A brief history of crooning - mentioning Westlife
Source: Financial Times / by Paul Morley

Crooning has moved on from the days when it was regarded as maudlin and effeminate.

In the mid-1920s, the radio microphone was perfected, sensitive to soft sounds, and the lightness of breathing. Popular singing changed forever: instead of having to project their voices to the back of theatres, singers developed a more subtle vocal aesthetic; they could focus on emotion, tone and nuance, not volume.

Miraculously murmuring Bing Crosby was the reaction to the mannered, shouty Al Jolson and the stilted, other-worldly Enrico Caruso. Jolson still used a formal European operatic style, mixed crudely with the American minstrel tradition. Crosby, and other early Romeos of the radio like Rudy Vallee, skilfully used the microphone to move closer to the listener, to sound more confidential and attentive.

For all the conversational reserve of the singers, these new crooners had a caressing, insinuating freshness that was incredibly erotic. From the beginning, crooning was an unspectacular, homogenising blend of intensely romantic Victorian ballads, novelty song friskiness and the carefree emotion of jazz, but the new technology made it seem innovative and beguiling. Frank Sinatra hated the term 'crooner', as crooning was thought of as maudlin and effeminate, but he developed Crosby's intimate technique with the microphone and expanded his manipulation of jazz phrasing.

In the 1950s rock and roll liberated the kind of insurgent black blues energy not appropriate in romantic radio crooning, and crooning sounded increasingly quaint and dreamy, although Elvis was later to fold its melodrama into his particular fusion.

By the hippy 1960s, it was irrelevantly anodyne, left to the banal bow-tied likes of Jack Jones, Matt Monro and Engelbert Humperdinck. As rock and pop moved through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, crooning seemed irretrievably old-fashioned, though Crosby and Sinatra's relaxed, wooing techniques were still being used in various disguises by Jim Morrison, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Morrissey and even Kurt Cobain.

For Robbie Williams and Westlife, crooning would mean instantly applied sophistication, and turn-of-the-century nostalgia for the hip, light-hearted Rat Pack era gave crooning a little ironic gloss of cool.

May 24, 2007

Dance spectacular is a sell out - Mentioning Westlife
Source: The Ulster Herald

-- article shortened --

Multi-Platinum discs

Last year James Blunt collected 14 Platinum Discs from Warner for Irish sales of his album "Back to Bedlam", while Sony/BMG presented Westlife with 10 Platinum Disc for sales of their "Love Album" collection.

Universal Music awarded Snow Patrol seven Platinums for "Eyes Open". "U2's "U218 Singles" collection and David Gray's album "A New Day at Midnight" collected 6 Platinum Disc each.

Surprise, surprise comedian Tommy Tiernan's DVD "Loose" collected 8 Platinum Discs from RMG Chart.

May 24, 2007

May 23, 2007

Jodi Albert: Interview Hello Magazine - pictures included
Source: Hello Magazine / Credits: Joanne for scanning the pictures, Villy for typing the article up. Thanks.

On what may be her last girls-only break Jodi Albert tells why she'll kiss goodbye to the single life for Westlife's Kian Egan.

Looking even more gorgeous that usual with their deep tans, it’s easy to see why ex-Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert and Sarah Dunn captured the attention of over-eager male admirers during their girls-only holiday in Miami. “American men can be so forward! They’d come over, sit at our table and wouldn’t leave us alone for the rest of the night,” laughs Sarah, who left Hollyoaks last year. “We’d say, ‘Sorry, we all have boyfriends.’ ” Adds Jodi: “And they still wouldn’t go away! No matter what we said, they’d just reply, ‘Oh, your accent is so cute!’ ”

Jodi’s boyfriend of four years, Kian Egan from Westlife, could be forgiven for feeling slightly jealous at the thought of men ogling his girlfriend, but she says he trusts her completely.

“We have a really strong relationship,” explains Jodi, “and we know there’s nothing to worry about.”

Every year she and Sarah go on a girlie holiday together, taking a selection of their closest girlfriends with them. This year the posse included another Hollyoakes ‘babe’, Gemma Atkinson - who left her boyfriend, Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, behind - and the destination was Miami, where they enjoyed a week at the glamorous Ritz-Carlton.

