Post Of The Week:Week 10

Here's this week's topic: what's your favourite thing a Westlife member has ever said? Maybe it's a joke they made on a TV show, a quote from a magazine or even a conversation you had when you met them! Let us know what it is over in the forum

Last week, we asked which artist, alive or dead, you'd most like the band to duet with. Here's one of our favourites, from Gunners4EvEr. Check out all the rest in the forum

"There are a lot of great pop acts out there that could really duet with Westlife. I thought for quite a while, somebody like Beatles or the Kinks or Take That would've been cool. Though for some reason, I really wanna hear Westlife do I HAVE A DREAM with ABBA! It's kinda weird. But I do think there'll be that wow factor between them. I HAVE A DREAM is a really strong song, and the lyrics just mean a lot. And having Westlife sing with the original singers of this song would just be amazing! It'll just be the best duet ever!!"

Source/Credit:Westlife.com

Eoghan Quigg webchat - Tour With Westlife

EOGHAN Quigg - the Quiggmeister - is currently single, girls.

He's still 'good friends' with Diana, bites his nails, oh - and he can't lick his elbow.

How do we know? Because you asked him, that's how.

To celebrate the release of his debut album, the self-titled Eoghan Quigg, we grabbed ourselves a slice of time with Eoghan to put YOUR questions to him.

Here's what Eoghan had to say!

I Love Eoghan Soo Much. I Voted So Many Times On Da X Factor. His New Album Is Amazing. Write Back Soon. Xo By Niamh Doherty.

Eoghan writes:Hey Niamh, thanks so much! I'm so glad you like it

hey eoghan- what advice do you give to people who can sing, but dont have the confidence?? xx By lauraa harvey from ruthin.

Eoghan writes: Just go for it! Try it out at home first, in front on your family, then try to build up to bigger things! You really need to believe in yourself and don't be afraid!

Do you recognise fans once you've seen met them a few times? By Ciara.

Eoghan writes: Yeah I do, when the same faces pop up it is cool!

Hey Eoghan .U r amazin . My question is when you were on the xfactor tour did you ever feel nervous before you went on stage because of the crowd??? I saw you at the night showing at birmingham U were fab .x By zoe challinor

Eoghan writes: Thanks so much Zoe! Yeah I felt a bit nervous but then when I got out on stage I just gave it everything and had loads of fun.

If you could change one thing from your whole xfactor experience wat would it be ? And are you missin jus been a normal boy messin about wi your friends ! X By Lynda stone

Eoghan writes: Nothing at all. The whole experience was a rollercoaster, but it was great. And I still do mess around with my friends!

Hiyyyaahh Ive Got Your Album And I Absolutly Love It ! Whats Your Fave Song On Your Album ?? Krystalxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx By Krystal.

Eoghan writes: Hey Krystal, so glad you like my album J I love all the songs as they are so different but I do love 28,000 Friends, as James Bourne wrote it for me.

Hi Eoghan Are you single? By Claire

Eoghan writes: Sure am!

Are you looking forward to tour with boyzone? By Claire

Eoghan writes: I am so excited. When they asked me to join them I got so excited. I can't wait to get started!

Do you think you would have been discovered if it wasn't for X Factor? Do you have any plans after your album, like a tour or anything? and finally, do you prefer it now you're famous.. being recognised everywhere you go? xxx By Cathryn Jarvis.

Eoghan writes: I don't think I would have been discovered. I mean, thinking about the whole experience, it was amazing. Such a dream come true. The next thing I'm doing is going on tour with Boyzone, which is going to be such fun - I can't wait. And yeah, I love being famous! Getting recognised places is so cool!

hi eoghan i luv u so much you are so cute and talented you should have won x factor i even went on the factor tour on the 3rd of march so if you heared a girl scream i love you it was me !!!! any way cant wait for your cd to come out tommorrow i am so going to buy it. By the way good luck in the future and hope your cd goes straight to no1 Luv u <3<3 By Misha Richards

Eoghan writes: Hey Misha, thanks so much. That is really nice of you! I hope you like the album, i had such fun making it

Hey Eoghan, if you hadnt got through to the x factor or got your record deal, what would you be doing now? x x x By Kelly

Eoghan writes: I'd just be back at home, at school, hanging out with my friends, playing football and stuff. All the things normal teenagers get up to!

