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Old News >> December 2005

Second anniversary

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Added: 28th December 2005

Westlife's story of pop survival
By Michael Osborn

Irish boy band Westlife have packed more chart-topping singles into
their career than Madonna has in the last 20 years.

The foursome have not been around for as long as the queen of pop, but a run of more than six years has defied the short shelf-life of most boy bands.

Their tally of number ones currently stands at 13 and they recently scooped their fourth Record of the Year accolade - so what is the secret of their success?

Worried

During their career, the group's penchant for soaring ballads has won over both the teen market and middle-of-the-road listeners - a sales-grabbing formula which they are reluctant to depart from.

"I think we should stay where we are," says Shane Filan. "This year has really proven that when you have the right song, everything else falls into place."

The singer admits that they were worried before the release of their latest album, but the swift sales of single You Raise Me Up allayed any fears of a decline, or the need to find a new direction.

"We don't take ourselves to be a really serious act. We know what we are, we know what we do," says Mark Feehily, who revealed he is gay earlier this year.

"We like singing good pop songs, and luckily that is what our audience wants. We're in no position to look for a different sound.

"It is like asking U2 to go off and make a rave album."

"It is what we do best - give them what they want. Why give them something they don't want?" adds Filan.

'Not talented'

The vocalist, who performs many of the band's lead vocals, says that Westlife principally relies on a team of songwriters to provide their material, while many of their hits - including Mandy and I Have A Dream - are cover versions.

Filan says that he, along with Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan, are "not talented" at penning new tunes.

Feehily enjoys songwriting in his own time, but considers it an extra-curricular activity to being a member of Westlife.

"As a band we have a sound and an image. The producers can be really hard on you. Songwriting is a way of rebelling," he says.

The 25-year-old adds that in six years of working cheek by jowl, the Irishmen have become increasingly cohesive.

"We have had a chance to develop ourselves and our voices," he says. "But our first gigs were excrutiatingly painful to do."

According to Filan, they are not taking their future for granted. Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Lionel Ritchie and Robbie Williams are all on their duet wish-list, after making another hit single with Motown legend Diana Ross.

"It depends on us. It depends on a lot of things. We take it one year at a time - 2005 has been a brilliant one," he says.
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Added: 27th December 2005, source: BBC News

Coming home for Christmas

Weary Westlife stars fly back to warm welcome

Weary Westlife stars are home for Christmas with their families.

They flew in from Switzerland yesterday in a private jet for a four-week break.

The aircraft landed first at Dublin airport where Nicky Byrne got off to spend the festive season in the capital with his wife Georgina, the Taoiseach's daughter.

The rest of the lads flew on to Strandhill airport, Co Sligo, which opened specially for their arrival at 1.20am.

Shane Filan was first down the steps from the Cessna Citation 5, quickly followed by Mark Feehily with Kian Egan just yards behind.

Airport staff followed as they walked the 100 yards across the tarmac to the arrivals building where Shane was warmly greeted by his mum and dad, Mae and Peter.

"It's great to be home," he said as they hugged each other.

Within minutes they were driving him the six miles to his luxury home where his wife Gillian and five-month-old daughter Nicole were waiting.

Mark took a taxi home to his folks.

And Kian, who lives near the airport and was without actress girlfriend Jodi Albert, was met by his dad Kevin who had arrived with his son's own jeep.

The airport usually closes at 7.30pm.

But it was opened shortly after midnight especially for the Westlife homecoming.

A spokeswoman said: "Westlife are very good customers. We had a full crew on duty for the arrival as we would for any landing agreed outside normal operating hours." She added: "We're quite used to VIPs at Sligo airport now."

As well as Westlife the Conway Sisters and Tabby Callaghan are regulars at the airport. Westlife are celebrating two UK hits.

'When You Tell Me That You Love Me' recorded with Diana Ross is at No 2. 'You Raise Me Up' is at No 10.
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Added: 24th December 2005, source: Irish Independent

Westlife beaten by JCB to top of the pop charts

An unknown folk-pop duo reached the top of the UK singles chart yesterday with a song about a JCB digger.
Nizlopi, made up of 27-year-olds Luke Concannon and John Parker from Leamington Spa, reached number one with JCB Song, released on their FDM label, beating a new release by Westlife and Diana Ross to number two.