On return from Miami, Jodi and Sarah had barely set foot at Heathrow when HELLO! whisked them off for a candid chat.

Tell us about your exploits in Miami…
Jodi: “We sunbathed, drank cocktails, partied, and of course, shopped!”

Are you party animals?
J: “We did have two crazy nights partying, but we’d all gone away with the intention of just relaxing together. I can’t go out partying every night anyway - I need some recovery time!”

What’s the best thing about going on a girlie holiday?
Sarah: “It’s so wonderful to get rid of all the men and the stresses! [laughs]. No, it’s all the catching up you can do. It’s great taking time out for each other, spending all day just chatting with the girls and having fun. And it makes you appreciate the time you spend with your boyfriend.”
J: “I think it’s good for couples to have time apart - it helps keep things fresh and gives them a chance to really miss you. Our boyfriends were ringing us saying: ‘We miss you, when are you coming back?’ ”

Do they get jealous while you’re away from them?
S: “No, not at all. And that’s really important. I’m always going to want to go away with the girls, so if my boyfriend didn’t like it then that would be a big problem.”
J: “Kian misses me, but he doesn’t get jealous.”

Jodi, what do you think of newspaper claims that Kian dreams of a back-packing honeymoon?
“That’s hilarious! He never said that. He said that once we do get married, it would be nice to go traveling, to see the world by not only staying at luxurious resorts. But we don’t want to go backpacking. Well, I don’t. He can go backpacking if he wants. I’ll stay at the hotel spa!”

What would your ideal honeymoon location be?
J: “Somewhere exotic. A beautiful place with white sandy beaches where you think, ‘Wow, I’m so lucky to be alive and to see this.’ Kian and I have been to Hawaii, the Maldives and Barbados, and we’ve loved it there. So it could be anywhere like that.”

In Miami, where you surprised at all the press attention you received?
J: “It was overwhelming. We’re not known at all in America, so we were completely shocked when photographers started chasing us.”
S: “The Americans would come up to us and say, ‘Who are you guys?’ And we’d reply, ‘Oh, no one, but we’ve heard that Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears are here somewhere!’ ”

Are you ever tempted to pack up and leave England for Hollywood?
J: “Not a hope. It’s just a myth that you have to move to Hollywood to become a superstar. I could never live there - it’s a bit phoney. I want to be with my family, to be around people who are real.”
S: “I’d go there for holidays rather than going out there trying to get work, being one of millions hoping for a break. It’s a bit of a rat race.”

Being in the public eye, do you feel under pressure to look good?
J: “I’m not obsessed. People look at actresses and think they are perfect looking with perfect figures, but it’s an illusion. I’m just a normal girl trying to do the best with what I’ve got.”
S: “I think every woman feels under pressure. But at the end of the day, you are what you are. There’s no point getting hung up on any so called flaws.”

How does it feel to be hailed as sex symbols?
S: “You haven’t seen me in the morning! Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and think, ‘What? Are they having a laugh?’ ”
J: “I’d prefer people say I’m a good actress rather than a sex symbol.”

Would you ever pose nude?
J: “No - my dad would see it and that would be so embarrassing!”
S: “Never.”

May 23, 2007

Brent Woods joins LiteStructures Studios – Mentioning Westlife
Source: L&Si Online / Jim Evans

UK - Brent Woods has been appointed general manager of Litestructures Studios. Canadian born Woods will report to Litestructures GB managing director, Adrian Brooks, and will be responsible for business development, operations, marketing and sales for the Litestructures Studios rehearsal facility.

Since its opening in May 2005 the Studio has hosted production rehearsals for Coldplay, Robbie Williams, Muse, George Michael, Westlife, Meat Loaf and many others.

Adrian Brooks says, "This is an exciting new appointment for Litestructures. Brent brings with him considerable experience within both the live music and television production sectors. He will bring real innovation to this role and establish the Litestructures Studio as the UK's premier rehearsal facility." Brent Woods adds, "Litestructures has built a wonderful facility which is unique not only in Yorkshire, but nationally as well. It is unmatched in its ability to accommodate any size of live music production."

