Bryan after Delta sold more albums than him

NARRATOR: Nicky poked his head in

NICKY: I hate to think what the people we get to meet would think if they met the Shane that only we end up seeing

KIAN: I wouldn't do that if I were you

NARRATOR: Kian added. He had known Shane the longest and knew not to mess with him when he was upset

KIAN: Where's Mark?

NARRATOR: Kian looked around the dressing room.

SHANE: He got finished earlier and went off looking for something to drink

NARRATOR: Shane went back to playing with his hair only to find his blow dryer wasn't working because the plug was different. Nicky, Kian and Shane finished what they were doing and went to find Mark. They soon found him in the llama bar staring at two strange women.

NICKY: Don't tell my missus I said this, but those two are hot!

NARRATOR: Nicky laughed.

KIAN: You know, it's too bad they're hot though

NARRATOR: Kian said.

NICKY: What did you just say?!

NARRATOR: Nicky said.

KIAN: Well, if they are hot, as most Perth girls are, it means that they never had to develop a nice personality, so they will probably be really snotty or something

NARRATOR: Kian casually remarked.

NICKY: That's too bad. We can just look from up here

NARRATOR: Nicky giggled

NICKY: Mark, why didn't you come get us earlier?

NARRATOR: Mark said nothing and continued to look down into the room where the two girls were waiting. His almost upset mood caught the attention of his friends.

KIAN: Mate, what's wrong

NARRATOR: Kian looked worried

MARK: Nothing. I'm just tired

NICKY: Well, we can either stand here and wait for the Convention Centre to make some money or we can go talk to the foxy senoritas.

NARRATOR: The boys all pulled combs out of their pockets, gave a quick flick through their hair and swaggered over

SHANE: (whispers) Are women supposed to be that hairy mate?

NICKY: Leave it to me boys, I'll drop the 14 UK number 1 singles line. I'll have them back in the hotel room before you can say ‘Westlife Rules OK'

NARRATOR: Shane flexed his biceps and checked for bad breath before confidently striding over

SHANE: Ladies! You may be from Western Australia but we're here to show you the REAL Westlife

NARRATOR: All four boys make a ‘W' sign with their hands

WIPPA: What sort of s*** are you dribbling, mate?

KIAN: I love a bird with a deep voice

WIPPA: I think you've got the wrong idea boys!

MARK: Playing hard to get? What are your names?

WIPPA OLLIE: Wippa and Ollie

SHANE: Pretty names for pretty ladies

OLLIE: Buddy, we're blokes, and we're here to interview you

MARK: Well that's embarrassing

Written by: Em, Wippa & Ollie

Narrated: by Rachel Corbett

Staring: Westlife

Credit/Source: www.929.com.au

Louis Lands In LA For Elton’s Oscar Party – 27 February 2007

Westlife Mentioned

Tomorrow is Hollywood's night of nights, the 79th Oscars, and all this week LA has been party central as the movie industry turn on the most amazing hospitality from early morning breakfast, right through cocktail parties and dinners in the best hotels and eateries in Hollywood, Bel Air and Beverley Hills.

But while some invites might be a pushover, the two hardest to snag are theVanity Fairbash at Morton's and Elton John's mega-celeb Oscar Viewing Party at The Pacific Design Center. Louis Walsh, who flew out to LA yesterday, said: "I have back-to-back meetings with record companies and writers for Westlife and Shayne Ward - but I'll be at Elton's party."

Louis has, of course, been a supporter of Elton's White Tie and Tiara Ball at his Windsor home since it started, and other regulars from that great summer ball - Victoria Beckham and Ossie and Sharon Osbourne - will get together in LA too.

Elton always does a great set during the party, and James Blunt is also scheduled to perform. There's word that Beyonce is also due to attend.

Derry's Roma Downey, who MC-ed the US-Ireland Alliance Oscar Wilde party on Thursday night, has announced her engagement to British TV star Mark Burnett.

Credit/Source: Irish Independent / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Westlife On Sunrise TV Program (Australia) – 27 February 2007

When: 28 February 2007

Tine: 6am – 9am (Australian Time)

Channel: Channel 7

Westlife will perform “Easy”.

Credit/Source: Thanx Scott for the info

Westlife Tour Heats Up – 27 February 2007

From Q Confidential

SEEMS the impossibly fresh-faced lads from Westlife are getting all hot and bothered by the Aussie climate.

The Irish quartet, who've sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, haven't even reached Brisbane on their Oz tour and already they've had to stock up on provisions to beat the heat.

"We went to a surf shop and bought a load of flip-flops and Rip Curl T-shirts," Shane Filan told fans in Adelaide.

"When in Rome," Nicky Byrne adds.

Back home in Ireland the temperature was in single digits (celsius that is) - a far cry from Brisbane's expected top in the low 30s.

The boy banders are here tomorrow to finish off their Oz tour at that place at the swamp in Boondall, after flogging The Love Album - yep, you heard us right - at shows in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

We reckon boardies - and dare we say it, sarongs - would make nice, comfy souvenirs once they finally head our way. In the meantime, the group's made it clear there's no hard feelings with former member Bryan McFadden's long-legged lovely, Oz pop princess Delta Goodrem.

Nick says Del's one of their all-time favourite performers to work with, along with diva Mariah Carey.

Credit/Source: www.news.com.au

One More Concert Review From Adelaide – 26 February 2007

I added a SPOILER REVIEW “That’s The Life, Fellas”from the Adelaide concert.

Credit/Source: The Sunday Mail, Adelaide / Thanx Mich for this & Scott for the title

Lust For Westlife – 26 February 2007

My mate Jo in the papper!!!!!!! I’m SO proud of her hehe!

KELLY WILSON

Could this be the keenest Westlife fan in the North-east? Mum-of-one Joanne Smith has seen the band live no less than eight times. And she spends all her free time running a fans' website. In the last 11 months she's had 613,000 hits on the site.

The 28-year-old spends all day on her computer at her Cornhill home, updating the site with the latest Westlife news. However, Joanne has yet to meet the men of her dreams - Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan.

When Westlife visited the Granite City last May Joanne stood outside the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre for five hours waiting for them to arrive. But all she got was a quick wave from her favourite band member Nicky.

Her love for the band started just after the birth of her daughter Amy in 1998. Since then she has followed every stage of their career.

Joanne, whose favourite songs are Flying Without Wings and You Are So Beautiful, decided to start the website after getting her computer.

After dropping off Cornhill Primary pupil Amy at school Joanne spends all day on the site.

The former Northfield Academy pupil said: "My day begins at 8.45am and I keep going until 2.45pm.

"It has been really popular with people from Australia, South Africa, India and Ireland all registered. Some people might think I'm daft or sad but I really enjoy it. My mum, Joan, thinks I am crazy but I love it."

Eight-year-old Amy is also a big fan but because she suffers from migraines has never been able to sit through a complete gig.

Joanne, who also went to Cornhill Primary, said: "It is such a shame because her bedroom walls are covered in posters but she just can't stay for all of a concert.

"I am hoping to take her to the AECC in April for one of the shows, but I don't think she'll last for very long."

For the band's visit in April Joanne will be sitting in the 12th row on the first night and front row on the second.

The devoted fan buys every magazine which features the boys, spending up to £15 a week.

Joanne said: "It would be my dream to meet them. I would obviously love to see them perform more but I just can't afford it. I even made an offer of £200 to meet them, but it ended up selling for £1,000. I was so disappointed when all I got was a wave from Nicky especially after standing outside for so long."

Westlife will be appearing at the AECC on April 10 and 11 as part of "The Love Tour 2007".

Tickets for the dates sold out in an hour.

Joanne's website is www.westlifefanaticvip.com .

Credit/Source: www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk / Joanne

Nicky Access All Areas Interview – 26 February 2007

Access All Areas.net.au: Congratulations on yet another successful album with the ‘Love Album’!
Westlife - Nicky: Yeah it’s going really well which is great! 2006 was a special year for Westlife in Australia and to now have the Love Album following it’s great!

Access All Areas.net.au: Your new album ‘The Love Album’ was released in Australia late last year, when you went in to record that album, what did you want to do differently from ‘Face To Face’
Westlife - Nicky: Face to Face was the studio album where we obviously worked with lot of different producers, there’s lots of Swedish guys on there and Steve Mac and a lot of original songs and when we were working on this album to be honest with ourselves with the Love Album we wanted to get more original material for the album and because we don’t get the luxury of writing songs, we’re at the helm of song writers and when you’re in that position you’re hoping and banking on producers and songwriters to come up with the goods and that didn’t happen this year so we sat down and asked ourselves “do we wait?” so we sat down with our manager Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, our AnR Manager and both suggested doing a love album and we pick twelve of the greatest love songs or twelve of our favourite love songs and that was how the idea was born.

Access All Areas.net.au: On the album you’ve recorded a track with Delta Goodrem who Australian’s hold close to their hearts, what was it like working with her and how did that collaboration come about?
Westlife - Nicky: The way it came about was our Manager, Louis, suggest it. He managed us for nine years and he suggested about doing a duet with Delta and to be honest, we were talking about approaching Delta three years ago when she had broken the Australian scene and a mega superstar in Australia and we thought it would be good and that was the plan and it never materialised for what ever reason I’m not sure and then Brian left Westlife soon after and started dating Delta and at this point we’d met Delta and then we just wanted to make sure Brian didn’t feel uncomfortable with the idea so we called him ourselves and we called Delta’s manager and they were all up for it and then we got in to the studio for it and the four of us can’t speak highly enough of Delta. Professionally, she is an amazing singer and on a personal level she is a really lovely girl.