Seasonal novelty single Jingle Bells/U Can't Touch This by Crazy Frog was a new entry at five. Eminem tops the album chart with Curtain Call - The Hits. Nizlopi are the bookies' second favourites for the Christmas number one, behind X Factor winner Shayne Ward.
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Added: 19th December 2005, source: Guardian Unlimited

Kian's Diary From The Road

Hi guys

As I�m sure you�re all aware, our second single from Face To Face, �When You Tell Me That You Love Me�, was released on Monday � thanks to all of you who�ve already bought it, we really appreciate your support.

On Tuesday you may have caught us on Des & Mel, performing and having a chat. We had a meeting about the tour in the afternoon to discuss all the great stuff we�ve got planned for you lot next spring!

On Wednesday we met up with the �tea with Westlife� competition winner, which we really enjoyed, and then later in the afternoon we did a bunch of press interviews.

Yesterday was a day off for us, and today we�re travelling up to Belfast to perform on the Kelly Show, and then it�s straight back to London.
We�ll be on CD:UK tomorrow, as well as recording our performances for TOTP.

That�s it for now, keep your fingers crossed for the single on Sunday!

Kian x
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Added: 17th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Westlife's Christmas Profiles

Find out everything you need to know about Westlife & Christmas...

Kian

My earliest Christmas memory�I was about four and I remember getting a drumkit from Santa Claus. It was only a toy drum kit but I learned to make an awful lot of noise very fast with it. It was something that everybody wished Santa hasn�t bought me after about a day, but I really enjoyed it.
My favourite Christmas ever�Probably the last Christmas gone, for the simple reason that it was my first time in my own house with my girlfriend. It was really nice to do it myself for the first time.
This is what Christmas means to me� I think it�s a very family-orientated thing. I would hate to be away for Christmas, it�s one of my worst nightmares, so for me it�s just to be around the people I love and to have a good time.
My plans for Christmas�I�ll hopefully be going to New York for a few days to do some Christmas shopping, then go home and spend some time with my family. I�d also like to do a skiing holiday this year.
My Christmas wishlist�It�s pretty small, I don�t really have any material things I want. I just want to make sure everyone stays safe and happy and I get to see all my family and friends and have a great time.
My most memorable New Year� When we were number one for the Millennium with I Have A Dream/Seasons In The Sun. That was a very big thing for Westlife because we hadn�t been home that much that year and when we got home we were number one for Christmas and New Year and that was a really special time.

Mark

My earliest Christmas memory�Every Christmas morning we used to go to my granny�s house and meet all my cousins and aunties and uncles and relations and everyone used to give each presents. It was always very exciting to see what all my cousins got from Santa Claus. Then the best thing is always the Christmas dinner!
My favourite Christmas ever�When I was still in school. I still enjoy Christmas but I think when you�re younger you get affected by the mood of Christmas a bit more.
This is what Christmas means to me� People come home from college or abroad or wherever they�re working, and for at least two or three days everyone�s all together. It�s always a great time.
My plans for Christmas�I�m going to get away from everything, go home and totally relax.
My Christmas wishlist�Nothing material, I�m happy with everything I have. I just want to have a good time, simple as that! I want to enjoy being at home and the company of my friends and family.
My most memorable New Year�The last New Year that my granddad was alive and I was at my auntie�s house. It was the last year we all stayed in together, before the kids started going out to clubs and stuff. We basically had a really good laugh and I just remember him being there and being the centre of the party.

Nicky

My earliest Christmas memory�I remember getting up really early, like half two or three o�clock in the morning, when I was about six. My sister got the Band Aid record and T�Pau�s China In You Hands. I can�t remember what I got, just what she got!
My favourite Christmas ever�Two years ago when my wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, and I got engaged, we bought our dream home and we got a puppy, all at Christmas, so that stands out as a big, big memory for me.
This is what Christmas means to me�Winding down. We�re always very busy up until Christmas and then we go home and relax. The whole build up to it is fantastic, the Christmas lights on the streets, the shopping, there�s a bit of a nip in the air that nobody seems to mind at that time of year. You have your nights out with your friends, nights in with your family, and everyone eats too much and piles on half a stone. My plans for Christmas�At home with family and friends having a nice time. For New Year I might go away, maybe to New York.
My Christmas wishlist�Nothing really. A few little presents from people would be nice, but it�s the thought that counts. I think when you grow up the novelty of the presents wears off. We haven�t had a Christmas number one since the first year so it would be very nice to have one this year.
My most memorable New Year�I must have been about ten and I was staying at my nana�s house and I remember her opening the door at 12 o�clock when everyone was out in the road singing Auld Lang Syne. She left the door open for about half an hour to let the old year out and the new year in. It�s an old tradition that has always stuck with me.