Hey Eoghan, very random question, but what size feet are you? x x x By Kelly

Eoghan writes: That is a random question! I'm a size 9.

hey Eoghan, were you happy when you realised you had simon cowell as your mentor on x factor? or did you want one of the other judges to mentor you? if so which judge? x x x By Kelly

Eoghan writes: I was a bit scared to be honest, but i did want Louis or Simon so i was really happy

hey Eoghan, did your eyebrow piercing hurt? becuase i'm thinkin about having it done myself, will you come with me? haha oh and will you get anything else pierced? x x x By Kelly

Eoghan writes: It didn't hurt at all, it was just a quick sharp pain. And nope, no more piercings for me.

Hey Eoghan, if you could record a song with anyone you wanted, alive or dead, who would it be? x x x By Kelly

Eoghan writes: Hmm I think Robbie Williams, or Elvis! They are both legends!

Heey Eoghan :D:D On the x factor tour what was the hardest thing ? i LOVE you xx By Mollie James

Eoghan writes: The whole tour was great, and we had loads of fun. The only thing was the travelling was really tiring. We got used to spending hours on the bus, it got a bit boring but then we got on stage and it was awesome!

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? And if you could perform with anyone who would it be and why? I love you Eoghan! By Emma Hayden

Eoghan writes: Definitely Madison Square Gardens in New York, it is amazing and so many great bands have played there. New York is so cool, I am desperate to go there!

hey eoghan I LOVE YOU!! my question: if you had the chance to join a group, like JLS, would you or would you stay single By Rhioo Jones

Eoghan writes: I'd definitely stay a solo artist. I love JLS, but they have their own thing going on and so do I. I love hanging out with them though, they are such great guys!

hey eoghan, first of all I LOVE YOU! my question is: what would you consider your dream girl to be like? By Rhioo Jones.

Eoghan writes: Someone with the whole package and who stands out from the crowd. It's not all about looks for me, she has to really stand out and be fun to hang out with.

heyaa.. my question for eoghan is.. now that your album is released, is there anything at all you would change? also.. who inspires you the most? thaanks, x x x x By trishaQuigg

Eoghan writes: Hey Trisha, I wouldn't change a thing. I really enjoyed the whole process and I'm so excited to have it out in the shops!

Was there any tension or arguing backstage at the xfactor or on the tour? I love you Eoghan! By Emma Hayden

Nah not at all, we had such a fun time, we're like a big family! We were always playing tricks on each other and having a laugh How do you feel about diana now? I love you so much! By Emma Hayden

Eoghan writes: She's still a good mate. We just were on the X Factor tour together and we even sang a song together on stage. We had such a laugh together!

Hiya Eoghαn. You have done so well and represented us here in N.Ireland brilliantly. Just wanted to ask if you will be doing any gigs for us "older" fans as us 23 year olds can't get into under 18 gigs. Also wanted to ask you how did it feel to play in your home country and in the Odyssey Arena?? By Claire

Eoghan writes: Hey Claire, thanks so much! I absolutely loved playing in my home country, i felt so proud and it was incredible! I'm going on tour with Westlife so you should come along there - it'll be so much fun!

Hey Eoghan. My question is what is your worst habbit?? By the way i love you and your friend mark xx By Laura

Eoghan writes: Hey Laura, hmm my worst habit is probably biting my nails! I can't stop!

Hey Eoghan ii love you!!! my question is .....wat is the most embarrsing things that has ever happened to you?? And will you becoming to armagh or Nerwy?? By Rachael

Eoghan writes: Hey Rachael, I'm really lucky, nothing too embarrassing has happened to me. Although that thing that showed me making hot chocolate in the kettle on X Factor was pretty embarrassing!