Access All Areas.net.au: Are there any plans to release ‘All Out Of Love’?
Westlife - Nicky: I mean it’s been spoken about lots of times and personally I would love to release it because it would be a huge hit, it’s been a huge hit for different people who’ve released it over the years but there’s lots of politics involved. It’s the music industry and it’s not the easiest thing in the world, and for us to even get it recorded was very positive. I’ll never say never but I would say it’s not likely.

Access All Areas.net.au: Your latest single ‘The Rose’ rocketed up to the top of the UK charts again… your 14th single to hit the top spot earning you yet another Guinness World Record for most singles to debut at number 1. What’s it like to break another record and what were your thoughts when you heard about it?
Westlife - Nicky: It was eight or nine years ago that we started and to this day we still get flabbergasted and excited by that. We’ve had fourteen number ones in the UK, twelve or thirteen Irish number ones and in Europe twelve or something amazing. When we were starting to take off we were successful from the start and then Brian left the band to take a break which meant we lost a member and at the time of our career then we were at an unsteady time. Four or five years in to a boy band they usually call it a day and that was always bouncing around the media and we were not sure where we were going and You Raise Me Up was like a lifeline for us. Our manager had said try this song and we did as a pop song. We turned a song that wasn’t meant to be pop in to a mainstream pop song and it went well around the world and it opned doors for us in Australia and New Zealand and then The Rose that became our fourteenth number one to be honest it’s getting bigger and bigger and bigger and at this stage after eight or nine years you still have to pinch yourself!

Access All Areas.net.au: You came to Australia twice last year for promotional commitments and were to tour in September but unfortunately had to postpone to later this month, are you excited about coming back to Australia to finally tour your material?
Westlife - Nicky: Absolutely! We are well known on this side of the world for our live shows and with our tours we put a lot of time and effort into them, and it’s different to just sitting down and singing songs, we like to make sections in our shows like there’s an energetic part and we have a big back catalogue I mean we’ve got Flying Without Wings, World Of Our Own, Swear It Again, If I Let You Go… songs that have all been hits, maybe not so much in Australia but different parts of the world and touring is a big part of us. We kick off on the 21st of February Perth and it’s nice and it’s amazing that this long in to it that Australia has opened up to us.

Access All Areas.net.au: Is there anything that you’re really excited about doing or seeing in Australia in any down time you have?
Westlife - Nicky: Obviously it’s summer down there so the small time of we do have we’ll try and get a sun tan and visit the beach. Kian is a big sufer so he might catch some waves if he can but we’ll chill. We don’t have a lot of time, it’s mainly gig then fly, gig then fly, gig then fly but again it’s nice to be down there and really promoting Westlife and showing off what we do.

Access All Areas.net.au: You’ve sold millions of albums around the world; raked up countless number one singles, won dozens of music awards, what do you think has been an attribute to the success of Westlife?
Westlife - Nicky: You can’t put your finger on one thing it’s lots of different things. We’re four of the luckiest guys in the world, I mean anyone would give anything to sample or experience what we do and we’re lucky in that respect, we don’t take things for granted and we’re high working and we don’t lay off. When touring we’ve got the foot on the gas and we don’t let up. We’ve also had a lot of great guys around us, our Manager has been a great inspiration to the band, SonyBMG have been exceptional especially in the international departments, we’re lucky enough to work with Simon Cowell from day one and when it boils down to it generally we get on as people. We have our arguments just like anyone else and we’ll sit down and talk it through.

Access All Areas.net.au: What lies for the year ahead for Westlife?
Westlife - Nicky: We’ve got the tour that kicks off in Perth and goes to all the cities: Adelaide, Melbourne, then Sydney and finishes in Brisbane and then on to South Africa and do a heap of cities there and then back to the UK until the middle of April and then back to our home country Ireland and finsh there on May 4. Personally for me, my wife is expecting a baby, we’re expecting twins actually and they’re due in the second week of June.

Credit/Source: www.accessallareas.net.au

Internet Trouble – 26 February 2007

Hiya everyone! I’m sooo sorry for not updating the site yesterday… I was working all day and when I got back home and tried to come online and update the site but I had no internet…

xxx Villy

Tour Review & Pictures From Adelaide – 24 February 2007

I added a SPOILER REVIEW from the Adelaide concert and 6 OFFICIAL TOUR PICTURES.

Credit/Source: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow

New Westlife Audio Interview – 24 February 2007

Click Here to download a new Westlife Audio interview from Australia.

Credit/Source: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow

Westlife All Loved-up Down Under – 23 February 2007

THE four Irishmen in Westlife aren't exactly used to temperatures over 30C. So before their show at the Entertainment Centre last night, the boys were happy to show off some new Australian purchases.

"We went to a surf shop and bought a load of flip-flops and Rip Curl T-shirts," Shane Filan declares.

And for Australians not sure what flip-flops are, we call them thongs. "When in Rome," Nicky Byrne adds.

Currently in their home country of Ireland temperatures are hovering around the 11C mark. No wonder they're in Australia.

While Delta Goodrem, a guest on the band's latest, The Love Album, wasn't able to team up with the boys on tour, the four have nothing but respect for our very own pop princess.

"If we're doing a duet we want to sing with a very good singer and she is very good," Nicky says. In fact they even list Delta as one of their two favourite singers to work with - the other, Mariah Carey.

That's high praise indeed for our Delta.

Credit/Source: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow

Reviews from Perth – NOT Spoiler – 23 February 2007

On Wednesday, 21st February, Westlife kicked off The Love Tour in Perth. The night was a massive success and the boys loved seeing all their fans again.

Over in the forum you’ve been posting your pics and your reviews. Here are some of the best:

Dee4Life says: “Well done boys for another excellent show! A great mix of old and new stuff. Good luck with the rest of the tour and hurry back soon!”

GemB says: “Best night ever! Still can’t believe the boys came to Perth after so many years! They put on an awesome performance. Amazing, amazing, amazing…”

Paula17 says: “Well, what can I say? AWESOME is a good start. What a fantastic show! Great choice of songs and dance routines! P.S. Spotted Shane’s little girl bopping away in the aisle – very cute!”

Thanks for all your reviews. The Adelaide thread is now open, so for those of you who are going, leave your reviews there and as always the best will be posted here!

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Tour Fanpictures Added – 23 February 2007

Yaa! We finally have some pictures from the tour! Thanx Gem for letting me use your pictures from the Perth concert.

You can see them at the TOUR FANPICTURES page.

Credit/Source: Gem

More Tour Videos Added – 23 February 2007

I added 3 more TOUR VIDEOS. As I said I’m not watching them until I see the lads myself at Wembley so I hope they are fine!

Villy

Scott’s Meeting Pictures – 23 February 2007

Scott met Westlife when they landed in Adelaide yesterday! He took some lovely pictures with them. Thanx for sharing them with us Scott!

Credit/Source: Scott

Nicky's Diary From The Road – 22 February 2007

So, we have done our first concert of the tour and let me say it was phenomenal! It's always so nice to perform all around the world and get such an amazing reception, so thanks to everyone who was there to support us.

I don't want to give too much away about the show to those coming to the other dates, but I hope those that were there on Wednesday will agree all our hard work rehearsing has paid off. We are having such a ball on the road and can’t wait to continue touring this amazing country.

See you in next week's update

Love Nicky
x

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Tour Videos Added – 22 February 2007

I added a new section with TOUR VIDEOS. I’m going to see Westlife live at Wembley so I don’t want to watch the videos but I hope they are all working. If you see any mistakes let me know hehe.

Thanx Marie for letting me know about the last video.

Villy

“Byrning Desire” Is Back – 22 February 2007

Katrien’s site for Nicky is back with a new URL and I added it to my AFFILIATES.

Villy

Tour Spoiler Added – 21 February 2007

*EDITED*

Hiya everyone!!

I hope all the Australian fans that are going to see Westlife in Perth will have a great time and enjoy the concert!

Westlife are now on stage at the Challenge Stadium in Perth!! Good Luck lads!

I’m updating the Setlist adding the songs they are performing. To see which ones they perform go to the TOURS PAGE and then SETLIST! I added the MEDLEY LYRICS too.

I’m sooooo excited yaaaaa!!

Villy

Valentine's Competition - The Results! – 21 February 2007

We had an overwhelming response to our Valentine’s competition - thanks to everyone who took the time to enter. It was very difficult to decide which poems were the best, but here are ten of our very favourites. The winner is Clare Lidgett, who will be meeting Westlife before one of their UK shows – congratulations Clare!