May 23, 2007

Watch David Gest Show online
Source: YouTube / Credits: davidgestonline

David meets Louis Part 1: here
David meets Louis Part 2: here
David singing with Westlife: here

May 23, 2007

Westlife get off their stools                                                               
Source: UK NetGuide

Westlife will be on UK telly today in Westlife get off their stools.

May 23, 2007

Milk Moustache Fans
Credits/Copyright: The Dutchies

Always supporting Westlife, no matter what they do!

May 22, 2007

Surveillance: Mark Feehily
Source: The Mirror

WESTLIFE'S Mark Feehily giving a fan the thumbs-up as he whizzed around Belfast city centre in his Aston Martin...

- spotted on: 24 april

May 21, 2007

Rocco and Jay welcomed home - But no snaps before granda's big day
Source: Irish Independent / By Breda Heffernan

May 21, 2007

Rocco and Jay home at last
Source: Irish Independent / National News

AFTER more than a month in hospital, the Taoiseach's grandchildren Rocco and Jay have finally made their way home.

While little Jay made his first trip home early last week, new parents Georgina Ahern and Nicky Byrne got an unexpected present yesterday when doctors gave the go-ahead for Rocco to join them too.

They had been cared for at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street since their birth there - six weeks premature - on April 20.

May 21, 2007

Westlife on David Gest Show - 21 Caps
By Shane Filan NL

May 21, 2007

May 20, 2007

We have got a little world at our home - but one of twins kept in hospital’
Source: Sunday World / Showbix Exclusive

One of Bertie Ahern’s new grandsons is now safely home.

Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina have taken little Jay to their home to take care of him. The tot was brought to home on Tuesday, weighing 4lbs, 5 ounces. At birth he was just 2lbs.

His brother Rocco was born slightly bigger at 2lbs, 1 ounce however he is still being cared for in hosipital in an incubator and currently weighs 3lbs five ounces.

Jay was brought home to Malahide, north Dublin, by Georgina and her mother Miriam. The family are still making regular visits to Holles Street hospital in Dublin to check up on Rocco’s progress. He’s expected to be released later this week when he reaches 5 lbs.

Both babies were born perfectly healthy although they were nearly two months premature, Bertie has also visited the Byrne household in Malahide to welcome his grandson Jay to his new home.

Holles Street has one of the finest facilities in the country for dealing with premature births. Georgina had been kept in for observation the night before the births and Nicky had to run in from their Malahide home when the began to arrive around 6am.

The proud parents have stressed their thanks to the ‘fantastic staff’ in Holles street for all their help.

Nicky and Georgina have also decided who the godparents of the children will be. ‘Cecelia, Georgina’s sister, and Adam, my brother, for Rocco, and Gillian, my sister, and her husband Mark for Jay’, Nicky revealed.

Honour

Nicky also says that he already noticed the little differences between the non-identical twins. ‘They look like brothers obviously, but there are differences. I think Rocco looks a little more like me and Jay is the image of Georgina, he’s got big eyes,’ he says.

Rocce has been given the second name of ‘Bertie’ in honour of the Taoiseach, while Jay’s second name is ‘Nicky’, named after Nick’s father.

May 20, 2007

Media Tried To Scupper Bertie, Says Loyal Miriam - bit about Georgina and twins
Credits: Gitta

-- only taken the relevant bit --

While the election campaign had been difficult for her and for her husband, Miriam's spirits have clearly been lifted by the birth of her grandsons, twins Rocco and Jay.

Asked how the two boys were doing, Miriam was pleased to report their progress as she accompanied her former husband on the campaign trail in Drumcondra, at the heart of his Dublin Central constituency.

"They're doing very good. They're thriving actually. I get to see them every day. I got to hold Jay the other day and it was wonderful," she said, beaming with pride.

The twins' motherGeorgina, is also doing well according to Miriam.

"She's doing well. She's resting at the moment. She's going to need all the energy she can get for when the two of them are home in a couple of weeks.

"When the two boys are home, they won't be running around, but she will!"

May 20, 2007

Bertie gets that old bounce back in Bandon And Poi - funny Nicky mentioning
Credits: Gitta

-- article shortened --

AS the Taoiseach's car drew up in front of CBS Mitchelstown on a blustery Friday morning, the ranks of schoolboys lined around the quadrangle jostled for a look.

