22nd February 2002
Westlife have won Best Pop Act in the event hosted by Frank Skinner.
So Solid Crew and Bryan McFadden are reported to have been involved in a "small incident" involving empty champagne bottles being thrown.
So Solid Crew are said to have thrown the bottles at the Westlife singer after he goaded them as they collected their award for best video.
22nd February 2002
Westlife star Bryan McFadden was involved in a bust-up with members of the controversial garage band So Solid Crew.
Well-oiled Bryan was said to have goaded them as they went on stage to collect the Best Video Award.
When they returned to their seats one So Solid member apparently threw a punch at Bryan.
One onlooker said: “Bryan was mouthy all night and he was trying to wind them up and annoy them.”
A spokesman for So Solid Crew said: “Bryan was trying to wind them up all night but the So Solid Crew didn’t rise to the bait. They are not here to fight.”
21st February 2002
Drama has finally hit the Brits 2002, with Westlife's Bryan McFadden seen fighting with the So Solid Crew, dotmusic can exclusively reveal.
Our reporter in the audience spotted an apparently drunk Bryan baiting the garage collective's table as they went up to collect their best video award.
The So Solid Crew ignored the abuse but when they returned to their table Bryan - who recently became a dad - continued the aggressive gestures and a scuffle broke out.
The Westlife star - a winner of the best pop award with his bandmates earlier in the night - was then confronted, set upon by at least four members of the So Solid party and a fight broke out.
Our eye witness report informs us that Bryan was being beaten-up until security personal from both groups intervened to hold back them.
Speaking to Radio 1 after presenting an award to S Club at the start of the ceremony, Pop Idol judge and Westlife's A&R man Simon Cowell told the nation that the Westlife boys were already very drunk and needed to calm down.
20th February 2002
The pop elite has dusted down their glad rags as the biggest event in the music calendar got under way.
The Brit Awards attract the top names of the past 12 months, many hoping to win one of the awards on offer.
Arriving shortly afterwards were Irish heartthrobs Westlife, who received one of the biggest cheers of the evening. Wearing black and white suits the lads, who are expected to be number one this weekend with their latest release, thrilled their fans by waving and signing autographs.
20th February 2002
Westlife have taken the Best Pop award at the Brits 2002.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor presented the award, and, after being asked by Frank Skinner "why the wide face?!", gave the award to hot favourite's Westlife, who win the award for a second year in a row.
Bryan McFadden took to the microphone to make a special thankyou to the fans. The band, who are on the brink of scoring the 10th UK number one single, say the award is all down to them. Bless 'em.
20th February 2002
Westlife have won the Brit Award for Best Pop Act.
They beat off competition from Blue, Hear'Say, Kylie Minogue and S Club 7.
The winner was voted for by viewersof CD:UK, readers of The Sun and via BT Cellnet text messaging.
More on the Brit Awards as other winners are announced.
20th February 2002 20th February 2002
Westlife's Nicky Byrne celebrated the band's expected Best Pop Act victory with a new tattoo - a Japanese symbol for winner.
Nicky, told Smash Hits: "It's going to be an incredible night."
Westlife announced on MTV that they want Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates to support them on their upcoming UK tour.
Gareth, a massive Westlife fan, has yet to confirm whether he'll take the gig or not. But we think the group, consisting of a mixture of Dublin and Sligo natives, will convince him to come on board.
The young heartthrob was the hot favourite to win the Pop Idol contest but was pipped to the post by the talented Will Young in a close TV poll.
Westlife seem to be on the crest of a wave at the moment as they gear up to launch their new single.
The cheeky bunch were in high spirits at the weekend as they partied with the ShowBizIreland.com crew in Lillies Bordello.
Take it from us that this bunch are absolutely no pushovers when it comes to partying... Next time we'll hang the U2 lads - less chance of having a three day hangover!!
- From Showbiz Ireland
20th February 2002
Westlife are heading for an amazing 10th No 1 single this week with World Of Our Own. The band have beaten Kylie in the much publicised chart battle. In fact Kylie's In Your Eyes is currently only at No 3 according to midweek figures. Enrique Iglesias has dropped to No 2 with the Irish heartthrobs outselling the Latin star by 2:1.
Westlife are now in exalted chart company and are third in the table for a group with most No 1 hits. The Beatles top the table with 17, in second place comes Cliff Richard & The Shadows with 12, Westlife are third with 10, Abba are fourth with nine while the Rolling Stones are fifth with eight. Westlife also hold the chart record for most consecutive No 1 hits from their debut with seven.
19th February 2002
Westlife have been talking up their chances of a tenth No.1 this week, but they were hiding their nerves. Many people were confident that for the second time in their career, they'd have to settle for the runner up spot.
They'd been brave enough to go up against Kylie Minogue, who was following up, Can't Get You Of My Head her biggest hit of her career to date. Her new single In Your Eyes had already raced to No.1 on the UK airplay chart, but it seems that it won't be matching that feat on the sales chart.
Here at Smash Hits we were quietly confident of a Westlife victory. That's because the guys are already at No.1 on the Smash Hits Chart. You lot have been sending so many requests in to our TV channel and radio stations that When You're Looking Like That had already hit the top without having to sell a single copy.