The winning entry:

The concerts are just weeks away, can’t wait for the opening show,
Got hair to do, got nails to paint, my god we’re on the front row!!
Sorting out our glad rags, wearing a permanent smile,
Meeting you in person would make it all worth while!!!!!
Clare Lidgett

A selection of our favourites:

Friends laugh that I'm a Westlife fan
When I'm old enough to be their gran
But how can it be so wrong
To appreciate a great love song?
Sue Barnett

You've brought me laughter, fun and sometimes tears
As a Westlife fan throughout the years
The other pop groups you outshine
So Westlife - be my Valentine!!
Helen Foster

I want to send this little poem
Packed full of special wishes
To you four lovely Irish boys -
I think you are delicious!
Alison Tipler

'Flying Without Wings' the Irish lads croon
Making us ladies feel over the moon
Amazing us all with their musical range
Better stand up for that important key change!
Lauren McGregor

If I could have any thing on Valentines
It would be a lamp with two wishes from its genie
Wish one would be a private show from Westlife
And wish two a brand new Lamborghini
Joanna Harris

Shane you make me smile
Kian I would not run a mile
Mark I am not picky
But MY LOVE belongs to nicky
Ashley Peace

Love and devotion I’ve shown to you,
Over the years, I’ve been a fan so true.
Very excited whenever your here,
Easy, choose me and I’ll buy you a beer!
Claire-Louise Glennie

I know it sounds Amazing
But if I went from Coast to Coast
It would always be WESTLIFE
That I love the most.
Sharron

 It's the Westlife boys, they deserve to be wined and dined
Oh how I wish they could all be My Valentine
Instead I shall go out with the hubby for dinner
And fingers crossed they'll pick me as their winner
Marie Fensom

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Westlife Touch Down In Australia! Tune In For Interviews Everywhere – 21 February 2007

Irish boys Westlife touched down in Australia on Sunday for their five show tour and we're stoked to welcome them back to our shores to perform with our very own Anthony Callea! If you don't already have tix, they’re still available so grab yours and listen out on your TVs and radios for interviews with the lads (details here), as well as their brand new tune 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'.

Australia, show your love! Nicky, Kian, Shane and Mark, aka Westlife, arrived in Perth on Sunday for the first leg of their Aussie tour and we're sure you're as excited as we are to have them back on our shores.

Set to kick off tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 21 at Perth's Challenge Stadium, the foursome will then continue through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and are sure to bring you some pretty amazing performances.

Speaking to us last time they were here, the boys said they liked to mix it up a little in their live shows with some old favourites and new tracks from their latest release 'The Love Album' including the new single 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' (listen out for it now on your radios now).

Either way, they're guaranteed have you all on your feet, so expect the unexpected!

And as a super-special bonus, don't forget to get to the shows early, as the boys will be performing with none other than Aussie favourite Anthony Callea who will no doubt knock your socks off with his latest tunes from his new album 'A New Chapter'.

Tickets are still available for all five shows - see details below - grabs yours now and don?t miss the #1 UK band chatting to media in exclusive interviews on NOVA 969, Hot 30 radio, Video Hits, and Take40.com!

2007 Westlife Australian Tour with Anthony Callea:

Wednesday Feb 21 Challenge Stadium, Perth
Tickets through: Ticketmaster or phone 136 100

Friday Feb 23 Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Tickets through: Ticketek or phone 132 849

Monday Feb 26 Vodafone Arena*, Melbourne
Tickets through: Ticketek or phone 132 849

Tuesday Feb 27 ACER Arena, Sydney
Tickets through: Ticketek or phone 132 849

Wednesday Feb 28 Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Tickets through: Ticketek or phone 132 849

'The Love Album' now in stores

Credit/Source: www.sonybmg.com.au

Westlife On Tour – 20 February 2007

I added a new from the official site “Westlife On Tour” at the Tour News page.

Villy

Note: As The Love Tour kicks off tomorrow in Perth I will make two pages of Tour News. The one will be Tour News with NO Spoilers and the other one will be Tour News And Reviews WITH Spoilers so that people that don’t want to read/see spoilers but need to know any possible new information on the Tour will be able to read them.

Also, feel free to email me and share with us your reviews or pictures from the tour!

'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' Release Cancelled – 19 February 2007

Westlife will no longer be releasing ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ as a single.

Although the band love the song, their touring commitments mean that they wouldn’t be able to give the single release the full attention it deserves.

Thanks to everyone who has given the song such positive feedback – the boys are very much looking forward to performing it at their live shows.

Credit/Source: Admin On The Official Westlife Message Boards

Kian's Diary From The Road – 19 February 2007

Hello there

Kian here. It’s been another full week of rehearsals for us. We’ve been working incredibly hard and we’re all quite tired, but the show’s come together really well and we’re incredibly proud of it. None of us can quite believe the tour starts next week though!

Flying to Australia today, so that gives us chance for a bit of a rest. We’ve got one final day of rehearsals on Tuesday, and then we’re live on stage in Perth on Thursday!

Catch you soon
Kian

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Jack And Jodi's Delicious Debut – 19 February 2007

From soapstar to filmstar ... Jodi Albert and Jack Ryder

By NADIA MENDOZA

JACK RYDER quit EastEnders five years ago in his quest for Hollywood stardom … and it looks like he may have finally got one foot on the ladder.

The pint-sized star has just debuted in his first feature film, Popcorn, opposite former Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert.

He plays comic-loving geek Danny, who falls in love with Suki, the girl of his dreams (Albert).

In a bid to win her heart, he nabs a job at the cinema where she works - only to discover his first day is her last day in the job.

The story unravels into a fast-paced chase to catch the girl before she gets away, with plenty of giggles and laughs-a-minute.

The 90-minute teen comedy has oodles of potential, but gratuitous lesbianism, superfluous swearwords and unwarranted sex references zap the humour from this otherwise quirky little number.

Unfortunately for Jack, his performance is overshadowed by Luke de Woolfson’s witty portrayal of Zak the projectionist, while Jodi is almost eclipsed by Ophelia Lovibond’s over-sexed, man-hating character Katerina.

But Jack - who is married to ex-Hearsay singer Kym Marsh - admitted: “My character is a Peter Parker (Spiderman’s alter-ego) type of guy.

"I wasn’t looking to get a laugh every second. I played the role straight and dead-pan … I tend to get more results this way."

Although the film lacked a spark between the two lead characters, no rom-com would be complete without the obligatory final kiss.

Jack said: "Kissing scenes are never comfortable, but it’s good to be professional about it … And no, we don’t practice before shooting!"

Jodi added: "The scenes are always awkward, especially when you know there are 40 eyes watching you. It’s never romantic.

"My boyfriend Kian (from Westlife) is cool with it because he’s seen loads of my on-screen kisses. He knows it’s just a job. When I see screaming girls around him, it’s flattering. Let’s face it, they’re not going to scream at us forever when we’re old."

The vibrant colour and clever editing turn this film into a feel-good summer flick, that's fun, easy-to-watch and entertaining.

Leading-man Jack has his wits about him though and knows how competitive the acting world is. He told The Sun: "I spoke to Natalie (Cassidy, Sonia from EastEnders) a couple of weeks ago. She’s fine, but it’s difficult - that’s what our industry is like. You’ve got to really love what you do and see it as your future."

Meanwhile, down-to-earth Jodi would love to follow in the footsteps of Charlize Theron and take up a challenging role like Monster.

She said: "If I was offered an ugly role, I’d love it. It’s all about the character. I’d do anything if I was excited about the script. Dye my hair purple, anything ... I wouldn't care."

Popcorn is out on March 2.

Credit/Source: www.thesun.co.uk

Tour News Added – 19 February 2007

I added a new article “Anthony Callea Steps In For Young Divas On Westlife Tour” at the Tour News page.

Villy

All Loved Up – 19 February 2007

From East to Westlife: Westlife Through The Years

Among all the boy bands that sprouted like mushrooms in the 90's, they are the only group to have lasted this long. They've managed to stay relevant at the top of the charts despite the public's frequently changing taste in music (and despite losing Bryan McFadden in 2004). Their secret? "With the right material, we have the potential to continue as long as we want," said Nicky Byrne in an exclusive interview with MYX Mag (see below). Take a look at the covers of their eight studio albums and see how the lads have reinvented themselves over the years.

Check out what Nicky Byrne of Westlife had to say about [West]life, love and the making of their eighth studio album in an exclusive interview with MYX Mag.

IT has often been said that love makes the world go round. This old adage holds true in the case of Westlife. Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne are self-confessed romantics--and that is partly why they decided to release THE LOVE ALBUM.

The Love Album is their eighth studio album, and it features covers of some of the world's most famous love songs. When MYX Mag caught up with Nicky via an exclusive phone interview arranged by Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Philippines), he said that the album will surprise people. "It's definitely different from all those compilations of love songs you see on TV all the time."

But why did they choose to do an album of covers instead of original songs? After all, they shot to fame in the late 90's via a slew of originals, including "SWEAR IT AGAIN", "MY LOVE", and "QUEEN OF MY HEART".

"The original songs we heard didn't quite fit the bill, but these classic love songs--songs that transcend time and cross generations--seemed perfect," he explained.

As he is a self-confessed romantic, Nicky was more than happy to talk about his wife Georgina Ahern, eldest daughter of Irish Prime Minister Bernie Ahern. He described his wedding day as the most romantic day of his life. "It was amazing because you want to do it loads of times, but you only ever want to do it once with that person, so you never want it to be over," he said.

According to Nicky, they first met in secondary school (i.e. high school), where they had a number of classes together. "I'd stare at her and she'd stare back at me--which is something she denies to this day," he laughed. Not only was she his first and last love, but Georgina was the first person to whom he'd ever given a rose. "In 1995, I stole a rose from the garden and gave it to her on Valentine's Day, he shared . The couple is expecting twins in a few months.