Have you ever told a girl that you loved her or do you think that you are in love at the minute? By Krissy

Eoghan writes: Nope i'm a single pringle at the moment! Haha!

Heya Eoghan! I love you! whats the weirdest thing a fan has ever said done or given to you? By Emma Hayden.

Eoghan writes: Hmm....well someone took my Macdonalds rubbish recently! That was quite funny!

heyy i think your are amazing !! my question is---who is the biggest insperation in your life & why? I LOVE YOU , EOGHAN QUIGG! marry me ? xx By Kay Blyth

Eoghan writes: Hey Kay, aw thanks for that! My biggest career inspiration is Robbie Williams. He is such an amazing performer and has the whole package.

Hiyya Eoghan,, My Question is has Your Life Changed Since You Have Been On The Xfactor and Since You Have Made Your Own Cd? X By Tiffany

Eoghan writes: I'm still the same as i was before, i have the same best friends and everything. It is cool having an album out though, i love the attention i'm getting!

What Advice would you give to someone who wanted to go on the xfactor? By Jess

Eoghan writes: Just be yourself and go for it! The best thing is just to enjoy the whole thing and give it your all.

what's been your most embarrasing moment ever? lol x x By Shauna Leddy

Eoghan writes: I really can't remember anything that embarrassing happening to me! Guess i'm just lucky that way!

What is your favourite nickname that you've been given by somebody in the public? x By Sammy

Eoghan writes: I get so many! I love the Quiggmeister lol!

can you lick your elbow? x x By holly

Eoghan writes: Haha, someone asked me to do that in a webchat recently, but no, i can't do it.

Was there anyone in the x factor house you didnt get along with so well? By Chloe

Eoghan writes: Nah not at all, we had such a good time we were like one big family!

Hi, Eoghan. I would just like to ask who was your insprition, like to become a singer? By Abbey Hunter

Eoghan writes: Hey Abbey, Robbie Williams is a big inspiration for me, I think he is amazing - he's got the whole package.

Credit/Source: www.newsoftheworld.co.uk

Irish emissaries come in all sorts of guises

RORY McILROY was not the only Irish rookie at Augusta National. Michael McCumiskey, the long-time and hard-working general secretary of the Irish PGA, attended his first Masters, while PJ Collins, the president of the GUI, represented the oldest national governing body in the sport.

Another interested observer over the four rounds was Westlife’s Shane Filan, who divided his time between watching the Irish trio of players and his friend Lee Westwood.

Filan, who struck up a friendship with Westwood in a pro-am, was a guest of the Englishman in one of the ISM houses. Looking for all the world like a golfer, complete with Masters visor, Filan - a 14-handicapper at Strandhill Golf Club in his native Sligo - left Augusta with the intention of working on his game.

“I’d love to get down to 10,” said Filan.

Where he will find the time is anyone’s guess, as the band are working on their latest album.

Credit/Source: www.irishtimes.com

Kian & Jodi's Stag and Hen Nights

Deborah described what an article in the Irish Star mentioned about Kian's stag night and Jodi's hen night. Thanks Deborah


Hi guys! I saw an article in todays Irish Star (13 April) about Kian and Jodi having had their stag and hen nights.

Basically Jodi had hers in Dublin with close friends and family as well as her new bandmates, she booked 7 tables at Balzac restaurant and booked the upstairs VIP bar Samsara as well as booking a table for 20 at Dublin's top night club Krystal.

Kian however apparently had a more sedate night he went to the dogs in Galway along with 15 friends however Shane, Nicky and Mark didn't come as Shane is in Agusta for the golf masters a present from Gillian, Nicky is in Portugal on holiday and Mark is holidaying with Kevin.

Source: Deborah/Irish Star
Credit:Westlife.gr

The Diary, Ken Sweeney - Westlife wedding without Joanne

She organised the nuptials of Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan, but Westlife wedding planner Joanne Byrne says she will never do another big day.

