Irish boy band Westlife are looking forward to singing in front of their favourite Aussie television stars when they perform at the Logies this weekend.

The group - Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan - will perform their new single, Something Right, on Australian television's night of nights on Sunday.

A couple of weeks ago their former bandmate, Brian McFadden, drew a blank when the awards were mentioned, but Westlife have made sure they know what the Logies actually are.

“We do now,” Egan said.

“We know they're a big TV awards show,” added Filan.

“We didn't know how big they were, but obviously getting to perform at them is a big thing and we're very happy with that.”

The guys are big fans of some of Australia's most popular television exports, such as Neighbours and Kath & Kim.

“We watch Kath & Kim,” the band said in unison.

“I love Kath & Kim, and I used to be a massive fan of Home and Away,” Feehily said.

Byrne added: “If you think about it, Australians produce some great television. “You've got Skippy over the years, Home and Away and Neighbours...”

Westlife's Logies performance will be the last time Aussie fans see the group for a while.

The band plan to take some time off after celebrating their 10-year anniversary in July.

Filan said the group find it hard to believe it has been a decade since they formed.

“It feels pretty weird to be honest,” he said.

“But I think we feel very proud of the band, and very satisfied with the last 10 years.”

Westlife has sold 40 million records and racked up 14 UK No 1 singles in the decade.

Egan said a lot had changed along the way.

“We take it a lot more seriously now than we did when we were younger,” he said.

“I don't think we even realised what we were doing when we were younger.

“We didn't start taking it seriously until about six years in.”

After celebrating the milestone, the guys will take the best part of a year off to reflect and recharge the batteries.

“It's all about *me time' for each of us,” Filan said.

“I think we need to reassess everything,” Byrne expanded.

“To make it work, we need to know what it's all about again, and I don't think we do anymore.
“I think we're just on that treadmill that doesn't stop.”

The band are quick to reassure fans they are not planning on breaking up.

On the contrary, they want to make Westlife better.

“In a way, maybe we've let the music slide a little bit, because it was so quick and happy,” Filan explained.

“We need to find better music again.”

AAP

Credit/Source: www.thewest.com.au

It's back to work for the boys, who've spent the last few weeks relaxing with family and friends and celebrating three special birthdays - Rocco and Jay's (Nicky's twins) and Kian's.

The band flew down to Sydney yesterday to begin a whirlwind promotional tour. First stop will be visits to the top Sydney breakfast radio shows on Friday 2nd May - local fans can listen out for chats with the boys on Mix 106.5FM, Mix 97.3FM, 2GB and 2CH. The afternoon will be taken up with a flurry of interviews for press, websites and TV.

They've then got a couple of days to prepare for the most exciting night in the Australian TV calendar - The Logies! The boys will be walking up the red carpet at the star-studded bash, then performing their new international single ‘Something Right' with a live orchestra. It's set to be an incredible show.

No time for a lie-in the next morning as they have to be up bright and early to perform ‘Something Right' and ‘Us Against The World' on ‘Sunrise' the next day, before jetting over to New Zealand in preparation for the next leg of their arena tour.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

This week I've had the chance to hang out with Dancing with the Stars winners Stefano Olivieri and Temepara George.


They're such pros. They frocked up again for their chosen charity autism and danced about the Westfield Mall at Albany on Tuesday afternoon.

Thousands and thousands of people turned up for this. Kids right through to nannas were there to see them in their sequins while Geoff Sewell hit the high notes, singing songs from his new album Believe.

Why? All three have been united by autism. Geoff's daughter Sienna is autistic while Temepara's friend is affected by the condition.

The autistic community turned up in droves to support their biggest cheerleaders. A great day, spoiled only by the crabby-faced Westfield Mall people who looked as though they'd swallowed a lemon for most of the 20 minute performance which was watched up thousands.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it good to have a lot of people in the mall and isn't it a good thing to have happy, entertained shoppers. It would put me in the mood for retail.

Despite all this, Stefano managed his wonderful Colgate smile throughout the afternoon. Why on earth a toothpaste company hasn't picked him up for their ads, beggers belief. Watch this space.

He also showed me his tatts. Not only does he have a star for each of the DWTS series he's appeared in, but he also has a tiger right across his back. He tells me it's still fresh and a litte sore.

Other good news about Stefano. He, like me, have swum against the tide of Kiwis crossing the ditch. He's moved here from Oz for good ... just like I did 18 years ago. What are all those Tasman hoppers thinking?

Next week we're off to Christchurch to welcome the world's biggest boy band, Westlife, into our country. They've never been here before but I'm sure they'll be back given the reception we've offered them.

We've sold over 33,000 tickets to the five concerts, with the Wellington show selling out within hours of going on sale with Ticketek. Wow.

I hear there's some pretty special things instore for them when they arrive.