Speaking of roses, The Love Album includes a cover of Bette Midler's "THE ROSE". But the most striking track on the album is their version of "TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART". According to Nicky, American Idol judge Simon Cowell suggested that they record the Bonnie Tyler classic. "At first we were a bit sceptical about doing so, but it turned out great," he said.

Of their Filipino fans, Nicky remembers them as being "very caring" and "really really friendly."
We hope to see you all again, maybe in September," he said.

On love and [West]life: "it's unbelievable" We're all quite romantic."

Article from: MYX MAG Your Choice. Your Music.
[with the guitar chords and lyrics of the songs included on THE LOVE ALBUM.]
The magazine of the currently leading music channel in the Philippines.
By Julian B. Mauricio

For those who are in the Philippines: Don't forget to buy the said magazine for only 60 pesos and
THE LOVE ALBUM now for 375 pesos.

Watch their LOVE ALBUM that will be featured on Studio 23, 11:30 pm, February 21.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART is currently #8 and #4 in 2 radio stations [WRR 101.9 and YESFM 101.1 respectively]. Stay tuned for the video on MYX which is expected to be released later this month.

Credit/Source: MYX Magazine / Thanx Zea for typing it up

Westlife Keep Bonnie On Rich List – 19 February 2007

THE Bonnie Tyler song that has helped the singer maintain her position in the Wales rich list has been given yet another makeover, this time by Irish boyband Westlife.

At its peak, Total Eclipse of the Heart sold 60,000 copies a day, and about six million copies in total. It has been number one in most charts around the world.

The Skewen-born singer is currently ranked the 49th richest person in Wales with a personal fortune of £25m thanks to her record sales and property.

And it is the longevity of her most famous song that has gone a long way to building her wealth.

The royalties will come rolling in once more when Westlife releases the song.

The top-selling singers from County Sligo are facing a challenge for female hearts from a revived Take That whose comeback single Patience picked up a Brit Award this week.

Westlife have responded by making their own version of Bonnie's greatest hit and plan to release it as a single on March 19.

The Irish singers, discovered by feuding music impresarios Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, premiered the song on the BBC's National Lottery Show on Wednesday.

Bonnie, 55, who divides her time between her Mumbles Bay home and her house on the seafront in Portugal's Algarve, said she was happy to see Total Eclipse of the Heart yet again being trotted into the charts.

She said, "I will never get tired of Total Eclipse of the Heart. I get another generation of fans as a result.

"My first hit record was over 30 years ago and the people who bought my records then are married now and they probably still play these records and their children get to like them when they are re-released."

The song set Bonnie's career on fire when she released it in 1983. It was written by American songwriter Jim Steinman - his soulful lyrics were inspired by the classic novel Wuthering Heights.

He wanted to give it to larger-than-life singer Meat Loaf for his early album Midnight at the Lost and Found but the record company baulked at Steinman's fee. He offered it to gravel-voiced Bonnie, believing her unique vocal style would suit the song just as well.

Tyler's career reached new heights and it put her in the history books as the only Welsh artist to hit the top slot in the UK and US Billboard magazine charts.

The song, on Tyler's 1983 album, Faster Than the Speed of Night, has since been a big hit for dance artist Nikki French (1995). And it was a pan-European hit for Bonnie and young French star Kareen Antonn in 2003 when they re-released it together as the bilingual duet Si Demain.

It was also recorded last year by Sheffield band BabyPinkStar using her original vocals with new guitar work.

Speaking of the BabyPinkStar version, Bonnie said, "When I first heard it I thought, 'are you serious?' I kind of liked it, I sent it to producer Jim Steinman, he loved it and suggested they crank up the guitars."

The song was sung by Bonnie in 1999 at the opening of the National Assembly.

And amazingly it was used in an advert for yoghurt in Germany, featuring members of the public turning around as they went about their daily business, in time with the song's famous "turn around" lyrics.

Bonnie said, "That was definitely the strangest place I have seen the song used, I wonder if we should have been paid for it?"

Total Eclipse of the Heart also became known for its bizarre accompanying video.

It featured Bonnie, apparently struggling through a wind tunnel in an apparently haunted school, in which all the children had disturbingly bright, shining eyes.

She said of it, "Don't ask me what it was about. Jim (Steinman) did the story boards and it must be said it was nominated for a Grammy."

Westlife formed in 1998 and quickly eclipsed even Take That's chart success having 14 number one hits in the UK.

The group, made up of Nick Byrne - married to Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's daughter Georgina - Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, who came out as being gay in a national tabloid despite Westlife's largely female following, and Shane Filan, has sold 40m albums.

Westlife's version of Total Eclipse of the Heart is featured on The Love Album.

Credit/Source: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

I’m Back! – 19 February 2007

Hello!! I’m back from my short holidays. I had a great time with my mates but I missed updating the site so much! Only 2 days left for The Love Tour to kick off in Perth! Bring it on!!

xxx Villy

Away For A Few Days – 14 February 2007

Hiya Everyone!

Happy Valentine’s Day for those that celebrate today! I will not be home for 4 days so there will be no updates until Monday-Tuesday. I’m going at a mate’s house. I will miss updating the site so much!! But I’ll be back on track hehe!!

The tour is so close now (7 days away Oh My God!!!) so we’ll hopefully have loads of updates!

Feel free to email me while I’m away! I’ll reply to everyone as always when I’m back.

Hugs and kisses!!

xxx Villy

Valentine’s Day Message – 14 February 2007

There is a very special message from the boys today. On the Westlife video player! You can see it at the MUSIC page.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

New Kian Picture – 13 February 2007

View Lounge Saturday - 10 February 2007
Saturday’s at The View Lounge are unstoppable to say the least. Only this past Saturday night we were joined by Kian Egan (Westlife), Jodi Albert, James Redmond (Holby City), Guy Burnett and Roxanne McKee of Hollyoaks and the entire England and Italian mens and womens rugby teams.

Kian & Roxanne McKee

Credit/Source: www.sintillate.co.uk / Thanx Luce for letting me know about the picture

Write A Valentine's Poem For Westlife – 13 February 2007

To celebrate the most romantic week of the year, we’ve lined up an exclusive Valentine’s competition with an amazing money-can’t-buy prize.

You and a friend could be going to see Westlife perform at one of their upcoming UK shows – and meeting the boys too!

To be in with a chance of winning, you need to get creative. We’re looking for the best Valentine’s poem dedicated to Westlife that you can come up with. The top ten entries will appear on the site, with our favourite one winning the prize. All poems MUST be four lines long.

Send your entries to westlife@warwickworldwide.com by Tuesday 20th February. Please remember to include your full name and phone number in the email, and put Valentine’s Competition in the subject header. Travel and accommodation are not included in the prize.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

A Message From The Boys – 12 February 2007

We caught up with the boys recently as they took a quick break from tour rehearsals. While we were talking to them they told us that they had a message they wanted us to pass on to you. Here it is...

Well, we have been really busy rehearsing for our tour and getting everything just right so we can put on a great show for you guys. We can't wait to get out on stage again! The last couple of weeks have been mad! We performed at the Meteor Awards in Dublin last Thursday and we were over the moon to win Best Irish Pop Act for the seventh year running! It was a great night. We also had a chance to listen to some of our good friend Ray Quinn’s debut album, a collection of classic swing covers out on March 12th. The album is sounding great and we wish Ray the very best of luck. Check out his official website at: www.rayquinnmusic.com.

We are flying out to Australia mid-February for the first leg of our tour. This tour is going to be bigger and better than ever and we've got a few surprises up our sleeves for you! Until next time, take care of yourselves and we'll see you very soon.

Love,

Shane, Mark, Kian and Nicky x

Credit/Source: Official Westlife Email / Thanx Caz for this

Music: Single Of The Week – 12 February 2007

Deirdre O'Brien

WESTLIFE: Total Eclipse Of The Heart (RCA) - How about this for a guilty pleasure - the Irish bloke band's own spin on Bonnie Tyler's classic tub-thumper from 1983. ***

Credit/Source: www.sundaymirror.co.uk / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu for finding

Westlife Nic Vows On Kids – 11 February 2007

Westlife hunk Nicky Byrne has said he and his wife Georgina are already thinking about having more kids, although their twins are not due until June.

The singer said that he feels mature enough now to juggle a popstar lifestyle with parenthood.

Nicky,28, said: "I want five kids so we aren’t finished yet. We always wanted kids but to be honest at the start and say we didn’t expect Westlife to last this long. But we just signed another album deal and Georgina and I just decided to go for it. We thought we couldn’t sit around so we have decided to mix the two, the music and the kids. The band has made us happy and we realised that we can be both parents and popstars. The most successful popstars have kids because it focuses you and it grounds you."

Nicky also admitted he has been getting fatherhood tips from his bandmate Shane Filan, who has a baby girl with his wife Gillian.

He said: " Gillian and Georgina are good friends too so we all exchange advice."

Shane, 27, and Gillian are also ready for more kids but say that they want to wait a year or two.

Credit/Source: News Of The World / Thanx Joanne for typing it up / www.westlifefanaticvip.com

Star Jodi: I’m Not A Westwife – 11 February 2007

ACTRESS Jodi Albert has hit back at being called a "Westwife" claiming there's nothing that frustrates her more.

The brunette has revealed she is not satisfied to stay at home and shop while boyfriend Kian Egan is out working.