Enrique Iglesias is still determined to be everyone's hero and he may yet gain his revenge on Westlife on the Top 40. Kylie may be stuck in third spot, but Enrique could yet close the gap.
The full Smash Hits Chart where your fave artists reach the top first is right here.
19th February 2002
Westlife are on course for a record-breaking week - and only Kylie stands in their way.
The Irish boyband are expecting a 10th No.1 with "World Of Our Own" and to win Best Pop Act at the Brits on Wednesday for the second year running.
But the Aussie pop pixie could upset the group's chances on both counts.
Today, Kylie releases her new single "In Your Eyes" - the follow-up to the hugely-successful No.1 Can't Get You Out Of My Head.
And she's up against the group for Best Pop Act - although insiders at the Brits are already claiming Westlife have won amid talk of a vote-rigging scandal.
In our new pictures of the group, it looks like the lads - Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne - mean business with their gangster-style look, complete with pin-stripe suits and trilby hats.
The group are counting on notching up their 10th No.1 - but have admitted they have no plans on stopping there.
Nicky said: "I'd like to win the world record for being the first band ever to sell 100 million albums."
Shane added: "I'd love to have the record for the band who've won the most awards."
Their song is a great up-tempo track which will see them leaving their stock-in-trade ballads for a tune you can actually dance to.
Kylie fans won't like what we say about In Your Eyes, but suffice to say her album Fever has only one decent song - "Can't Get You Out Of My Head".
"In Your Eyes" is co-written by Kylie and perhaps because of that, isn't as catchy or memorable as her previous hit.
With Mis-teeq releasing "B With Me" and Enrique Iglesias still at No.1 with "Hero", Kylie may even struggle to get a top five placing.
19th February 2002
Kylie Minogue and Westlife embark on the biggest chart battle of the year so far today (February 18).
Both release new singles in an attempt to break Enrique Iglesias' four week grip at the top of the UK single charts with his single 'Hero'.
Westlife release 'World Of Our Own', while Kylie releases her new single 'In Your Eyes'.
However, a chart expert told 'NME.COM' Westlife are the early favourites to go to the top. Genarro Castaldo from music retailer HMV commented: "This is the biggest chart battle of the year so far - and it's no surprise that it falls in Brits week. In Westlife and Kylie we have two heavyweight contenders. It's gonna be close, but at the end of the day you can't bet against Westlife. They have the more active fanbase, who can be relied on to rush out week one and buy 'World of Our Own' by the bucketload. Mind you, this is just the prelude to what will happen next week, when 'Pop Idol' mania will be let loose around the much-anticipated release of Will Young's cover of 'Evergreen' - ironically, a Westlife track."
For the midweek chart results, click back to nme.comtoday.
19th February 2002
Westlife are set to be joined by Pop Idol number two Gareth Gates.
The Daily Star have exclusively revealed that the boys - Gareth's favourite group - have invited him to join them on stage at the Manchester Evening News Arena in May.
The idea sprang from an interview on MTV where Westlife announced that they would like to sing with young Gareth.
- From Westlife.com
19th February 2002
If you are a Westlife fan who has missed the boat getting hold of tickets to the upcoming UK tour - then fear not, as another date has been added to keep up with demand!
The boys will now play the Birmingham NEC for five nights instead of four, taking in the new extra date of May 25.
And those dates are creeping up on us - the UK and Ireland leg of the tour kicks off on April 13.
18th February 2002
Westlife have revealed details of their sex lives in an interview with Cosmpolitan magazine. Bryan McFadden says he still found his wife Kerry Katona sexy during her pregnancy although the constant changing of nappies had since ruined the romantic moods! 'Kerry was radiant when she was pregnant,' says Bryan. 'The sexiest part of her was her bump, which was so sexy. But I do feel knackered getting up in the middle of the night to change nappies.' Bryan reveals he once returned to his hotel room to find two naked girls in his bed. 'I was in shock,' he says. 'I just stood there for a second, thinking I'd got the wrong room. I had to get security to throw them out. If I were single then maybe I would be impressed but I'm not into girls wanting to have sex with me because I'm in Westlife.'
Nicky Byrne talks about his romance with Georgina Ahern, the daughter of Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Aherne. 'We've been together for seven years and I still get excited seeing her,' says Nicky. The singer says the couple have just bought a house together and says the sitting room has become their favourite place, to erm, canoodle. 'It's like a big cosy log cabin with a big fireplace and huge cream couches, cream carpets and a plasma TV in the wall. It's amazing,' says Nicky. Nicky says he used to have a big crush on Kylie Minogue and told her so on a recent episode of cd:uk. 'She just laughed,' says Nicky.
Kian says he prefers Mediterranean girls with long dark hair but also Scandinavians with big blue eyes and a year-round tan. Shane, who dates Kian's cousin Gillian says he would never cheat on his girlfriend. 'I think being unfaithful is the worst way you can treat a girl,' he says.
Mark says he relishes his position as a single guy. 'I have had a few one night stands but I can't remember exactly when. I like going to different places and meeting different women. The more I meet, the more likely I'll eventually find my type.'
The band also admit their squeaky clean image is misleading. 'We're not clean cut little boys who sit at home and do what mummy tells them,' says Kian. 'We like to have a laugh and live our lives.'