Shane

My earliest Christmas memory�I was about seven and I remember getting a toy robot. It was something I really wanted from Santa and luckily that dream came true that year. I played with it for about three weeks and then broke it!
My favourite Christmas ever�Definitely the last Christmas just gone. It was the first year we moved into our new house, and it was just amazing to be there and putting up our Christmas tree and stuff like that with my wife. It was very special because she was pregnant at the time and nobody knew, only us, so it was nice to have a little secret together.
This is what Christmas means to me�Happiness, holidays, lots of fun and spending time with your families. It�s the best time of the year.
My plans for Christmas�I�m going to go home, spend time with my family and maybe go away for a couple of weeks at New Year.
My Christmas wishlist�I would love Westlife to be Christmas number one, and that�s all I want for Christmas! And a bit of snow wouldn�t go amiss either.
My most memorable New Year�My favourite New Year was two years ago, the year I got married about three days before New Year�s Eve. We went to a local pub in town and had an unbelievable party and all my family were there with me. It was just a very special night.
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Added: 17th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Jacko and Westlife to team up?
New single could be in pipeline

By Maureen Coleman

Westlife could be set to record a song with Michael Jackson in the New Year.

The band's manager Louis Walsh has been in touch with Jackson's camp about the possibility of recording a track with the King of Pop.

Jackson's musical career was dealt a serious blow following allegations of child abuse and a high-profile trial earlier this year.

However, the singer was subsequently acquitted and has since released a Greatest Hits album. But he has not, as yet, released a single.

A recording with the award-winning Westlife could see the superstar back at the top of the charts again.

Speaking on the Des and Mel show yesterday, Walsh, who also looks after Girls Aloud, confirmed that he had spoken to Jackson's manager.

Westlife are one of the contenders for this year's Christmas No 1 with their new single When You Tell Me That You Love Me - a collaboration with another singing legend, Diana Ross. The single is the second to be taken from their new album Face To Face and was originally a hit for Ms Ross in 1991.

The band - Nicky, Mark, Shane and Kian - have already collaborated Maria Carey. Michael Jackson has been an influence on Westlife, with each of them saying he is their favourite artist.

Two of the band members, Kian and Mark, say Jackson's track, Man In The Mirror, is their all-time favourite song.
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Added: 17th December 2005, source: Belfast Telegraph

Big finish for Kelly show

This Friday (16 December) Gerry Kelly will host a grand Kelly finale in what promises to be a spectacular show on UTV at 8.30pm.

Gerry said: "We�ve had such interest from past guests wanting to be part of the last show that we�ve had to extend it into a two hour extravaganza to accommodate everyone.

"I�m delighted that guests ranging from Martin O�Neill, Brian Keenan, Ronan Keating and Eamonn Holmes to regulars like Brian Kennedy, Westlife and Phil Coulter will be joining me to perform and for a chat on my last show.

"It�ll be great to see former hostage Brian Keenan again. We ran a campaign gathering thousands of signatures for a petition to try and push for his release and the first Irish television interview he did after his release in August 1990 was on Kelly.

"Over the years we�ve always been keen to broadcast a show with something for everyone and I think Friday night will be no exception to this. The great line up will be our way of saying thank you to all the fans for their years of loyal viewing.

"On a personal level, I�m apparently in for a few surprises which should entertain the audience and viewers! I�m a bit worried but also really looking forward to finding out what the team has up their sleeves for me!"

Ronan Keating, who first appeared on Kelly with Boyzone and has appeared every year since June 1994, will be singing and Westlife have juggled their schedule so as not to miss the chance to perform on the final show too.