The 23-year-old - who had a pop career as a teenager before moving into TV - is a star in her own right and admitted to being annoyed by claims she is just a Westwife.

Jodi said: "It really bothers me. It sounds as if I don't have my own identity. If anybody thinks my aspiration is to be a Westwife, they're wrong.

"At the end of the day, Kian's my boyfriend. He has a fantastic job and I want him to respect me as an actress, as a career woman. I've always been independent."

The former Hollyoaks actress also revealed how her days of posing in skimpy underwear for lads magazines are over. She added: "I hated them but had to do it.

"Hollyoaks promoted a very sexy image of its actresses. I don't want casting agents to think that's all I'm capable of."

And despite the bookies' odds of 9-1 that they'll get hitched this year, the 23-year-old insists she's in no rush down the aisle.

She admitted: "I don't have time right now to plan a wedding.

"Getting married is a big dream of ours. We can't wait for that day but we're not going to rush it."

Jodi admitted she was drawn to Kian because they both had similar backgrounds.

She said: "He was brought up in a three-bed house. He appreciates life and we don't idolise fame.

"As long as Kian and I can differentiate what's real from what's not real, we won't have any problems."

Credit/Source: The Mirror / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Win The Ultimate Westlife Package – 11 February 2007

We've got the ultimate Westlife Valentine's Day competition.

Winners will be treated to ...

Accommodation at the Medina Apartments
The winner will be provided with a $500 voucher that is valid for six months and can be used at any Medina Apartment in Melbourne.

Flowers: Winner will also receive one dozen boxed roses including rose oil, pot pourri, Lindt chocolate and Randy the bear courtesy of Roses Only. That's a total value of about $140.

Westlife concert tickets: The winner will also pick up a double-pass to see Westlife when they perform in Melbourne later this month. The tickets are worth $180. We'll also chuck in a copy of Westlife's The Love Album (RRP $30).

For a chance to win, click here.

Don’t forget to include your name, address and a daytime phone number. Please note that this contest is only open to residents of Australia and closes at midnight on Thursday, February 15, 2007. Good luck!

PLUS: Click here to see The Rose and a making-off clip

Credit/Source: www.news.com.au/heraldsun

10 On Test – 11 February 2007

Article Shortened

The best way to your Valentine's heart is a box of luxury chocolates, says Nicky Byrne of boy band Westlife: 'I love it when the two of us have something that we can share' ... And of course roses are red, but posies can be pink and provocative. Liz McLarnon of girl band Atomic Kitten picks the kind of Valentine's Day bouquet that could really make her feel whole again

Interview by Huma Qureshi

If you don't get any Valentine cards this year, just pretend you did. Nicky Byrne of boy band Westlife says: 'At school everyone would act really cool about how many cards they got, and you knew everyone exaggerated. I'd always say I got seven.'

For the past 14 years, Nicky has had one special Valentine, his wife Georgina, daughter of Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. They have been together since school and married in 2003. Georgina is now expecting twins. 'We were very young when we started going out,' he says. 'We've had more than 10 Valentine's Days together, so every year it's getting harder to buy something different.' At least Mrs Byrne will know what to get Nicky - he loved Thornton's 'I Love You' Cups, which he tried for the test.

'I like something we can share, and these are great!'

If you're single, Nicky says go for it: 'If you fancy someone, use Valentine's as an excuse to ask them out. Why not?'

Westlife's next single, 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', will be out on 12 March. The Love tour starts in the UK on the same day.

1. I Love You Cups, Thorntons, www.thorntons.co.uk, £2.50

Revert back to school days when love letters were 'in', and spell it out with the 'I Love You Cups', a series of five milk chocolate cups [the word love is represented by a heart] filled with a delicious chocobeurre centre, that spell out the immortal words.

Nicky says My favourite: I love these, they are so cute. If you find it a bit awkward to give romantic gifts, this is perfect because they're so small and say 'I love you' in a really sweet way. They taste really nice - not too heavy, not too sickly. The nicest part is that they say they're for 'childhood sweethearts' and that's perfect for my wife and me, so it won us over straight away. As they're so cheap, it would be lovely to give them as a side gift along with something else.

2. Heart gift box, Marks and Spencer, £9.99

An assortment of milk, white and dark chocolates including nut, truffle and caramel centres.

Nicky says Lovely - the truffles have champagne in them too, and you can't go wrong with these. You could just keep popping them in your mouth all day; they are delicious. It's not too big a box either, so you can eat them without it being too much. Good price, and great presentation.

3. Continental Valentine's Day Satin Heart, Thorntons, £25

The perfect way to say 'I Love You' and to keep the love alive. Our striking red Continental Satin Heart contains 56 of our most popular chocolate collection.

Nicky says This was my second favourite. Really lovely box. Everything's beautifully wrapped inside, it's luscious. There's a great selection of chocolates. If you bought these for a girl, it would look like you'd spent money.

4. Velvet Heart Belgian chocolate selection, Marks and Spencer, £30

A selection of milk, dark and white Belgian chocolates. Includes treats such as Buchette, an indulgent mix of smooth white chocolate and crunchy croquant praline.

Nicky says I can see how a girl might love these - the box and the ribbon are pretty. It's absolutely huge too, so it's something you could get for your girlfriend and you'd know she'd love it. Great if you like luxurious chocolates.

5. Hand-decorated truffles, Marks and Spencer, £5.99

This sumptuous and sexy truffle selection combines smooth milk chocolate made with cocoa beans from Ecuador, dark chocolate from Santo Domingo beans and white Belgian chocolate.

Nicky says I really like the white chocolate ones in this box. It's quite an unusual box - black - so could be quite discreet to send. I loved the presentation.

Credit/Source: The Observer

Divas Pull Out Of Gig – 10 February 2007

I added a new article “Divas Pull Out Of Gig” at the Tour News page.

Villy

Win Love This Valentine's Day - 10 February 2007

WHAT could be more romantic than spending Valentine's Day with someone special?

The Sunday Telegraph and Sony BMG will help make it a night to remember by giving away a night at any Medina Apartment Hotel in Sydney, a dozen roses from Roses Only and a copy of phenomenally successful love song crooners Westlife’s The Love Album plus two tickets to see their show at Sydney’s Acer Arena on 27th February.

To enter simply tell us your name, email address, day time contact phone number and in 25 words of less, what the most romantic thing you have ever done for a loved one. Enter in the field below.

Ten lucky runners up will receive a Westlife The Love Album.

Hear their new song and watch the film clip here

Plus you can go behind the scenes with Westlife on the making of their single The Rose with a sneak peak at our exclusive footage here.

Credit/Source: www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph

TV Coming Up For Valentine’s - 9 February 2007

10/2/07 E4 10am -2pm Westlife Ultimate Love songs

10/02/07 Magic 8.30pm - 10pm Whitney in love, Kylie in Love and Bryan Adams in love, all hosted by Westlife.

11/02/06 E4 10am-2pm Westlife Hotties

11/02/07 Magic 6pm -7.30pm Will Young in Love, Ronan in Love and Madonna in Love all hosted by Westlife

12/02/07 8.30am - 10am Magic Top 20 Movie Love Songs hosted by Westlife

12/02/07 Magic 3pm -5pm Westlifes Guide to Love.

13/02/07 The Hits! 1pm -3pm Happy Love 86 to 06 Hosted by Westlife (on Smash Hits 14/02/07)

Credit/Source: Thanx Dawn for the info

New Affiliate Added - 8 February 2007

I added a new AFFILIATE. Connie’s Kanii.org Designs site.

Villy

Win Westlife 'Love' weekend - 8 February 2007

Feel the love with Key 103 and the Lythgoe Motor Group as we give you the chance to win a luxurious stay at the Manchester Malmaison in the 'Moulin Rouge' suite.

Take a test-drive, service or MOT at any Lythgoe Motor Group garage to be entered in to the draw. The prize includes a night for 2 in the 'love suite' at the Malmaison, with a love package of chocolates and champagne.

You'll also get 2 VIP Westlife tickets in the Key 103 box for their current 'Love' tour. You'll be chauffeur driven to and from the venue.

For further details on the Lythgoe Motor Group, including where to find your nearest dealer to get yourself in the prize draw, visit their website.

Credit/Source: www.key103.co.uk / Joanne

Stars Are Out In Force At Meteor Awards Evening - 8 February 2007

BY CORNELIA LUCEY

IRISH and British performers were full of praise for the support of their Irish fans in England at the seventh star-studded Meteor Irish Music Awards last week.

Topping the event were Snow Patrol sweeping-up four awards. Ronan Keating and Westlife also thrilled fans with a first-ever joint performance of Garth Brooks’ Shall We Dance.

Speaking to The Irish Post Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody said: “It’s great to be winning awards on our home turf. We’ve had January off to relax but now we’re back and these awards are really making us excited about our tour starting this week.

“We’re back to England in the summer for the festivals. But it’s great to be near home tonight.” Ronan Keating also praised his fans in Britain. The ex-Boyzone member said: “I’m looking forward to coming over to England this week with work and I’ll see some of my Irish fan base in Britain.”

And Kian Egan from Westlife said: “I’d like to say thanks to our Irish fans in England for supporting us. They keep us in profile among so many other big acts in Britain.” English band the Feeling — from London and Sussex — were also determined to prove their Irish roots at the event.