The band release their new single, World Of Our Own today (18 February) and go head to head in the charts with Kylie Minogue's new single In Your Eyes.
The band are aiming for their 10th No 1 UK single.
18th February 2002
Shane Filan of Westlife tells me they reckon Kylie Minogue will be no competition in this week’s chart battle.
The boyband has World Of Our Own up against the Pop Princess – seen here in the video of her song, In Your Eyes.
Shane, right, told me: “We are great fans of Kylie and are looking forward to meeting her at the Brits.
“But we reckon we will sell more singles than her.
17th February 2002
Former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona is looking for work - because the show which she hoped would launch her tv career has been scrapped.
The blonde singer quit Atomic Kitten just over a year ago after falling pregnant by singer Bryan McFadden.
Her first job after that was as a roving reporter on Channel 5's showbiz gossip show Exclusive.
But Channel 5 spokesman Nick Deer announced last night: "After five years, Exclusive is in its final series. It will come off air - after its current 15-week run - at the end of March."
He added: "We've been delighted with the presenters and production team and are in discussions about future projects."
But Kerry - now mum to six-month-old Molly - was so kee on Exclusive, she even pre-recorded footage before flying off with Bryan on honeymoon to Mauritius last month.
17th February 2002
POP bride Kerry Katona had emergency surgery to remove a cyst the size of a football from one of her ovaries.
The ex-Atomic Kitten star was rushed to London's Chelsea and Westminister Hospital on Monday.
Kerry, who wed Westlife star Bryan McFadden last month, had a bloated stomach.
Doctors removed the non-maligant cyst and she went on home on Thursday. The 21-year-old blonde presenter of Channel 5's Exclusive showbiz show - was comforted in hospital by Bryan. His mum, Mairead flew from Dublin to their London home to look after their five-month-old baby, Molly.
Bryan, 21, told the News Of The World: "Kerry cannot walk and will be off work a month. But she is on the road of recovery. The cyst was the size of a football and it's going to take a time to get over." A friend said, "It was traumatic. Kerry was working in London when she began suffering severe pains. Bryan was a tower of strength. He has a very busy schedule at the moment because Westlife's new single World Of Our Own is out on Monday. But he dropped everything for Kerry. She is everything to him. Kerry is in a bad way but she will make a fully recovery."
"She is terribly worried that the operation may make it different for them to have more children."
But Sunday magazine doctor Hilary Jones said: "The ovary will be stretched beyond recognition by a cyst this size and will almost certainly be removed, along with the fallopian tube.
"But that still leaves the woman with another perfectly good ovary and fallopian tube. It should only reduce her ferility by two per cent."
Kerry and Bryan wed in a glittering £100,000 ceremony in County Meath. They live in a £1 million home in Delgany, County Wicklow, and have a flat in Chelsea.
17th February 2002
Westlife are set to scoop Best Pop Act at the Brits - for the second year runnning.
And next week the Irish heart-throbs are expected to score their 10th no.1 hit with World Of Our Own, which is rreleased tomorrow.
The band will be the first-ever act to train the title, voted for by music fans. Bryan McFadden told the News of the World: "It was great to win best Pop Act one, but to do it again is absolutely brilliant."
And according to Bryan and the other Westlife lads, their success is all down to...the mums.
As mother's Day on march 10 approaches, they sign the praises of the women who helped make them superstars.
Kian Egan says his mum, Patricia, set him on the road to stardom. "Since i was four, when she put me in a poetry competition, she's been running me around. She's brilliant. He showed his thanks by buying Patricia a seven-bedroom dream home. But her most treasured gidt is a little notebook he bought on Mother's Day. "He bought it when he was bout eight, so he could write, 'Mum, i luv you' inside" she explained.
Shane Filan's mum, Mae, helped Westlife get their first record deal, spending months perstering boyzonemanager Louis Walsh to listen to a demo tape.
"My mum has been a hug part of out success." he said.
Nicky Byrne's mum, Yvonne, is always there with cool, calm advice. he said "she is always full of encouragement." Yvonne says Nicky has showered her with Nomther's Day presents since he was youngster. "He would save his pocket money for weeks to buy me flowers or sweets."
Bryan McFadden says of his mum, Mairead, "She's always helping out anyone except herself," he said. And Mairead chipped in: "If Bryan only had a pound in his pocket he'd buy something for me or his sister."
Mark Feehily descrobes his mum Marie as "the most dedicated person I know." Marie said, "Mark has always put a lot of thought into buying presents!
now the fans are showered the lads with gifts too...their votes in the Brits!
17th February 2002
Ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona was rushed to hospital after collapsing in agony with stomach pains.
Kerry, who now presents the Channel 5 showbiz programme Exclusive, had to have an emergency operation to remove a huge cyst after being admitted to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.
Kerry, 21 - who gave birth to daughter Molly in August - was released on Thursday after a five-day stay.
Her pop star husband, Westlife heart-throb Bryan McFadden, 21, said last night: "Kerry was in a lot of pain - and I'm very relieved it's all over. The operation has been a complete success and she's slowly starting to get back on her feet. But she is going to need to take at least a month off work to recover."