**We have two double passes to the Cinderella On Ice tour, due in Auckland and Wellington in July, to give away. To be in to win, send an email with the subject line "Cinderella Tickets" to andy.morris@sunday-news.co.nz

Credit/Source: www.stuff.co.nz

AN Armoy girl's devotion to boy band Westlife almost cost her the opportunity to meet the man of her dreams!
Emma McIlhatton was on the verge of abandoning a trip to the Dominican Republic to attend a wedding with her sister, Gillian, because she had planned to go to a Westlife concert.

However, she opted for the wedding and it was there that she met and fell in love with geo-technical engineer, Steven Turner.

That was exactly two years ago and now the couple are hoping to exchange vows in the near future.

Their relationship is so cemented that Emma has chosen to up sticks and move to Altrincham, Manchester, to be with her beloved.
And last Friday, the 23-year-old bid a fond farewell to family and friends in Armoy to start a new life in England.

Emma was treated to a farewell party at Armoy Rugby Club Social Club the previous night with workmates, family and a host of friends turning up to say their goodbyes.
Naturally, Emma is somewhat nervous about her decision, but knows Steven, aged 27, is the man for her.

"We fell for each other immediately and we can't wait until the day we marry," Emma told the Times.
"I am looking forward to England. Sure we'll give it a go," she added.
Talking of the decision that turned her life, Emma said: "I must have seen Westlife about 20 times and had booked to see them again when the wedding clashed.

"My sister was in the bridal party for her close friend Shelley who was marrying Steven's brother, Andrew, in the Dominican Republic. I almost didn't go and wouldn't that have been something?
"I'm so glad I did because it has changed my life forever," she added.
Emma has worked in Armoy Post Office for about five years and has her quiet demeanour and helpful approach has made her a popular assistant with customers.

Many will be disappointed to see her go, but wish her all the best in her new life.
Apart from the obvious, another upside of the move is that Emma can be closer to Manchester United.

She is a fanatical supporter of the Red Devils and is a regular visitor to watch them at Old Trafford.

Emma's mum, Lorna, said she was both sad and pleased.

"I'll miss Emma about the house and so will her father and sisters, but she's got to take the opportunity. Both her and Steven are very much in love," Lorna added.
Credit/Source: www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk

MORE than 50,000 tickets have already been sold for this year’s Summer Pops.

The month-long extravaganza which moves into the ECHO arena for 2008 is expected to be the best attended in years.

And promoter Chas Cole believes the new waterfront venue is playing a big role in the event’s success.

He said: “The new ECHO arena has definitely helped attract the big names to this year's event and Bob Prattey and his staff at the arena have all played a major part. As has the Liverpool ECHO, in supporting the Summer Pops over the past seven years.”

The full Liverpool Summer Pops line-up is now complete with a host of world class acts confirmed.

Soul diva Diana Ross, who makes her second appearance at the Pops, said today: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the arena.”

The UK’s most successful boy band, Westlife, get the show on the road on Sunday, June 29, while the Australian Pink Floyd show bring proceedings to an end on Saturday, July 26.

Other top acts include Grammy Award winner Meat Loaf and legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Rockers Def Leppard and Canadian crooner Michael Bublé have also signed up.

Pops favourite Deacon Blue, Simply Red front man Mick Hucknall and popular pianist and bandleader Jools Holland return, as does the sensational stage production The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas and Britain’s leading musical star Michael Ball.

Ex-Rolling Stone man Bill Wyman will be performing a special show with folk legend John Martyn.

Iconic eighties band Duran Duran and New Zealand song-smiths Crowded House are making their first Pops appearances, as are American rock band Counting Crows and punk legends Blondie and The Strangers.

One of Liverpool’s most successful bands of all time, The Farm, will reunite to play their first Pops show.

And in celebration of the first ever Beatles Day on July 1, Imagine The Concert, in support of the ECHO’s Liverpool Unites appeal and the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, will bring together a host of artists performing their favourite Beatles songs, hosted by Ricky Tomlinson.

Get your tickets

For tickets and the VIP Pops Experience call 0844 847 1616
ECHO Arena 0844 8000 400/online at www.accliverpool.com
Ticketmaster 0844 847 1616
Ticketline 0151-256 5555
Seetickets 0871 220 0260
Liverpool Direct 0151-233 3007

Or in person from the 08 Place or the ECHO Arena box office

www.cmplive.com

news@liverpoolecho.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Written by Lisa Regan

Tickets for the most anticipated show in the West this year went on sale this morning (23 April) at 9am. The pop sensations will play live at Pearse Stadium on Saturday 21 June for one night only. However, contrary to other media reports Shanye Ward has not yet been confirmed to support the gig.