Bass player Richard Jones said: “We love it over here. In fact most of the band members have family in Dublin and Galway. It’s like a second home here. We love going out here.”

X-Factor winner and second-generation Irishman Shane Ward was also full of praise for his British-based Irish fans. He said: “I’m really thankful for all your support and please keep it up.

“Your support means I can come to these awards”
And Irish girl-band Triniti revealed their fame had grown since winning an Irish Post Award last year. They said: “Since winning the award people are recognising us more and we’ve had so much fun.”

Credit/Source: Irish Post / Thanx Joanne for finding

Hopeless Romantics - 7 February 2007

Westlife ranks as one of the most successful UK boy bands of all time, but Australia has been slow to respond. Melissa Phillips reports on Ireland's…

IRISH crooner Nicky Byrne says it has taken his band, Westlife, a good seven years to break into the Australian music scene.

So that instantly begs the question: Aren't Aussies romantics?

A self-described romantic himself and an unashamed fan of weepy movie The Notebook, Byrne takes a moment before saying he's sure Australians are ''quite romantic''.

''I'm not sure why Australia didn't happen for us all those years ago, but we are all very proud that it's happening now,'' the 28 year old says.

Having visited on a promotional trip in February last year, Byrne calls Australia ''just an amazing place to visit''.

''We love the country and we're looking forward to coming back.''

With such high praise for Australia, it came as a surprise when the vocal group cancelled its proposed September tour because of recording commitments.

Since then, Byrne and fellow Westlifers Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan have released The Love Album, featuring 11 romantic standards, including Bette Midler's The Rose and Lionel Richie's Easy.

The hardworking balladeers rarely take a break from the recording and touring cycle, which started with their debut #1 single, Swear It Again, in 1999.

''In 2005, we actually had four months off and that's the longest we've ever had off since we started.

''I think at one time there I did have six weeks off, but otherwise we are all pretty much together.

''But we don't sit around and moan and say, 'oh, haven't we got a hard life, we haven't had that much time off'.

''We are very lucky to have the job that we do and we all love what we do.

''We thank our lucky stars every day that we get to do what we do.

''We have had a combination of luck and hard work to get to where we are today. We know what it takes to do the job well and we're all willing to do that and go out there and work hard.''

Far more than being a flash-in-the-pan boy band, the harmonious foursome has been invited to work with some of the world's top pop divas, including Diana Ross, Lulu, Donna Summer, Mariah Carey and, most recently, Australia's Delta Goodrem (who dates former Westlife member Bryan McFadden).

''Over the years we have worked with some cool people and a few years ago we worked with Mariah and that was fantastic. Mark was very excited as he is a Mariah fan. He couldn't believe we would get to work with her on her song Against All Odds.''

Byrne says Australians always ask the group about Goodrem.

''It's like six degrees of separation and maybe you could now associate us with Australia through Bryan and Delta.

''They are both very, very cool people and we never fell out with Bryan. The reality of it is we wish he had never left the group, but we have managed to hold it all together from there and go on.

''I guess some thought we wouldn't go on when he left in 2004, but I think we have become stronger as a group.''

When the quartet did so well with previous album Face To Face in Australia, which has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide, the decision was made to record All Out of Love with her.

Through all of the chart success - 14 #1 singles in the UK from 1999 to 2006, placing them behind Elvis and The Beatles, in a tie with Cliff Richard - Byrne says they have remained ''typical Irish lads''.

''I guess you just keep hoping the hits will come… we did spend a bit, but most would go in the bank because you never know what is going to happen in life, especially in the music industry.

''When the four of us are together without our partners, we like to go to the pub and unwind and do what other guys do or we play a bit of golf.

''We just do normal things like walk the dog.''

Credit/Source: Guardian Messenger / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Love Can Make The World Go Round - 7 February 2007

Sometimes, a little love can make the world go round. No matter what life throws at us or how difficult things get, people of all ages, all over the world, continue to turn to the songs that move them; that comfort them and make them think of the one person that makes everything worthwhile. When Westlife came to record the follow up to last year's 1.5 million selling 'Face to Face', they knew they needed something special to match its incredible success. The original songs they heard just didn't quite fit the bill, but those classic love songs that transcend time and cross generations seemed perfect.

"We decided to try and record some of those songs and see what we thought," Shane Filan remembers. "I actually enjoyed recording this album more than any other because the material was already of such high quality and the songs have been massive hits. They're famous love songs so they were always going to be great to sing and there's bound to be memories on this album for lots of our fans. We're known for singing love songs too, so it seemed like a great idea."

'The Love Album' comes after one of Westlife's best years yet. The biggest vocal group in the world right now, the band enjoyed unprecedented levels of international success with 'Face To Face' and are more eager than ever for it to continue now.

"We knew we were on to a good thing with 'You Raise Me Up' but you never know what other people will think," Nicky Byrne says. "For it to work so well has made us feel like we've reinvented ourselves. What other pop band has managed to do that? To have a greatest hits and then, a couple of albums later, have their second biggest album yet? We enjoyed every bit of last year."

"It was great," Shane agrees. "'You Raise Me Up' broke into Australia and China and places we'd never broke into before. In Ireland, it was the number one selling and number one airplay song of the year."

"It proved to us that with the right material, we have the potential to continue as long as we want," Nicky adds.

Their devoted fans wouldn't have it any other way. They have stuck tirelessly by Westlife since they formed in 1998, helped sell out six huge arena tours and voted them winners of the prestigious Record of The Year four times.

"We're still a bit surprised by it all," Shane admits. "Sometimes we wonder what they see us, especially when you get up in the morning and look in the mirror! We know we're very lucky to have our fan base and without them, we wouldn't still be around."

With their unfailing support, the band have gone from strength to strength. They've enjoyed a record breaking 13 UK number ones, picked up two Brit Awards and an MTV Europe award and sold 35 million records around the world.

"Statistics like that are amazing but they're not important to us right now," Kian admits. "When we're old men sitting on our couch with our granddaughters, we'll look back on the statistics and be impressed. But what matters to us now is our next album. Forget about what we've done in the past, because that's not worth squat if what we do in the future is a waste of time. Right now, we're still living it and enjoying it and what happens next is all that matters."

On 'The Love Album', the band knew the choice of songs would be the most important thing; that it was crucial to select timeless, classic tracks but not necessarily the most obvious ones.

"There were loads of songs suggested," Mark recounts. "Everybody was texting each other ideas all the time. We wanted songs that were more than just a big hit and could translate well into being a Westlife song."

"We were adamant it wouldn't turn into 'The Most Cheesy Pop Songs In The World Ever' album," Shane says.

"It's definitely different from all those love compilations you see on TV all the time," Nicky adds. "There are some songs you really wouldn't expect."

Though the choices are surprising and occasionally daring, they work together perfectly, sounding as if they have always been Westlife songs. From the stirring Bette Midler epic, `The Rose', to Lionel Richie's laid-back classic, 'Easy', the band have stayed faithful to the original versions that are close to so many people's hearts, yet made them their own with their distinctive soulful voices.

"We couldn't change them too much because they're so famous," Shane reasons. "If you do, people will slate you for changing their favourite tune! We put our own stamp on them vocally as much as we could but some were so beautiful, we literally sang them as they were. With a ten year improvement on production!"

The album's theme certainly sees Westlife in their element. Self-confessed romantics, they list the likes of Celine Dion's 'Because You Love Me' (Nicky), Lonestar`s 'Amazed' (Shane), Bryan Adam's 'I'm Ready' (Kian) and Maxwell's 'Whenever, Wherever, Whatever' (Mark) among their personal favourite love songs, while Nicky and Kian cite 'The Notebook' as an all-time great romantic film.

"Rent it tonight!" Kian laughs.

"It's unbelievable," Nicky agrees. "I think we're all quite romantic. My wedding day was my most romantic day. It was amazing because you want to do it loads of times, but you only ever want to do it once with that one person, so you never want it to be over."

The album is therefore one of the band's most intimate and emotive yet, as they pour their own experiences and feelings into versions of 'You Light Up My Life', 'You Are So Beautiful (To Me)', 'Have You Ever Been In Love?' and O Town's 'All Or Nothing', a song originally written for Westlife before the American boy band went on to have a US Number One with it. Perhaps most striking of all, though, is Westlife's gorgeous version of 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'.

"It was a mad idea because it wasn't like anything we've ever done before," Mark admits. "It could have been a disaster but it seems to have worked really well and everyone we play it to is really surprised."

"It's a great song and actually it's one of the best songs on the album," Shane agrees. "Simon [Cowell] loves it, he thinks it's unreal. Sometimes, I think he likes songs that are out there just because he wants to prove to himself that they can be done so he can say 'I was right!'"

The album also includes 'All Out Of Love', a duet with Australian singer Delta Goodrem. "We'd been thinking of doing a duet with her for ages because she's such an amazing singer," Kian says. "When we did well in Australia with the last album, we started talking about doing it again and luckily, she said yes. We really like her and we're very happy with how the song turned out."

It sits perfectly on an album that should stir memories in many fans, and introduce some all-time classic tracks to others. 'The Love Album' is a chance for Westlife to show just what they are capable of vocally while pouring their heart and soul into versions of songs that are bound to be treasured just as much as the originals.

"We're absolutely delighted with the album," Nicky says. "And I think it will surprise people."