Kerry and Bryan married last month at a star-studded ceremony at Slane Castle, Ireland.
She is said to have first begun feeling unwell on their luxury honeymoon on the paradise Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
Although she continued with the honeymoon and returned home safely to Britain, the pains suddenly grew worse.
At 2am last Saturday the pair called an ambulance to the exclusive Conrad Hotel in Chelsea Harbour, London, where they are staying while Westlife are on tour.
Kerry was taken to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she was immediately seen by leading consultant gynaecologist Mr Michael Stafford.
She was admitted to a single room in the private wing and underwent two separate operations.
It is believed the problem stemmed from the birth of Molly. Kerry endured an 18-hour labour before the baby arrived weighing 8lb 2oz.
Hormone changes during pregnancy can lead to problems including ovarian cysts.
The singer-turned TV presenter was visited by members of her family who travelled down from Warrington, Cheshire, to be by her side.
Other visitors included her best friend and former Atomic Kitten bandmate Natasha Hamilton. Kerry - who had left the girl band to have Molly - was replaced by current Kitten Jenny Frost.
Kerry and Bryan usually live at a seven-bedroom mansion in Ireland's County Wicklow.
But they are in Britain while Westlife - who are up for a handful of Brit Awards - tour the UK to promote their new single World Of Our Own.
17th February 2002
All you single London ladies would have done well to hit the town last night as there were two very lonely popstars out on the prowl for a Valentine's Day snog!
Our intrepid reporter bumped into none other than Kian and Mark backstage at the Pops and the lovelorn lovelies told us that they were feeling in need of some romantic action.
Kian said: "Me and Mark are single so I think we're going to go out tonight and have a bit of a laugh. We don't know where we're going. We'll head somewhere where there's loads of single girls 'cos it's Valentine's Night and it's not good to be lonely on Valentine's Night, you know!"
But what we really want to know now is, did either of them strike it lucky? Come on Kian, give us a call and put us out of our misery!
17th February 2002
Samantha Mumba, Gabrielle, Ronan Keating, and Lighthouse Family confirmed last night that they will perform at the Irish Music Awards.
They will attend alongside Westlife, The Cranberries and Muse at the 2002 Event taking place in the Point Theatre, on Monday, March 4th.
Celebrity presenters who will join Irish comedian Patrick Kielty on-stage include John Hurt, Brian Kennedy, Craig Doyle, Maria Doyle-Kennedy, Keith Duffy and Brendan O'Carroll.
Gabrielle and the Lighthouse Family have both enjoyed huge success this year with chart-topping albums in both the UK and Ireland.
Samantha Mumba will be flying in for the Meteor Ireland Music Awards from LA where she has been tying up some loose ends on the Stephen Spielberg movie Time Machine.
It looks set to be a night not to miss.
17th February 2002
Aiken Promotions are delighted to confirm that Westlife have agreed to add a 12th and final show to their record-breaking run of dates at the Odyssey in April and June. The extra date will be a Matinee Show on Saturday 22nd June.
An extra 2 Shows for June 20 & 21 were released last Saturday morning and sold out within an hour - therefore, to cope with demand an extra show for the evening of 22 June was added at 9am which also sold out within an hour.
This extra show means that Westlife will now perform an astounding 12 Shows at the Odyssey in April and June with an attendance over 100,000 making them the most popular Artist ever to play Northern Ireland.
WESTLIFE's new single 'World Of Our Own' is released next week - it couldn't come at a better time, they're taking Northern Ireland's World by storm.
16th February 2002
Westlife are the biggest boyband in this country and they're on SMTV Live this weekend. Shane, Nicky, Kian, Bryan and Mark will be performing their fantastic new single 'World Of Our Own' as well as taking part in the show all morning! Eat my goal (this week's prize is a super-cool ) will see westlife take on our other special guests Blue - male pride will make it a fiercely fought contest! If you have a question for Westlife - how do they feel about their upcoming chart battle with Kylie Minogue, or how married life is treating Bryan then e-mail us now at studio@smtvlive.co.uk or text on 07740 700 900. But don't forget - only the best questions will make it onto the show!
16th February 2002
Nicky Westlife on what his girlfriend thinks about him...
'She thinks I'm sweet, kind romantic...and smelly!! I dunno, maybe she thinks I'm generous and kind, and loving and caring. Maybe she doesn't!!'
Westlife's Valentine's advice for popworld readers:
'To the guys be as romantic as you can be because you can never go over the top. Girls love all that kind of thing. If it's dinner, flowers, chocolates, a weekend away, even a flower picked from the garden they love all that stuff. To the girls give the romance back. Fellas get overlooked but if a girl takes a fella out for dinner and pays that can be quite a nice surprise! not her.'
Shanes Westlife's valentine's message to you!
'Just have a great time whatever you do. The last thing you should do is break it off with somebody because the will remember it for the rest of their lives.'
Mark Westlife valentine's message to you!
'I hope everyone enjoys their Valentine's Day and is as close as possible to the position that they want to be on that day! Oh dear, that can be taken in the wrong way. I hope that as many people as possible are as happy as possible Valentine´s Day can be sometimes a bad experience if you´re not in the right relationship.'
Kian on why he doesn’t have a girlfriend...