Brian Kennedy has changed his image many times over the years since he first appeared on Kelly in 1990. He has been on the show 15 times and even enjoyed a Brian Kennedy Special from Coleraine almost 10 years ago. Phil Coulter has also been a regular over the years and also enjoyed a Kelly Show Special in Belfast in June 1997.

Gerry is a big fan of Martin O�Neill and is looking forward to welcoming him to the sofa and Carol Smillie, who has been on the show several times during the years, loves Gerry and Northern Ireland and can�t wait to come back one last time.

Frequent guests The Corrs made their first appearance two years before they ever had a hit record � they were just a family group playing gigs in pubs in their native Dundalk then � so it will be interesting to see their transformation from that first appearance when they catch up with Gerry on Friday night!

Eamonn Holmes � who stepped in to present Kelly on two occasions when Gerry was unable to present the show � has a few surprises lined up for Gerry too!

Don�t miss Kelly at 8.30pm this Friday (16 December) on UTV.
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Added: 14th December 2005, source: U.TV

Swedish brothers claim they wrote Westlife hit

Swedish brothers Tommi and Karri Rinne insist they wrote the music for hit song 'You raise me up' which topped the singles chart after being recorded by Irish boyband Westlife - but they haven't received any credit.

Tommi and Karri, who were born in Finland, allege their song Rakastakaa, which they recorded ten years ago in a Swedish record studio, has been stolen from them.

The Rinne brothers claim they gave their recording to the Peer Music studio manager who said he would enter it in a Eurovision Song Contest preliminary competition - but they heard nothing more about their track until they heard US singer Josh Groban's recording of You Raise Me Up two years ago.

Tommi says: "I was in complete shock. I called my brother and we went to buy a copy. We could sing our original Finnish lyrics over the same tune. It was obviously the same song."

Norwegian composer Rolf Lovland and Irish songwriter Brendan Graham are credited with creating the song which has been recorded by Groban, Daniel O'Donnell and now Westlife.

Tommi adds: "We are furious and want to get credit where credit is due."
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Added: 14th December 2005, source: Ireland On-line

JCB could hold Westlife off No. 1

Westlife might be denied their 14th UK number one by an unlikely challenger - an anti-bullying song about a JCB.

Nizlopi's JCB Song, about a young boy wishing his dad's digger could demolish school bullies, is apparently outselling Westlife's latest tune.

But music store HMV predicted When You Tell Me That You Love Me might do better later in the week.

Nizlopi are now second favourite to get the Christmas number one, behind whoever wins TV talent show X-Factor.

The band are Luke Concannon and John Parker, a duo from Warwickshire.

They're pretty much unknown, which experts say might be the reason they're outselling Westlife.

Because When You Tell Me That You Love Me is already out on Westlife's album Face to Face, many people will already own the song, and won't want to buy it again in the shops.
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Added: 14th December 2005, source: CBBC Newsround

New Single Out Today

Westlife�s brand new single When You Tell Me That You Love Me, a collaboration with the legendary Diana Ross, is released today (12th December).

The track is available at all major download
sites as well as on two CD formats:

CD1:

1. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
2. If I Let You Go (Acoustic version)

CD2:

1. When You Tell Me That You Love Me
2. White Christmas
3. The Way You Look Tonight.
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Added: 12th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Westlife at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo - Pictures

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Added: 12th December 2005, source: Getty Images and NewsCom

Westlife win record of the year

Westlife have won the UK record of the year award for You Raise Me Up.

They beat McFly's tune All About You, which had been the favourite song to win, but had to settle for second place in the end.

It's the fourth time the Irish band have won the award, which was voted for by ITV1 viewers Saturday night.

Black Eyed Peas' My Humps came third, James Blunt was fourth with Beautiful, followed by Daniel Powter's Bad Day, which came fifth.