"We've really enjoyed choosing and recording all these amazing songs, so we just hope other people like it," Shane concludes. "Our fans have stuck by us all this time, it's really important to us to give them music to get excited about. And for a few months at least, the world will have a bit more love in it!"

Credit/Source: www.sonybmg.com.au

Westlife Happy Without Delta's Boyfriend - 7 February 2007

Irish boy band Westlife believe they are better off without Delta Goodrem's boyfriend Brian McFadden.

McFadden, who has been dating the Australian singer since 2005, quit Westlife in 2004 just before the group was due to embark on a world tour.

Band member Kian Egan says there were no hard feelings, but that the group gelled better when McFadden departed.

"When we did our first concerts the reaction was massive ... fans were saying we were better than ever. They were saying they didn't miss Brian and it was fantastic," the 26-year-old told AAP from Ireland ahead of a visit to Australia this month.

Westlife will touch down in Australia for the third time in a year, launching a national tour in Perth on February 21 before playing in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

"We always thought a five piece was the perfect band, until we got the four of us," said Egan.

"I think it was also probably a part of the growing up process as well. We changed from the typical boy band to singing powerful ballads and love songs."

Westlife, comprising Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Egan, formed in 1998 with McFadden, and since inception have had 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom.

Their tally of number ones is the third highest in British history, behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

They are also the only band in the British Isles to have entered the charts at number one with their first seven singles, including Swear Again, Flying Without Wings and Fool Again.

It's only been in the last 12 months that Westlife has cracked the Australian market, helped by their cover of Secret Garden song You Raise Me Up.

Egan says while the band began in the era of "the boy band" they have found a more mature style now.

"When we first started off we were your typical run of the mill boy band and there was an awful lot of us - Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Take That, N'Sync," he said.

"But since then we have separated ourselves from the bunch, in my opinion, because what we are doing now is a bit more adult and it's a lot more about the songs and the singing rather than your typical boy bands on stage doing your typical dance routines."

Westlife have sold more than 45 million albums in over 40 countries.

AAP

Credit/Source: www.thewest.com.au

Mark's Diary From The Road - 6 February 2007

Hey guys,

During the last week we've been in Sligo doing dance rehearsals for the tour. It's been hard work and we're all aching but it doesn't take long to get back into he swing of it. We think you'll be very happy with the things we've worked on so far.

We've still got a lot of rehearsing to do and the next few weeks will be a tough slog, but believe me it'll be worth it. We can't wait!

Catch you next week for another update.

Mark
x

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Vote For Nicky! - 6 February 2007

Vote for Nicky as Most Attractive Man – Weekly Vote on Hello! Magazine’s website. You can vote every 15 minutes.

Click Here To Vote

Credit/Source: www.hellomagazine.com / Thanx Karina for sending me email about it

Vote All Out Of Love - 6 February 2007

Vote for All Out Of Love on Swedish radio Rix FM. Click here to vote.

Ditt namn: Name

Mobiltelefonnr: Mobile Phone

E-mail

Ålder: Age

Credit/Source: www.rixfm.se

We Don’t Want A “Celeb” Wedding - 5 February 2007

By David Lowe

WESTWIFE-to-be Jodi Albert may wed Kian Egan abroad – with no celeb guests.

The stunning 23-year-old has been dating the Westlife star for four years, and admits they’re head over hills in love.

But Jodi insisted: “I won’t be wearing any kind of meringue dress, I know that. I just want the wedding to be all about us, and reflect us as people.

We like the idea of getting married abroad and everything being very natural and beautiful and not ‘celebrity’. Just elegant and classy and about us getting married – plus it will give my family a holiday.”

But the former Hollyoaks star says the love-struck pair are in no hurry to walk down the aisle.

“We talk about getting married all the time. It’s definitely on the cards – but we don’t see the need to rush it.

We know that we’re meant to be together, and the more time goes on, the more in love we are.”

Thrifty Jodi also revealed she’d be prepared to sell the rights to the wedding photos if the money offered was right.

She said: “Let’s be honest, if a magazine offered us a million euro, that’ll pay for the wedding. We’d be stupid to turn it down.”

Jodi, from London, also says she loves Ireland because in Kian’s home-town of Sligo the pace of life is slower. The couple are even building a multi-million-euro home in the town.

She said: “I love Sligo. I’m a city girl, so it’s a complete escape because it’s so opposite.

Irish people are very friendly. They’ll never let you stand on your own, and always say ‘hello’. In London, if someone starts talking to you, you’re like: ‘Weirdo!’”

Credit/Source: The Sun / Thanx Luce for the scan

Captures From The Meteor Awards - 5 February 2007

I made some screen captures from Westlife’s duet with Ronan Keating on The Dance and Westlife winning the Best Irish Act award.

Westlife & Ronan Keating – The Dance – Meteor Awards

Westlife – Best Irish Act – Meteor Awards

Credit/Source: Thanx Jasna for the videos

Watch Westlife’s Duet With Ronan Keating - 5 February 2007

Jane found The Dance performance of Westlife with Ronan Keating at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards! I think it’s absolutely great!!

Westlife & Ronan Keating – The Dance Live

Credit/Source: www.youtube.com / Jane for finding / deejay24ok for uploading

Seventh Heaven - 5 February 2007

Record-breaking win for most successful boyband.

Ireland’s most successful boyband, Westlife, have achieved a new feat – They have won more Meteor Awards than any other act. The new victory came as the lads picked up the Best Pop Act award at the star-studded ceremony for the seventh year running.

Formed back in 1998 as Boyzone’s suecessors by pop impresario Louis Walsh, they’ve certainly defined the short shelf life of most boy bands.

The lads have sold in excess of 35 million albums worldwide and as they approach their ninth anniversary they continue to sell out major venues around the globe.

Sligo natives, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Dubliner Nicky Byrne are household names the world over after topping the charts everywhere from Britain to Singapore.

It all started after Louis Walsh secured them a deal with Simon Cowell at Sony BMG.

The boys soon found themselves thrown in at the deep end opening for the Backstreet Boys at Dublin’s RDS.

After getting a taste of what it was like to perform to thousands of adoring fans, Nicky Byrne declared that he hoped Westlife would become just as big as the Backstreet Boys.

His hopes soon started to become a reality as a few short months later they scored their first hit with their debut single, Swear It Again.

Success

More hits were to follow with If I Let You Go and Flying Without Wings and their self titled album went straight to the top of the charts of its release.

Their follow up album Coast To Coast repeated the success and they were soon embarking on their first world tour.

World Of Our Own saw the boys put pen to paper – they wrote eight of the album’s hits – and it too went straight to number one on its release in 2001.

A Greatest Hits album was released in 2002, which again hit the top spot.

A fifth album came amid rumours of an impending split, but Turnaround gave them a forth number one album.

Then in 2004, the band were hit by a major setback when original member Brian McFadden announced he was quitting the chart-topping group.

Other bands would have folded, but not Westlife and they embarked on a Rat Pack themed album, Let Us Be Frank. It reached number three, their lowest ranking album to date.

Undeterred, they returned to studio and came back with their fifth number one album, Face To Face. That album was one of their biggest selling albums to date, selling in excess of 1.1million copies in the first three months.

The boys finished last year on another high with their latest album, The Love Album going straight to number one on its November release.

Indeed, their Love Tour is already on its way to being another massive success for the group – they’ve got a staggering 10 dates lined up at The Point alone.

Private

With their high-flying lifestyle, it’s amazing that the guys have time for private times, but we’re glad to report that all of them are happily settled.

Mark Feehily is engaged to his boyfriend Kevin McDaid, while Kian Egan remains loved up with his actress girlfriend Jodi Albert.

Shane Filan, meanwhile, is happily married to wife Gillian and the couple are the proud parents of daughter Nicole, who’ll be two this July, while Nicky Byrne and his wife, Georgina announced that they are expecting twins this summer.

Despite their incredible success and being millionaires several times over, the boys still have major plans for the band, including a proposed winter tour later this year, which will see them getting up close to fans in smaller venues.

Last night, the band joined forces with Ronan Keating to perform a beautiful rendition of the Gareth Brooks hit Shall We Dance, proving that they still have it nearly a decade later.

The boys will be hoping to continue their record-breaking run of number one hits when the release their new single Total Eclipse Of The Heart next month.

Credit/Source: The Sun / Thanx Helen for sending the scan

The Beauty Queen & The Burger King - 4 February 2007

Article shortened

AS IRELAND'S top model, you'd expect her idea of a pigout to involve some parmesan shavings on a lettuce leaf. But Glenda Gilson confounded expectations when she tucked into a bacon double cheeseburger amid the Meteor Awards aftershow celebrations.

Brian McFadden joined his former band-mates from Westlife for drinks in the famed celebrity haunt.

Arriving without his girlfriend Delta Goodrem, the recently divorced singer was confident she was on the road to recovery, saying: 'Delta is home now from hospital with suspected appendicitis and will be OK.' But the biggest award winners of the Meteors shunned the crowds and, instead, Snow Patrol celebrated their four awards at the Morrison Hotel.

Westlife, meanwhile, celebrated scooping the Best Irish Pop Act Award at Spirit before moving on to Lillies with their wives and partners to their usual spot in the VIP bar.

After a tough week of social events, which included the Childline concert on Sunday, Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina, who is due to give birth to twins in June, were first to leave.