'I don’t know really. The last girl I was seeing couldn´t stand what I did. It was all really appealing, y'know seeing one of the guys from Westlife, but when it came down to the crunch, say I'd be going to a
party, and she couldn't go with me cos I'd be there for work reasons she'd be really ticked off. Then not wanting to hold hands walking down the street, that really ticked her off, the travelling around the world
all the time, she couldn't stand it. I think it's not really my choice. I think if I find someone that understands what I do, then I´ll probably stay with them but nobody can really understand what I do. It's very hard.'
16th February 2002
Westlife were at the centre of a Brit Awards vote-rigging scandal last night.
A probe was launched after almost 1,000 telephone votes for Best Pop Act were traced to just three numbers.
Organisers informed the band's label BMG Records — home of their guru, Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell — of the irregularities.
Awards bosses monitoring the phone votes spotted that nearly 500 calls came from one landline. Over 300 votes came from one mobile number and 100 from another, believed to belong to a Westlife supporter.
The phone-vote lines were set up to allow viewers of TV's CD:UK and readers of The Sun to vote for Westlife, Kylie Minogue, Blue, S Club 7 or Hear'Say in that category.
The multiple votes have now been discounted — but insiders say Westlife are still "miles ahead" in the race to win the gong at the bash in London next Wednesday.
One Brits source admitted: "It's a scandal. We noticed that there were hundreds of calls coming from the same numbers. We couldn't believe it. We don't know who was doing it, but the three numbers stood out so it wasn't very subtle. The organisers spotted it straight away and acted very quickly. It's a public vote and it has been abused."
A BMG Records spokesman said: "If anyone is caught multi-voting, we know the Brits will remove them so the best artist wins on the night. The system is fair."
Westlife — Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Bryan McFadden and Nicky Byrne — won the award last year.
Three years ago, obscure Scottish indie band Belle and Sebastian pipped Steps to the Best Newcomer gong after an email and phone voting scandal.
The star-studded Brits bash takes place at Earl's Court, West London.
Stars appearing will include Sting, Jamiroquai and Ali G.
Hosted by TV's Frank Skinner and DJ Zoe Ball, it's the centrepiece of the British pop industry calendar.
16th February 2002
Westlife have had almost 1,000 phone votes cancelled by Brit Awards organisers after it was discovered that the calls were made from just three phone lines.
The Irish boyband are nominated in the best pop category, which is voted for by fans, alongside Kylie Minogue, S Club 7, Blue and Hear'Say.
Brit organisers say the irregular voting is probably down to over zealous fans rather than a record company plot.
A spokesperson told the BBC: "I don't think it's anything as sinister as record companies doing it or anything like that. I think it's just their over-obsessive fans, and I'm sure Westlife have a lot of obsessive fans."
She continued: "It's going to be quite a closely-contested one and I don't think we're going to know the outcome until the night itself."
This year's Brit Awards ceremony will be held at London's Earl's Court on Wednesday, February 20.
Westlife's new single, 'World Of Our Own', is released next Monday.
15th February 2002
Oooh, we're pretty excited here at MSN Towers (well our offices here in Soho!) - because we've been chatting with Westlife. Nicky, Bryan, Shane, Kian and Mark were right here on the sofa last night chatting to you in a live web chat! But if you missed it - don't worry! You can see the archive footage of our chat by clicking the links below.
For 28k click here.
For 34k click here.
For 80k click here.
For 250k click here.
15th February 2002
Liz and Natasha were at the wedding of former band member, Kerry Katona, to Westlife singer and father of her daugther, Molly, Bryan McFadden. "It was a huge fairy-tale sort of dream-come-true wedding, and Kerry looked amazing," says Liz. "Her baby was so cute and so well-behaved. But I will say one thing: I was holding her for ages and she slobbered all over my dress. I was like, 'Oh no!’"
15th February 2002
Westlife have added a record-breaking 12th concert to their run of
shows at Belfast's Odyssey Arena.
The new show will be a matinee performance on June 22.
Tickets will go on sale on Saturday.
The band have sold more than 100,000 tickets for their first 11 gigs
at the venue.
Kian Egan told the Belfast News Letter: "We're going to make it 12
amazing shows. We wanted to give the fans one last chance to get tickets because
the demand in Ulster has been amazing. The shows are going to be energetic and have loads of surprises - hopefully now some of the fans who couldn't get tickets will be given
a last chance."
Aiken Promotions spokeswoman Cathy Wilson said: "This is going to be
the last chance for fans who haven't managed to get tickets yet."
15th February 2002
London's Sexiest Stars - The Results!
Loads of you voted in our Sexy Celeb Poll and we've just finished compiling the results. So read on and find out which celebs get your pulses racing...
It's been a good week for Enrique Iglesias - not only is he enjoying his second week at the top of the charts, but he is also officially the sexiest male celeb, according to you lot. Robbie Williams, winner of countless other 'sexy' polls comes in third, behind Brad Pitt - could he be losing his magic?! Meanwhile, ex-Savage Garden star Darren Hayes is in a respectable fourth position, followed closely by Shane from Westlife. Elsewhere in the Top 10 are Tom Cruise, Lee from Blue, Josh Hartnett, Christian Burns of BBMak and oldie George Michael.