Gorillaz, Gwen Stefani, Lemar, Kelly Clarkson and Katie Melua were also shortlisted for the award.
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Added: 11th December 2005, source: CBBC Newsround

Westlife at Caf� Opera

Click here to see the pictures. You have to scroll down a little bit to see the pictures.
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Added: 11th December 2005, source: Stureplan.se

Mark and Kian at Rixfm

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Added 9th December 2005, source: Rixfm

Shane's Diary From The Road

Hey there

This week started with a whole load of interviews on Monday for various papers and TV shows, then we flew to Sweden on the Tuesday to do some more promo stuff over there. As you can imagine, it was pretty freezing! We stayed there until Wednesday afternoon, then flew back to London. It was over to TOTP Reloaded in the afternoon to record a performance of �When You Tell Me That You Love Me�, then we met up with Steve Mac in the studio in the evening.

We�re doing Richard & Judy this afternoon.
Tomorrow we�re recording for Record Of The Year, as �You Raise Me Up� is in the running (hint � you can vote for the song during tomorrow�s show!), then we�re off to Oslo in the evening, as we�re performing at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on Sunday, which will be very special.

Have a good weekend

Shane x
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Added: 9th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Win a trip to Lapland

This Sunday (11th December) Westlife will be performing on a brand new show, Sony Ericsson Christmas Calling, on T4 at 2:30pm.

The band will be performing their new single When You Tell Me That You Love Me plus a special version of Flying Without Wings. In addition they will be choosing their favourite Christmas video and offering you the chance to win a fantastic prize...

One lucky winner could win a family trip for four to Lapland, tickets to see Westlife on tour next year plus a brand new Sony Ericsson walkman phone featuring a message from the band!

Westlife would like to offer their fans the chance to be among the first to enter this fantastic competition. All you have to do to win is answer the question below and call 09011 313 312.

Q. Which International diva did Westlife sing with on their number one hit Against All Odds?

A: Mariah Carey
B: Miss Piggy
C: Elton John

Calls cost 50p, mobile and other network rates may vary. Tune in to Sony Ericsson Christmas Calling on T4 Sunday @ 2:30pm when the lucky winner will be called live on air. The show will also feature performances from Kelly Clarkson, Pussy Cat Dolls, Simon Webbe, Jamiroquai and Hard Fi, who have all chosen special Christmas Presents for you to win.

Good luck!
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Added: 9th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Meet Westlife!

Here is your chance to win the opportunity to see Westlife perform, and then have a meet and greet with them backstage at one of their concerts.

All you have to do to enter is text WESTLIFE 01 followed by your answer to the question below to 88188 (eg if you think the answer is Kian, text WESTLIFE 01 KIAN to 88188).

Question: Which Westlife member is married to the Irish Prime Minister's daughter?

1 lucky winner will be picked at random, and will receive a pair of tickets for their nearest UK gig (see Dates section for full tour listing).

This competition is for UK residents only, and all entrants should be at least 13 years old. We will run a similar competition for fans in Eire nearer the time of their shows (Eire mobile competition law states that the prize must be received by the winner no more than 28 days from the closing date).

Accommodation & transport will not be provided. Each entry costs �1.50 plus your operator's standard network text charge. The competition closes on the 13th January 2006. For full SonyBMG UK competition terms and conditions please click here.
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Added: 9th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Shane, Gillian, Kian and Jodi at The Nobu Restaurant

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Added: 8th December 2005, source: xposurephotos.com

Record Of The Year

This Saturday Westlife - You Raise Me Up will feature on Record of The Year: Final Countdown TV show on ITV1 at 5.35pm

Here's your chance to vote for the song you made number 1!!

Viewers will vote for their favourite song from the 30 biggest selling singles of the year in the UK in 2005. The ten artists who receive the most votes will perform on the show on the 10th December. So if you want to see the boys perform You Raise Me Up on the show, start voting on Saturday.

As we're sure you're aware, Westlife have won 'Record of The Year' a record three times and this is our chance to make it four!
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Added: 8th December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Band backs Belfast Boy

Irish boy band Westlife yesterday launched a campaign to make George Bests anthem the Christmas No.1.

The stars told their fans to buy Don Fardon�s Belfast Boy song hat hit the charts in 1970 and snag the praises of the soccer legend.

Singer Kian Egan, 25 said: �We don�t want Christmas No 1-we want everyone to buy the George Best song instead.

�It would be fantastic if he was at the top of the charts at Christmas. It would be the ultimate tribute.�

The song reached No32 in 1970 but an updated version will hit the shops next week and is expected to fly to the top of the charts.