Credit/Source: Daily Mail / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Lucy’s Pictures From Childline & Meteor Awards - 4 February 2007

Lucy got some lovely picures of all the couples at Childline and at the Meteor Awards! Thanx for sharing them with us hun!

Childline Afterparty:

Meteor Awards Afterparty:

Credit/Source: Lucy

Meteor Ireland Music Awards Tonight On TV - 4 February 2007

When: 4 February 2007

Time: 9:00pm

Channel: RTE2

Comedian Deirdre O'Kane will be joined by the hilarious duo Podge and Rodge to present the star-studded 7th Annual Meteor Ireland Music Awards from Dublin's Point Theatre. The awards will be held on Thursday 1st of February and broadcast exclusively on RTÉ Two the following Sunday, 4th February.

A myriad of Irish and International stars representing a cross section of music will perform at the awards including Kaiser Chiefs, Pussycat Dolls, a duet from Westlife and Ronan Keating, Amy Winehouse, Director, The Blizzards, The Feeling, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Clannad.

The show will also see legendary broadcaster Larry Gogan presented with the Industry Award and Paul Brady from the Belvedere Youth Club receive the Humanitarian Award together with a donation of €100,000.

The glittering music spectacular will see 17 Meteor Ireland Music Awards presented. Music fans can vote for their favourites in six key catagories including Best Irish Male Act, Best Irish Female Act, Best Irish Pop Act, Best Irish D.J., Best Irish Band and Best Live Performance.

The Hope for 2007 Award will be voted for by RTÉ 2FM listeners, while the remaining awards apart from the Most Downloaded Song will be decided by votes cast by representatives of the Irish music industry.

Credit/Source: www.rte.ie

Ryan Confidential Interview Text & Captures - 3 February 2007

Hiya everyone! I thought the Westlife interview on Ryan Confidential was a great one so I decided to type up a text of it. It took me days to do it haha. I want to thank Jo for helping me with words I couldn’t understand lol.

It’s too long to post it all here so I will post a link to it instead.

Westlife On Ryan Confidential – Read the interview – Screen Captures

Credit/Source: Thanx Jasna for the video / Thanx Joanne for helping me

If you haven’t seen the interview, you can download it on The Committed.

Nicky On Twins & Touring - 3 February 2007

Westlife singer Nicky Byrne has admitted his schedule will be hectic this year as he juggles becoming a father of twins and touring.

The singer, whose band performed on stage for the first time with ex-Boyzone member Ronan Keating, said his wife, Taoiseach's daughter Georgina Ahern, was expecting twins in the second week in June.

``I can't wait - it just tops it all off for myself and Ge,'' he said, after performing at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin's Point Theatre. ``We are a long time together and married three years.''

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Louis: I’ll Make Boyz No.1 Again - 3 February 2007

Westlife Mentioned

LOUIS Walsh has claimed a Boyzone reunion tour would be a hit - and they could even be No1 again.

Their former manager was speaking after he met the Dublin singers to discuss plans for a possible reunion tour.

The 52-year-old revealed his plan backstage at Tuesday's Shayne Ward gig in Belfast.

Louis said: "I think this could be massive. There is a really good chance a reunion show could happen. The fans would love it.

"We're in a position to make it happen and the lads are all up for it.

"I get on well with all the singers now. I have a good, strong relationship with Mikey, Shane, Ronan, Stephen and Keith and they are all interested.

"Boyzone made their mark in the pop world during the 1990s and I think Take That have showed there is a real hunger out there for this kind of thing."

While Boyzone may be planning a reunion, Louis insisted his other boy band Westlife will be around for years to come.

He added: "They have years left before they would even consider calling it a day. They will be making music for a long time yet."

As for Ward, Louis said: "The songs for Shayne's new album are breathtaking - it's going to send him into orbit."

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Pictures From The Meteor Awards & Afterparty - 3 February 2007

*EDITED more pictures added*

Westlife and all of their partners are amongst the Irish and international stars of the stage and screen at the arrivals of the Meteor Ireland Music Awards 2007 at The Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland

Westlife (23)

Kian (1)

Kian & Jodi (12)

Jodi (15)

Mark (3)

Mark & Kevin (7)

Kevin (1)

Nicky (1)

Nicky & Georgina (9)

Georgina (9)

Shane (2)

Shane & Gillian (7)

Gillian (9)

Credit/Source: www.wenn.com / www.wireimage.com / www.brunnopress.nl / www.hellomagazine.com / www.filmmagic.com / Famous / Thanx Connie for getting the Filmmagic & Famous ones / www.matrixphotos.com / Thanx Pia / www.splashnews.com / Thanx Alfee

Westlife.GR Site Of The Month - 2 February 2007

Westlife.GR is Site Of The Month February 2007 at Westlife-Planet! Thank you sooo much Sandra for picking Westlife.GR! I’m so proud and it means so much to me, thank youu!

You can see the award here

Villy

Snow Patrol Dazzle At Meteor Awards - 1 February 2007

Northern Ireland band Snow Patrol swept the boards at the star studded Meteor Ireland Music Awards as they strutted away from Dublin's Point Theatre with four gongs.

The band fronted by Gary Lightbody fought off competition from the Divine Comedy, The Frames and Humanzi to claim the Best Irish Band accolade at the seventh Meteor Awards.

But the attention was not all on the awards being handed over as bands including rockers The Feeling, Pussycat Dolls, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, Director, The Blizzards, as well as Westlife and Ronan Keating set the venue hopping.

Presenter comedian Deirdre O'Kane donned a showgirl outfit as she entertained the packed Point Theatre, along with television's bachelor brothers Podge and Rodge.

Screams drowned out the presenters as Kaiser Chiefs performing Ruby were the first band to rock the stage.

After her performance, Amy Winehouse, dressed in a black and red busty dress with her long black hair piled up on top of her head, said: "I might go say hello to the Kaiser Chiefs. I don't get to go home much at the moment and the Kaiser Chiefs remind me of Camden."

Home-grown favourites - Westlife- scored for a seventh year in a row as they walked away with the Best Irish Pop Act. The boy band strolled down the red carpet accompanied by their wives and partners including Taoiseach's daughter Georgina Ahern and Hollyoaks star Jodie Albert, who donned a low-cut burnt-gold Gucci dress for the occasion.

Snow Patrol, who are due to tour Europe, Australia and New Zealand before returning to North America, also secured the public's vote in the Best Live Performance category. They went on to win the Best Irish Album for Eyes Open and the Most Downloaded Irish Song Award.

Lightbody said: "We spent most of this year in the State's as we are doing very well over there. The only time we are going to play in Ireland this year is Oxegen so we are really looking forward to that."

The band has broken into the US market with Eyes Open selling over a million copies there.

Credit/Source: http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com

Westlife Won Best Irish Act! - 1 February 2007

Yaa!! Well done Westlife! They won the award for the Best Irish Act category tonight at the Meteor Ireland Music Awards!

Credit/Source: Thanx sligodreamer for hearing it on the radio and letting everyone know

More Pictures From Childline - 1 February 2007

I added a few more pictures from the Childline concert:

Credit/Source: www.filmmagic.com / www.matrixphotos.com / Thanx Yaara / www.wenn.com

The Meteor Ireland Music Awards Tonight! - 1 February 2007

Stars to turn out for Meteor Awards

The stars of Ireland’s music industry are expected to turn out in Dublin’s Point Theatre tonight for the Meteor Music Awards.

Comedian Deirdre O’Kane has joined forces with television’s bachelor brothers Podge and Rodge to present the ceremony at which 18 awards will be given out.

The line-up for the event has hotted up with rockers The Feeling, joining the Pussycat Dolls, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, Director, The Blizzards as well as Westlife and Ronan Keating.

Six of the awards were chosen by the public.

Radio veteran Larry Gogan is to be presented with a lifetime achievement award at the event. The award is being presented in recognition of his contribution to Irish music and his relentless support of up-and-coming acts alongside established.

Paul Brady, director of The Belvedere Youth Club, will be presented with the Meteor Ireland Music Awards Humanitarian Award together with a cheque for €100,000.

Previous recipients of the Humanitarian Award and donations are Elton John, Christina Noble, Bono, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and Adi Roche and Fr Peter McVerry.

Celtic music stars Clannad will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement. The band, fronted by Moya Brennan, have sold more than ten million albums worldwide.

Moya has also been nominated for Best Irish Female Award for her recent solo album Signature. Nominees announced for the awards include Arctic Monkeys, Bob Dylan, Beyonce, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, The Killers and The Scissor Sisters.

Irish talent up for awards include The Frames, Damien Dempsey and David Kitt.

Radio stars up for Best Irish DJ include Today FM’s Alison Curtis, Ray D’Arcy, Ian Dempsey and Tom Dunne, while they face competition from Nikki Hayes and Rick O’Shea.

The Frames, Humanzi and Snow Patrol will be going head to head for Best Irish Band.

The Best Irish Female category will see competition between Moya Brennan, Cara Dillon, Eleanor McEvoy, Luan Parle and Ann Scott.

Last year celebrities including Golden Globe winner Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Stephen Rea, Liam Cunningham, Keith Duffy, Gavin Friday and Kerry Katona presented awards.

Credit/Source: www.eveningecho.ie

I hope Westlife will win in the Best Irish Act Category like every year! And I can’t wait to watch the duet with Ronan. Hopefully we’ll have new pictures!