"Don't surge forward!" warned deputy principal Tom O'Flynn. A cynic in the crowd snorted, "Jay, it's Bertie, not Bono".

Bertie's brand of rock and roll went across five constituencies yesterday, as he took his roadshow to Mitchelstown, Kanturk, Bandon and Cork city.

In fact, his handsome Westlife son-in-law Nicky Byrne could have rollerbladed naked through Cork and no-one would have paid a blind bit of notice.

A huge crowd awaited Bertie at the door of one walkabout in a shopping centre, as he paused to put a few euro into a collection box for the Irish Cancer Society. One woman behind the collection desk sniffed: "You can do better than that!"

But as the women of Cork went yesterday, she was an exception.

Every step he took on his tours, he was surrounded by Mna na hEireann - women pushing buggies, shoving babies into his arms, girls grabbing him for a kiss. Even local nun Sister Josephine planted a shy smacker on his cheek. Auld wans with bony elbows like pokers jabbed the unwary out of the most direct route to Bertie.

May 20, 2007

Westlife on This is David Gest                                                          
Source: UK NetGuide

Westlife will be on UK telly tonight in This is David Gest.

May 19, 2007

Westlife – Official HQ Image milk poster
Source: Milkmoustache.com / Poster & Press Gallery



Running in various Scottish Weekend Press, 12-27 May and Outdoor 6 sheet Posters 4-17 June 2007.

If you want to save the full size HQ image click here (Image Size: 525 x 787 pixels / 191591 bytes).

May 18, 2007

Chef Grant has a taste for celebrity - Mentioning Westlife
Source: BuryFreePress

May 18, 2007

Westlife get a milk moustache - new article
Source: Farmers Guardian

IRISH superstars Westlife will be the next faces to front Scotland’s ‘The White Stuff Milk Moustache’ campaign. They will appear on billboards and bus stops later this month donning the famous white moustaches to help promote the benefits of semi-skimmed milk as part of a balanced diet.


 

The band has been signed up partly to get the message about the benefits of calcium in milk across to its huge young female audience. Its involvement coincides with National Osteoporosis Month in June.

This will stress how getting sufficient levels of calcium in childhood and early adolescence is a key factor in helping to prevent the disease that will affect one into women.

It is a response to so-called ‘fad diets’ aimed at young girls, which discourage the use of dairy products and ‘could be doing their body untold harm in the long run’, according to the Scottish Dairy Marketing Company (SDMC).

The White Stuff campaign is a joint initiative between the SDMC and the Milk Development Council and co-funded by the EU.

May 18, 2007

Nicky at Fianna Fail's arts manifesto - 3 pics included
Source: Empic and Scanpix / Credits: Pia

- following yesterday's news-snippet about Nicky:

Nicky at the launch of Fianna Fail's arts manifesto in Dublin 17-05-2007.

May 17, 2007

News snippet - mentioning Nicky
Source: U.TV

Fianna Fail (Ireland's governing party ) today launched its arts manifesto which includes plans for a national literature museum and a revamp for Glasnevin Cemetery.

The launch in Dublin`s inner city was attended by Nicky Byrne of Westlife, singer Ronan Keating and actor Alan Stanford.

May 17, 2007

Available to Pre Order: Official "Westlife" A3 Calendar 2008
Source: Amazon

Price: £7.99 & eligible for Free UK delivery on orders over £15 with Super Saver Delivery.

Availability: Not yet published: you may still order this title. We will dispatch it to you when we receive it from the publisher. Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.

Product details:

• Calendar
• Publisher: Danilo (1 Sep 2007)  - (different date than Danilo's)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1847700462
   

  ---

May 17, 2007

Westlife Special from TVNow – many pics included
Source: TVNow Magazine / Credits: Luce for sending and sharing with Shane Filan NL. Thanks Luce!

* The place: Dublin’s Point Depot
* The gossip: This was the final night of Westlife’s sell-out 12 night run at The Point. And guess what? Didn’t Louis Walsh give TVNow exclusive behind the scenes access! And imagine our surprise when the Taoiseach showed up, as his daughter Georgina put it, ‘To show his support for Nick.’ Check out a very special edition of Eye on showbizz for all the backstage goss. >>>>

















 

The proud new parents

Georgina and Nicky were positively glowing in the joy of parenthood, especially as their premature twins, Rocco and Jay, are thriving. ‘They are doing brilliantly,’ said Georgina. ‘They are starting to grow really well so I am very delighted, and I’m feeling much more positive in myself seeing them do so well.’