"I only did them as favours for people; I won't be doing any more weddings. It's a case of been there, seen that and bought the t-shirt. I promised myself I would never do another wedding. Why? As my colleague Sinιad Ryan says 'if a DJ doesn't turn up to a gig, well you just find somebody else; but if a DJ doesn't turn up to a wedding. He has ruined the best day of someone's life! The only weddings the Presence PR ladies will be organising in the future "will be our own," joked Joanne.

But while not planning Kian Egan's wedding to Jodi Albert in Barbados on 8 May, the PR admits she does have a background role in affairs. "I did the deal with OK!, so I have a role co-ordinating with the magazine, but I'm not the wedding organiser. There's only 60 or 80 people going as it's an intimate affair."

The future Mrs Egan, meanwhile, had a hen night dinner for 40 pals in Balzac Restaurant on Dawson Street last night. Among those attending were the members of Albert's new girl band Broke Down. Corrine Durran, Sharon Condon, Kasey Smith and Leigh Learmont were celebrating being signed to Universal.

Source: www.tribune.ie
Credit:westlife.gr

Shane Filan will be singing when he's swinging

Westlife singer Shane Filan will be singing when he's swinging after his wife Gillian splashed out on a surprise dream trip to the US Masters gold tournament.

The golf fanatic superstar will jet off this week to Augusta to follow Tiger Woods and Irish sensation Padraig Harrington as they both battle for the most converted prize in golf.

Shane was stunned when Gillian handed him the VIP Tickets to all four rounds, of the spectacular tournament that begins on Thursday.

He will be mixing with the biggest names from the sport and celebrities who make the trek to the hallowed Georgia Venue every year.

And Shane, 29 told the Irish Daily Mirror, how he will be hoping to see plenty of bop bop birdies as the action unfolds.

"It was such an incredible surprise, I am so excited, and I'll be there cheering on Harrington, to three majors in a row."

"He presented us with our Meteor Award last month, and we had a great chat, so I will be getting right behind in Augusta. I'm a big fan of his as well as Rory McLlroy from the North."

"And of course it will be incredible to see Tiger up close and personal."

Sligo man Shane, has been on a mission to improve his golf handicap since Westlife's year off.

He plays three times a week at the stunning Strandhill golf club.

Shane currently boasts a 14 handicap but hopes to get it down to 10 by the end of summer.

He added: "I played in the winter league this year with Gillian's dad, Michael and it was lots of fun. It improved my game big time. It's the first time I’ve had long enough off from the band to be able to do something like that."

"I am going to August with a couple of friends, and can't wait for it to all start on Thursday."

Shane and Gillian were thrilled when his baby son Patrick was born last September - the couple's second child.

They have been spending most of the time at home in Sligo with Patrick and three year old daughter Nicole, as they enjoy the simple things in life.

Shane said: "It's been nice to spend so much time with the family and adjust to life with a second child. But we will be going back to work with Westlife by the end of the year, and we cannot wait to get a new album out there."

Source: The Irish Mirror

Post Of The Week:Week 9

Here's our chat topic for this week: if Westlife could duet with anyone, alive or dead, who would you most like to see them perform with? Have your say in the forum now.

Last week you were discussing why you first became a Westlife fan. There were loads of really interesting stories and it was great to read how devoted you are to the boys. Here's one of our favourite posts, written by schnickyrock.

"I actually can't ever remember not liking Westlife! I suppose I must have loved them from the start when they released Swear it Again back in 1999, but I suppose the real turning point, that turned me from a fan into an addict, was on my 18th birthday in 2005. My mum and dad bought me and my sister tickets to Westlife's concert in Birmingham that night (it was the NO1s tour) and it was the first concert I'd ever been to, Westlife or otherwise. I'd always said I'd wanted to go and see the boys live before then but never got the chance. It was extra special that my first ever concert was Westlife and was on my 18th birthday. Well I've never looked back since! From that day on I have now been to all of their tours, joined this forum, seen or recorded every TV appearance of theirs and bought all their cd's, dvd's, even the book and perfume. So it's thanks to my parents and what turned out to be the best birthday present ever, but I think they slightly regret it now when they have to put up with me going on and on about Westlife all the time now!"