1. Enrique Iglesias
2. Brad Pitt
3. Robbie Williams
4. Darren Hayes
5. Shane Filan (Westlife)
6. Lee Ryan (Blue)
7. Josh Hartnett
8. Tom Cruise
9. Christian Burns (BBMak)
10. George Michael
15th February 2002
Valentine's message from the boys:
This is Westlife and we would just like to wish everyone a very Happy
Valentine's Day. We hope you are having as special a day as we are
and thank you to everyone who has sent us cards and gifts.
A big thank you also to everyone who logged onto the MSN webchat we
had last night - it was a huge success.
See you all soon on our European tour.
Lots of love,
Westlife xxxxx
14th February 2002
Irish popstars Westlife have dismissed the song chosen for the Pop Idol winner as one of the "weakest" on their album. Will Young will release Evergreen, an album track from the boyband's last album A World of Our Own, as part of a double A-side single in a fortnight.
However the group, who share the same management team as the Pop Idol star, said the song is not up to scratch. Singer Bryan McFadden told GMTV: "It's one of the weakest songs on our album." His point was echoed by bandmate Kian Egan who said: "When we heard the song at first we always new it was going to be a great song, but when we recorded it just wasn't a contender for our singles."
14th February 2002
Pop princess Britney Spears and real-life royal Prince William are the two people children would most like to marry, a new poll showed. The 19-year-old prince was named as ideal husband material by one in five girls aged under 10.
Prince Harry also made the list, with 8% of young girls revealing they would marry him if they had the chance. Robbie Williams was third but was beaten to the second spot by the surprise entry of fictional wizard Harry Potter, voted for by one in five girls.
All five members of Westlife and Manchester United star David Beckham were also popular choices in the poll of 200 children carried out by Premier Christian Radio.
14th February 2002
It might've been jam-packed with popsters when we shimmied backstage at Channel 5's PEPSI CHART SHOW recently, but it was still freezing! The WESTLIFE lads kept their coats and woolLy hats on during their sound check in the chilly studio - but it didn't stop BRYAN from showing off his tanned tummy (and huge new wedding ring) to the show's host, ABBIE EASTWOOD. NO DOUBT warmed up by tucking into some hot nosh, while MARK A1 nipped off to buy PAUL a birthday prezzie. "I got him a wicked JIM MORRISON (Hippy singer from the 60s) statue thing," he beamed when he returned. "He's gonna love it!"
Just before getting on-stage, O-TOWN and WESTLIFE chilled out by catching up on the latest footie action on telly screens backstage. Between SHANE, NICKY and KIAN's screams of "Come on Man U," ASHLEY came over for a quick chat to da HITS. "I'm a big soccer fan," he 'fessed. "I used to play all the time at high school, but I don't know much about the British Teams. What's this Man U?" Blimey - is there really someone in this world who hasn't heard of Becks!
13th February 2002
This week, OK! magazine made up a list of (what they think are) the
20 most romantic star couples. Nicky and Georgina got no. 11.
Here are the twenty couples:
20.Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant
19. Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
18. Penélope Cruz and Tom Cruise
17. Cherie and Tony Blair
16. Sir Elton John and David furnish
15. Jenny Frost and Dominic Thrupp
14. Jules and Jamie Oliver
13. george Michael and Kenny Goss
12. Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley
11. Georgina Ahern and Nicky Byrne
10. Tracy Shaw and Robert Ashworth
9. Sheree Murphy and Harry Kewell
8. Jennifer aniston and Brad Pitt
7. Billie and Chris Evans
6. Joan Collins and Percy Gibson
5. Victoria and David Beckham
4. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake
3. Kym Marsh and Jack Ryder
2. Cathereine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas
1. Rachel Stevens and jeremy edwards
13th February 2002
Ask WESTLIFE everything YOU want to know, all via the joy of TEXT!
TXT Conference is here again! And boy oh boy have we got a treat in store for you.
For a special one-off TXT Conference, we've lined up the world's favourite Famous Five. Yes, that's Shane, Mark, Nicky, Kian and Bryan, the beautiful Westlife, here in the studio to answer the most intimate of questions from your mobile phone.
So get to it, and TXT your questions to 07740 11 22 33. 4.30 - 5.30 Wed Feb 13.
13th February 2002 13th February 2002 13th February 2002
Remember about Pop Idols covering Evergreen? Well Capitalfm.com got the song. Click HERE to listen to it.
Bryan McFadden says Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell phoned him on his honeymoon to tell him he needed to lose weight.
The Westlife singer was staying in Mauritius with new bride Kerry Katona.
He says Simon told him he looked fat in his wedding photos.
"I told him that's the way I am," he said in an interview with GMTV.
"I'm not going to have any liposuction. He couldn't ruin my honeymoon."
And band mate Kian says they think Will Young's version of the band's track Evergreen will be a hit.
The Pop Idol winner is releasing the single on February 25.
"We always knew it was going to be a great song," Kian said.
"It was never a contender for us to release as a single but with Will I'm sure it will do really well."
A new Westlife video game is set to offer fans exclusive information and video footage of the band's members.