The tiny two should be able to go home in a few weeks, but as Georgina says, ‘We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. I can’t wait to get them home. But whenever they are ready I suppose.’ And when Nicky described fatherhood, he almost brought a tear to my eye. ‘It’s not the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s the only thing that ever happened to me.’ Aaah. Apparantly Rocco resembles Nicky more, and Jay Georgina. ‘But I am sure that will probably change as they get older,’ added Georgina cautiously. >>>>



The main men

Start of the night were of course Westlife. And despite the fact that they were extremely busy gearing up for their final show, each member still made ample time to talk to TVNow. Suffice to say, all the lads are sorry to have reached the end of The Love World Tour, but at the same time, they are very much looking forward to three whole months off. This was best summed up by Mark, who told me, ‘It’s a bit sad, but we are looking forward to the break too.’

After their hiatus, the boys’ll be back in the studio to record a new album. And to mark all their hard work and success, they were presented on the night with a disc for achieving phenominal 10-times platinum sales figures in Ireland for The Love Album.



It’s not often you find yourself in the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s face, asking him about his favourite Westlife song. But that’s how I found myself recently, when Louis Walsh kindly granted TVNow exclusive behind the scenes access to the final night of Westlife’s sell-out twelve-night run at The Point. Beyond the band themselves obviously, I wasn’t qutie sure who’d be there. Might new Mum to Rocco and Jay, Georgina Ahern, show up? Was there truth to the rumour that David Gest would join the lads onstage? Would Colin Farrell breeze through and fall instantly in love with me?

Of course I didn’t expect to see the Taoiseach. Surely he’s have bigger fish to fry. But just moments before the boys were due to perform, there he suddenly was. Flanked by serious-looking men in suits, he marched purposefully down the corridor towards us. I had to seize the moment. But what to ask? It wasn’t quite the setting to address his personal finances. So, ‘What’s your favourite Westlife song Berie?’ had to do. ‘I love them all,’ said he diplomatically as he whisked me along. ‘But really, The Bee Gees are my band,’ he continued, while inexplicably maintaining eye contact with me and all others present. ‘I’ve been a fan all my life.’ And with that, he ws off to enjoy the show, but not before meeting and greeting all in his path. Yep, there’s no denying the man can work a room. But Bertie wasn’t the only person backstage. Check out who else I chatted to for this very special edition of Eye On Showbix. >>>>



As I worked backstage as best I could to bring you the juiciest gossip possible, who should I bump into only Ronan Keating? And I must say readers, though I’m not gone on blonds, he is rather damn attractive in the flesh! Anyway, Ronan is busy as a bee. He’s touring Asia this summer and has been kept well-occupied preparing for that. And when it’s over, he’ll be collaborating with country music singer and husband to Nicole Kidman, Keith ‘fresh out of rehab’ Urban.

’I’m off to LA and Nashville doing a writing trip with him,’ he told me. How did this come about? ‘We both like each other’s mucis I guess. And I called him up and asked if he’s be interested in writing together and he said he’d love to.’ Fair play! And in case you are wondering, the rift between Ronan and Louis Walsh would definitely seem no more. Just check out the photo! Sure the two are as tight as Trinny and Susannah!



This really is David Gest

If you’ve seen This Is David Gest, you’re probably well aware he’s no average character. And yes, David definitely dances to his own drum. But he’s really nice and extremely funny to boot. In fact truth be told, I’ve had a soft spot for him for quite some time, so it was a real treat to meet him. Here’s what we covered in a nutshell before he joined the lads on stage for a rousing rendition of Mandy – on girlfriend, former Emmerdale star Malandra Burrows: ‘I love her a lot. She is so good for me. She’s real and wonderful and everything I have never found.’ On life: ‘It’s never over till you’re buried. A couple of years ago I was dying. I had a head concussion (allegedly after being beaten by ex-wife Liza Minelli). And look at me today. Even though I still get headaches, I am very much alive and enjoying things I never thought I’d be able to.’ On his maid, Vaginica Seaman: ‘She is in Memphis right now, recovering from a yeast infection.’ Yikes. On Ireland: ‘I love Ireland. I will be touring here this September. It’s my first tour. It’s called David Gest Unzipped & X-rated. I’ll have 10 midgets, the staff from Albino Heights Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, the Chinese Girls with Herpes, and also the Sluts from Hell.’  Could that last group be Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan? And finally, my sources tell me that David is also in talks with Westlife regarding potential TV projects. You read it here first folks! >>>>