Source:westlife.com

Boy Bands Revive Their Popularity

The boy band lives on. The members of New Kids on the Block make their way to Assembly Hall this Sunday, and somehow they are still managing to sell out arenas worldwide. Not only is the group performing old favorites, but they even have enough brand new material to grab up new audiences, including younger generations. This revival, 14 years in the making, among others, makes one speculate that boy bands still have a place in the hearts of today's society.

"Boy band" has always seemed to be such a dirty term, belittling groups as nothing more than a marketable face and brand, who can occasionally sing well. The fact that many of them have never been taken seriously shows how these groups were set up to bring in quick and large amounts of revenue and, eventually, would end up fizzling out into nonexistence.

People like American Idol judge Simon Cowell have constantly said that the job of pop-music record producers is to create a group that is original, relevant, and has the potential to bring in profit in the long-term. While doing this, groups such as New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and Westlife were also able to creep their way into the hearts of many - mostly pre-teen girls - and make themselves a household name.

The stigma surrounding these groups in the music industry is understandable, considering that adopting a clean-cut Abercrombie model appearance - keeping up with fashion - and learning choreographed dance moves have not earned them respect from other artists, groups and bands working just as hard only on the musical aspect of their careers. So why and how are some of these groups reviving themselves and creating new success?

It's because Americans still love giving into commerciality. You can sound sub-par, but if you look like a model, then there's no doubt that you can go far in the world of pop music. I'll admit that there are boy band members that do have talent as far as singing goes, but then the question to ask is: why do many groups lip-synch their live performances? If they're as good as they're made out to be, then, logically, there should be nothing to hide.

Many of their mostly female fans still hold on to the images of these "perfectly-sculpted idols" and truly believe that their favorite groups are directing those sweet messages of love in their direction.

If only these fans could meet the well-paid and extremely-talented lyric writers that only get credited by having their name written small in a CD insert that nobody bothers looking at in this digital age.

Even with these negative attitudes that have surrounded them for so long, it seems that, like President Obama, there is change that they believe in this time around.

Boy bands are definitely doing a lot more this time around to fit into the changing spectrum of music. The Backstreet Boys, for example, have released two CDs since reuniting and have brought a more instrumental rock feel to their music, with some of the members actually playing the guitar or drums during production. Also, by co-writing songs and having more creative control over their lyrics, the most successful boy band in history is showing us that they can indeed think for themselves.

Boy bands are now collaborating with more artists from different genres and appealing to wider audiences than just the screaming girls who are about to hit puberty.

The concept of the boy band has now made a strong return, with the musical transformation from boys to men clearly evident. As long as they continue putting a focus back on the music - what really matters - then there's no telling how long this pop train ride might last.

Credit/Source: www.dailyillini.com

Westlife Star Hit By Planning Hitch

WESTLIFE singer and property developer Shane Filan must wait until July to see if he can go ahead with plans for a mixed-use development of 68 apartments, a supermarket, gym and creche in Co Sligo.

He was granted permission for the development at Tonafortes/Tullynagracken South in Carrowroe by Sligo County Council, but the decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Credit/Source: www.independent.ie

McILROY FLATTERED TO BE 'BEST'

Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy admits he is flattered to be called the best sporting talent to come out of Northern Ireland since George Best.

And now the 19-year-old from Holywood wants to rack up just as many birdies at the Masters next week.

Sir Bobby Charlton was among the first fans on the phone with congratulations after McIlroy won his maiden European Tour event in February.

And the mop- headed teenager, who is already getting royal treatment in the United States after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated, admitted he was also an admirer of footballing genius Best.

"George was a huge superstar all over the world - he went out with three Miss Worlds," said McIlroy, who will practice with Tiger Woods at Augusta.

"He was a bit of a boy and probably one of the most talented footballers ever. To be compared to him is pretty nice.

"I am a big Manchester United fan and I played with Sir Bobby at the Dunhill links last year.

"He has left a message for me. Shane Filan and the boys from Westlife have also been in touch. It is nice they have taken the time and trouble to do that."

Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Credit:westlife.gr