Games publisher TDK Mediactive worked closely with Bryan, Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark to create Westlife: Fan-O-Mania, a trivia game that includes hundreds of questions about the Westlife's music, videos and love lives. The PC version of the game will feature a range of exclusive printable images, signed by the boys.
Succeeding the game's many challenges will unlock special interviews with the band, while the Day In The Life Of feature features an interactive Tour Bus, Hotel Suite and Recording Studio.
Should Fan-O-Mania top the video game charts, Westlife will become the first band to have a No 1 album and video game.
Fans can also compete against each other in the game's multiplayer mode.
The game is set for a March release on Sony PlayStation and PC.
CLICK HERE to see Westlife's World Of Our Own video
- From Worldpop
12th February 2002
We've had hundreds of your photos for the Brits competition with some really great shots. It's going to be tough judging the winners. If you haven't sent your photos in yet don't worry you've still got time to get them in to be in with a chance of winning one of those fab Mulberry Westlife passport holders. If you want to enter the competition just go and get the Westlife ecard. You can find a link to in the Westlife Supplies area in message boards.
You can still vote for the lads in the Brits too, lines close tomorrow so go ahead and vote to help the guys win the award. For details on how to vote go to the message boards.
12th February 2002
Westlife have confirmed they will be doing a webchat next Wednesday 13th February at 7pm GMT on MSN.co.uk. The webchat will be filmed and broadcast live.
The guys will be at MSN.co.uk where they will be taking questions from the MSN.co.uk interviewer plus answering a selected number of questions from their fans. The last webchat they did resulted in them getting over 20,000 questions so please don't be disappointed if your question doesn't get answered as even Westlife can't answer that many questions in 45 minutes! As its the day before valentines day MSN.co.uk have a great competition prize up for grabs including chocolates and flowers plus a signed V card!! The guys are really looking forward to the chat so hopefully you'll be there! For more information head over to MSN.co.uk
12th February 2002
Westlife are to join Britney Spears and Destiny's Child in a Walt Disney television special. The guys will appear in the star-studded spectacular to be broadcast on March 16, tying in with the opening of a new theme park at Disneyland Paris.
It's a great show for Nicky, Bryan, Shane, Mark and Kian as there will be different versions specially made for almost all European countries and an international one for world wide use.
Disney have described the show as one of the most ambitious they've ever undertaken in Europe and we can't wait to see the guys in action!
7th February 2002
Westlife release their new single, World Of Our Own on 18 February. The superstar Irish group will be aiming for their 10th No 1 single with the track, which is taken from their recent album, World Of Our Own. The song is a singalong, up-tempo track with a B-side, Crying Girl, co-written by the band's Bryan McFadden.
To watch the new video click here.
Westlife added to their haul of awards this weekend when they picked up the Favourite Pop Act gong at the MTV Asia Music Awards. Meanwhile the band are preparing for their second arena tour. The In The Round 2002 tour kicks off in Europe on 3 April and concludes in their hometown of Dublin on 16 June. The band's six shows in Dublin sold out within 30 minutes.
6th February 2002
Westlife are still planning to make a movie - but not just yet.
Rumours about a big screen adventure for Nicky, Bryan, Shane, Mark and Kian have been floating about for a while, but the guys have far too much on at the moment to give it the attention it deserves.
Platinum members, look in your 'News' section to hear an exclusive audio clip from Nicky, talking about Westlife's big screen possibilities.
6th February 2002
There's one thing for sure about Westlife -- they certainly love Asia!
Other than dropping by Singapore for the MTV Asia Awards 2002 on February 2 (which the lrish lads won an award for the Favourite Pop Act Category), Shane, Mark, Kian, Nicky and Bryan also took some time to meet the press and fans at a special regional press conference and showcase to promote their latest album "World Of Our Own" earlier last week (January 31, 2002).
Although the lads have had an unlucky experience while promoting their last album "Coast To Coast" at Zouk last year (it rained so badly that the boys had to be cancel and all their fans were drenched from head to toe), Westlife have chosen to hold the press conference and showcase at the same venue again, but this time, it was a lovely sunny day.
At the press conference that kick started off at around 4:30 p.m., the boys answered various questions about Bryan's new found marital status, Nicky's rumored marriage in the works, the boys' quest for America and much more. After the grilling interview session, the five happy Irish lads were presented with platinum plaques from the regional offices of their record label BMG, commemorating the success of their latest album "World Of Our Own." A short photo session later with their proud plaques, the boys adjourned backstage to prepare for their showcase that was due later at 6:00 p.m.
In true Westlife fashion, the showcase started late. Although Westlife fans have already packed the venue to the brim at around 7:00 p.m., it wasn't until around 8:00 p.m. that the two radio hosts came out to do a short banter with the crowd. A video presentation with the boys' latest video "World Of Our Own" was shown on the TV screen later, before Shane, Mark, Kian, Nicky and Bryan finally re-appeared, launching into their comic relief single "Uptown Girl," much to the delight of the fans and the relief of those who were tired of waiting.
Delving into Westlife's past glory, the lads also sung their well-loved tunes -- "My Love" and "Flying Without Wings" from their previous albums "Coast To Coast" and "Westlife." The fans proved to be a good crowd, singing and grooving to the songs without fail too!