"This show is going to go down in history. The excitement around the West of Ireland is incredible and everyone is counting down the days to what is promised to be one of the biggest pop events this summer," said Managing Director of Absolute Productions, John Greaney.

In the past ten years Westlife have sold over 36 million records globally and been awarded 28 platinum discs. They are the only band ever to win the prestigious 'Record of the Year' award four times.

Tickets, which are €59.50, €69.50, €79.50 including booking fee, are available from Ticket Master and all usual outlets nationwide. Buy online at www.ticketmaster.ie or by phone on 0818-719300.

Credit/Source: www.galwayindependent.com

By Richard Hercock

POP band Westlife are currently in the middle of an exhausting tour � but that won't stop Shane Filan from ditching the white suit and flying into Sheffield this weekend.

For the Irish pin-up is a huge snooker fan, big mates with Ken Doherty, and has booked tickets for the Crucible with a bunch of friends to catch some of the action at the 888.com World Championship.

"I've loved the game since I was a kid," revealed the 28-year-old. "I played pool on a table in the local cafι then started going to snooker clubs and playing snooker once I could reach over the table.

"It's been a hobby ever since then. Now I've got a full-size snooker table in my house and I love it.

"I've never been to a tournament before. For the last four or five years I've always wanted to go the Crucible but we've always been on tour in April.

"But this time I'm going with three friends, we'll be there during the middle weekend, I can't wait. I'm really looking forward to it," Filan told the Crucible's official tournament programme.

Filan is no stranger to Sheffield. Westlife played twice in the Steel City last month and are due back for a further date in May before the band take a 12-month break.

Filan met Doherty during a golf pro-am at the K Club, and have kept in touch ever since.

"I still remember when he won the world title in 1997," he said. "I was watching at home in Sligo. All the snooker clubs were packed.

"Ireland had never had a snooker world champion before and hasn't since so it was a great achievement."

Credit/Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

4 a.m. start for teens to secure tickets




When most of us were tucked up in our beds having sweet dreams in the early hours of Wednesday morning, two young County Galway girls were wide awake on Shop Street but were still dreaming - dreaming of a summer date with their heroes Westlife!

Early birds Michelle Sweeney, Mountbellew and Orla Coyne, Newbridge started queuing outside Zhivago’s at 4am on Wednesday morning and were first to secure tickets to pop sensation Westlife’s Salthill summer gig in Pearse Stadium.

Four Castlegar teens Niamh Connell, Sharon Glynn, ElizabethGrier and Natalie Coleman have all seen the Westlife lads in concert between four and six times already, but that hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm for the Salthill gig.

The girls arrived at 6.30am and while it’s difficult for many to comprehend why anyone would get up so early and queue for anything, the girls’ response probably best sums up the feeling of thousands of fans throughout the country.

There article is bigger but you need to be subscribed to read it.

Credit/Source: www.galwaynews.ie

by Sarah Gaffney, Ormskirk Advertiser

WESTLIFE have confirmed they will be appearing at Liverpool’s Summer Pops.

Over the last nine years the Irish heartthrobs have sold over 40 million records globally and been awarded 28 platinum discs, including a record-breaking 14 number one hits, beaten only by Elvis and The Beatles.

The band’s hits include “Flying Without Wings”, “Uptown Girl”, “Mandy”, “World Of Our Own”, “You Raise Me Up” and recent smash hit “Home“.’”.

Westlife formed in 1998, signed by Simon Cowell and managed by Louis Walsh.

Shane Filan said; “It’s great to be coming back to the Pops, it’s become almost a tradition for us now, this will be our fourth Pops show.

“The Liverpool fans are always really up for it, and we get a great reaction, we look forward to putting on a very special show for the fans.”

They are the latest act to sign up for this year’s event, alongside confirmed artists Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Michael Bublι and Michael Ball among others.

Westlife perform on June 29 at 8pm. Tickets are £27.50, £32.50 To book ring 0844 847 1616 or long onto www.cmplive.com

Credit/Source: icseftonandwestlancs.icnetwork.co.uk

Look out NZ, Westlife are coming! Watch Westlife - The Number Ones Tour this Saturday @ 8:30pm and you could win: a double pass to their Auckland concert, a limo ride to the gig, their back catalogue AND a meet and greet with the bnad!!!

Watch Westlife: The Number Ones Tour, this Saturday @ 8:30pm and you could win BIG!!!

Watch the show this Saturday, answer the questions below and you could win:

- A double pass to the Auckland concert
- Limo ride to the concert
- A meet and greet with WESTLIFE!!
- The Westlife back catalogue

To go in the draw: watch the special @ 8:30pm on Saturday night then come back here, log-in and tell us the first and the last songs played in the concert.

Entries close Tuesday 29th April @ 9am.

Credit/Source: C4 Email / www.c4tv.co.nz

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