Sligo-born Kian added: �George Best was like a modern day pop star and its easy to see why they called him �The Fifth Beatle�.

�I�ve head the Belfast Boy song a few times over the last week and its actually a fantastic tune.

�It�s catchy and the lyrics describe everything that was great about George- his looks, his skill and his personality.�

Fardon�s anthem includes the lyrics: �Cause you moved like a downtown dancer, with your hair hung down like a mane.

�And your feet played tricks like a juggler. As you weaved to the sound of your name-Georgie. Georgie they called you The Belfast Boy.�
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Added: 5th December 2005, source: Irish Mirror

Win a Sony Ericsson W800i Walkman� Phone

It may be cold and dark outside, but inside the fire burns bright and the lights twinkle brightly. So chuck out the Ugg boots and bobble hats and stay inside because this Christmas, T4 have a pure winter warmer for you in the form of a one-off ninety minute live Christmas special... Sony Ericsson Christmas Calling on Sunday 11th December on Channel 4.

A selection of the hottest chart stars will be joining the lovely June Sarpong from various locations to bring you festive cheer, seasonal music and special Christmas messages. To celebrate, we have one limited edition Sony Ericsson Walkman� phone with an exclusive Christmas message from Westlife to give away to one dedicated fan. Along with the message, the phone will also be preloaded with over 100 top tracks.

To enter, all you need to do is answer the question and fill in your details here...

On Sunday 11th Westlife, Hard-Fi, Kelly Clarkson, Jamiroquai, Simon Webbe and the Pussy Cat Dolls will be performing a variety of songs on T4, which include their own chart topping tracks and some recordings of Christmas classics.

If you don't win this particular competition, don't worry too much � Sony Ericsson is giving away one Walkman phone everyday online at www.channel4.com/T4 from November 26th to December 23rd.

And, there's even more chance of winning by tuning in to T4 on December 11th � every act that appears on the show will be buying a Christmas present and placing it under the Sony Ericsson Christmas Calling tree as prizes.
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Added: 2nd December 2005, source: Westlife.com

Westlife webchat

Shane, Mark, Nicky and Kian reveal their Christmas plans and tell us why they're not quitting music just yet

West2bon: Hi lads - what was Diana Ross like to work with? Love the new album sooo much ..
Westlife: Glad to hear you liked the new album. We worked with Diana for one day, she got to the shoot bright and early. She's no spring chicken and she didn't have any breaks, she was no diva! We must have done 20 or 30 takes of the song. She was very nice, she looks fantastic. She actually was there in the video. She's just very heavily lit.

tweetz: Out of all the songs you have performed, which one is your personal favourite?
Westlife: NIcky: Over the years, in terms of covers, I really enjoyed Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. In terms of Westlife tracks - World Of Our Own. As a band we all prefer that as the best live song...

SA-GIRL: Shane - how is married life and fatherhood?
Westlife: Married life is great. Two years married in December. Being a father is the best four months of my life... every day is different.

NikNik: Is it true the Conway Sisters are supporting you on tour next year?
Westlife: The Conways may be, we're not 100% sure when. Our manager Louis has asked. Myself and Shane are from Sligo and so are they - we're happy to help. So shall it be.

lou: Have you ever considered splitting up?
Westlife: Mark: In fact we're just about to split up. We've come as far as we can go (joke). Of course in seven years, it's entered people's minds, we're human. Every time we think of it we think "no we shouldn't call it a day". We don't listen to critics which helps us stay together and the fans are very supportive. We love what we do.

Andreaaa: What one present do you all want for Christmas?
Westlife: Kian: Record of the Year, A No 1 album. A little bit of time off to recharge. Lots of selection boxes and turkey and biscuits... and stuff. And a pint of Carlsberg.

lisa cox: Do you watch The X Factor and, if so, who do you vote for?
Westlife: Shane: Yes we do, but not in the last three weeks as we've been in South Africa. My favourite is Shane, though they're all very good and have different styles. Chico is the best entertainment, but I don't think he'll win it. Journey South or Andy maybe will win.

renedrag: What do you think about Brian and Delta recording Flying Without Wings?
Westlife: We spoke to Brian about it. What he actually said is they did it live on tour in Australia and he said it would be nice to have it on an album. It doesn't bother us - he's his own man and does his own thing. I don't see him doing it as a single though - maybe an album track.