Of course, how could the lads call it a night before singing some new tunes from their latest album? Right after the ballad "Flying Without Wings," Shane, Mark, Kian, Nicky and Bryan quickly belted out their latest single "World Of Our Own." To keep the chirpy and up-tempo vibe going, the boys continued with "Bop Bop Baby," a great track co-written by Shane and Bryan. With "Queen Of My Heart," a ballad that the boys admitted that is that slowest song to date, the night finally ended with a mellow twist, with the fans relishing every moment of the short five-song showcase.
Well, if you were not there for the Westlife "World Of Our Own" experience and simply want more of the boys, then watch out for our interview that will include lots of exclusive pictures from the interview and showcase later in the month!
4th February 2002
4th February 2002 4th February 2002
Congratulations to Westlife for winning Best Pop Act in the MTV Asia Europe Awards!
Westlife was in Stockholm (Sweden) this Monday (Jan 21) for the Nordic NRJ Music Awards 2002. They were nominated for Best International Group which they took home with them! Congratulations to the guys!
Presenting the award was no one less then their old manager Ronan Keating together with the Swedish actress and singer Regina Lund.
They were still without Bryan but did a great job performing live both World Of Our Own and Uptown Girl.
They shared the stage with artists like Kyle Minogue, Alanis Morissette, Ronan Keating and Andreas Johnson. The show was broadcast in Scandinavia on TV, Internet and on the radio.
Victoria Beckham has told worldpop that Westlife will never be on a par with the Spice Girls.
Speaking to worldpop at her record company HQ, Virgin, Victoria told us: 'I know Westlife are a massively successful band but I don't think they could ever compare themselves with the Spice Girls. Obviously they're massive at the moment but they haven't had the same kind of success as the Spice Girls. We were a worldwide success. We had a No 1 record in America and all over the world. I don't think Westlife have reached that level yet.'
- From Worldpop
4th February 2002
Irish boyband Westlife are preparing to make their next raid on the British charts -- by dressing up as characters from gangster movie "Reservoir Dogs."
The five lads, Mark Feehily, Nicky Feehily, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Bryan McFadden, get kitted out like the hardmen from Quentin Tarantino's cult movie in the video for new single "World Of Our Own."
In the promo, they race around in a macho Hummer Jeep chased by cops.
And in the interests of authenticity, the group have even hired some Doberman dogs to complete the image.
Newly-wed McFadden, who married former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona on Saturday (January 5), says of the shoot, "We looked great in the suits and loved out bad-boy look."
The boys will be facing a tough fight when they release the track on February 18 -- they'll be up against Kylie Minogue and her single "In Your Eyes."
2nd February 2002
Simon Cowell may have us throwing things at the TV each Saturday night, but he's no fool. He must know a thing or two about pop because he's given us Five and Westlife.
Mr Scary is about to add to his fortune when the winner of Pop Idol is signed to his record company. But why stop there when you can also help one of your established artists to sell even more records?
With only two weeks to spare between the winner being declared and their single being released on February 25, Darius, Gareth and Will have all made secret trips to a recording studio to record two songs.
One has been written by top tune-smith Cathy Dennis, who's most recent triumph is Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head, and the other in a super-smooth Simon Cowell move will be a Westlife track. He has selected Evergreen from the chart-topper's current album World Of Our Own.
So Westlife will now have a tenth No.1 (sort of) without even trying. With their own single World Of Our Own released the previous Monday (February 18), scary Simon's masterplan is to have one Westlife song replace another at the top of the chart.
2nd February 2002
Westlife know what it's like to taste success at the Brit Awards - last year they won Best Pop Act and are up for the same category this year. But on Saturday 2nd February, the guys can be seen hosting a half hour show on ITV1 as a taster for the upcoming Brit Awards. Nicky, Bryan, Shane, Mark and Kian will host 'The BRITS Are Coming', the first of three shows previewing the event.
The show will feature performances from Best International Newcomer nominee Nelly Furtado, and will also show Westlife introducing features on six-time BRITS nominees Gorillaz and Garage girl trio Mis-Teeq.
2nd February 2002
Westlife may have had a string of consecutive number one singles, but the guys are wondering whether they can win the BRITS 'Best Pop Act' award for the second year running, too.
They walked away with the award last year, but this year they face some stiff competition from the likes of Kylie Minogue.
It's a phone vote, so ask whoever pays the bills if it's OK to call in and vote, vote, vote for Westlife!
1st February 2002
The Brit Awards 2002 are set to take place on February 20 at Earl's Court in London. And with a star-studded line-up that includes So Solid Crew, Dido, Kylie Minogue, Mis-Teeq, Shaggy, Sting and The Strokes, you'd better book your seat on the sofa now!
In fact, you may even want to start warming it early - ITV1 are hostingthree special programmes called 'he Brits Are Coming', the first of which will be shown tonight (ITV1, 5.40pm).
The first show is a half hour spesh hosted by Westlife and featuring Nelly Furtado as well as a profile on the Gorillaz and Mis-Teeq.
The second show (ITV, Saturday, February 9) will be hosted by S Club 7 and will profile Dido and The Strokes.
We'll bring you details of the third show as soon as we get 'em...