Loui: Hi boys! Where will you be spending Christmas Day?
Westlife: We'll all be in Ireland with our families, please don't come near us! Please respect our privacy, Shane will set his dogs on you. It is Christmas! That was kind of a joke!!!!!!!!!!

atiebabyuk: It's my birthday today, could you wish me a happy 19th birthday please, you're all so gorgeous!
Westlife: HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Singing)

nickos babe: Do you recognise certain fans?
Westlife: Shane: Yes, if there's fans at the airport or fans in the front row, there's probably a 100 or so we do recognise. Thank you for being so loyal.
Isolde: Who are your musical heroes?
Westlife: Mark: All of us love music, it's what drove us to being in a band. Personally I love chart music. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, I love R&B, hip hop... I love good music whether it's slow or fast, rock or pop. I think Charlotte Church is good...

Dawnie x x x: Are you going to be making any New Year's Resolutions? If so what?
Westlife: We never really do. Sometimes we try and give up swearing but it never really works. Maybe we'll try that again. If not maybe we'll try and get more number ones. I have to say a big new year's resolution is the Face To Face tour - a musical extravaganza from the Westlife boys. You can go for dinner with your friends first, it'll be a great night out!

A big thank you from the Westlife boys. We've been up since 4am. We're on a few shows before Christmas. Vote for us on Record of the Year. Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Added: 2nd December 2005, source: GMTV

Westlife team up with soul diva
Irish boyband Westlife have been speaking about their delight at teaming up with soul legend Diana Ross.

The chart-topping foursome are releasing a duet of Ross' hit, When You Tell Me That You Love Me, just in time to contend for the UK Christmas number one spot.

Mark from the band said of working with the singing star: "It took us a long time to get her to come to London. But when she did, she was very nice."

The race is well and truly on for the festive top spot with the favourite still looking like being the act that win The X Factor TV talent contest.

Newspaper reports suggest the single will be called That's My Goal, but until the final result of the competition, it is not known who will release the song.
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Added: 2nd December 2005, source: ITN.co.uk

Westlife are really looking like stars

November 30, 2005
By Magdel du Preez
Concert: Westlife � Face to Face
Venue: Sun City Superbowl
Date: November 27

They're the biggest-selling international act in South Africa. They've sold more than one million albums here.

It's not hard to see why. Westlife are one of the most professional acts in the world, and they take the trouble to show their appreciation for their South African fans. After all, this is the second time they're in the country this year.

When the Irish lads released their first single seven years ago, they were just another boy-band. Few people thought they would last long past that first album.

But they're still here seven years later, they still make the girls swoon and they still give one heck of a show. And their Face to Face concert at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday afternoon was no exception. Westlife have a huge repertoire of hits � and they know exactly which songs to sing to get the audience on their feet.

How can they go wrong when they start with When You're Looking Like That?

It was fireworks � literally and figuratively.

The show had a wonderful informal feel to it. The stage was stripped down to the bare essentials, and there were no costume changes (they weren't necessary anyway, the boys look as good in jeans and jackets as they do in suits) .

There was nothing to detract from the songs. But this doesn't mean that the show didn't have its spectacular moments, like when they told they audience to switch on their cellphones during You Raise Me Up.

Thousands of cellphone lights blinking in the darkened arena to one of the most beautiful love songs was a stunning sight. It might just replace the lighter-waving.

Westlife are brilliant on stage. Mark, Kian, Shane and Nicky are incredibly comfortable with each other, and with the audience; they have the uncanny ability to make the audience as much a part of the show as possible. You don't have to be the lucky fan they invited onto the stage to sing Smile to, to believe they're really singing just for you. And they play around on stage, which shows how much fun they're having entertaining you.

As a unit, they function so smoothly; they weren't even fazed by the minor microphone glitches. Ultimately, Westlife succeeds � with every one of their shows � in creating a world of their own on stage, where the pop song rules. And what a lark it is to be part of that world, even if it is for only 90 minutes on a Sunday afternoon.
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Added: 2nd December 2005, source: Tonight.co.za

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