May 17, 2007

Westlife live in Wembley still in top 10 NZ
Source: Rianz

After re-entering the dvd top 10 in New Zealand on no.8, then going up to no.6, Westlife Live in Wembley is still listed in the top 10 on no.6.

May 17, 2007

Westlife – Updated short biography on Popworld
Source: Pop World

- nice to read actualized version

- Mum-friendly boy band balladeers Westlife were originally a five piece, consisting of Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden (who quit the group in 2004)

- Kian, Mark, and Shane were half of six-piece band IOU in their native Sligo, before Simon Cowell ‘advised' them to dump the other three. Dubliners Bryan and Nicky joined the band after auditioning.

- Westlife are still the only band in the world whose first seven singles went to number one in the UK. They would have made it eight if it wasn't for Bob The Builder's Christmas Number one in 2000. Can he fix it? Yes, etc.

- They've had 14 (14!) number ones so far, but aren't planning on stopping any time soon. They've always said it's their ambition to get over 20...

- Westlife - known as Westside at the time - first shot to fame by winning the Smash Hits Best New Tour Act award in 1998, bagging them the chance to perform live on tv at that year's Poll Winners' Party.

- The band's text-happy fans have made Westlife the only artists to win the UK's Record Of The Year award four times. (Flying Without Wings in 1999, My Love in 2000, Mandy in 2003 and You Raise Me Up in 2005)

- In 2005 Mark Feehily revealed he was gay, and admitted to the Sun newspaper he was in a relationship with an ex-boybander, V's Kevin McDaid.

- Nicky Byrne was a talented young goalkeeper, playing for both Leeds United and Ireland at youth level. You know what they say about men with big hands... big gloves.

- After Westlife's ‘classic' covers collection, The Love Album, beat Oasis' greatest hits offering Stop The Clocks, to the number one spot, Noel Gallagher exclaimed, "that goes to prove there is no God!" Whilst playing a gig in a church. Tsk.

- Westlife's second number one, ‘Flying Without Wings', was written after the band really really enjoyed their first ever ride in a helicopter. Possibly.

May 16, 2007

Danilo - Official Westlife 2008 Calendar
Source: Danilo

Not so much a boy band, more of a way of life, Westlife to be exact. These quiet superstars charm doesn’t seem to fade, Westlife just keep doing what they do best and with great effect. With 34m album sales under their belts they are a musical behemoth with a global fan base, so go on, indulge yourself or someone you love and may Irish eyes be smiling.

Expected release date at this moment:

Format: 420mm x 297mm
Released: 24-10-2007
Code: 133
Price: £ 7,99

Out of stock

no 2008 cover photo available yet

May 16, 2007

Music Review: Westlife – The Love Album – USA Review
Source: BC Music / Blogcritics.org - Aurora,OH,USA / Janine MacDonald

Westlife are the Kings of Balladeers and love songs, so putting together an album of love songs was probably one of the smartest marketing moves done by their record label.
Most people thought with the departure of Delta’s main squeeze, Brian McFadden, the band would collapse but they have gone from strength to strength through their constant touring, and hit singles.

Having just signed a five-record deal with Sony, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to stop for the Irish boy band. I’m a sucker for the song "The Rose", and have been since I heard it sung by Bette Midler. Not being a fan of cover songs, I was impressed by their version of "The Rose", and think they maintained that special something that goes with the song. The same could be said for the Bonnie Tyler cover of "Total Eclipse of the Heart", although it did lack the depth and power that Tyler brings to it with her strong voice.

One thing I didn’t like was their version of "All Out of Love," with Delta Goodrem. It’s not so much a criticism of them, as it is Goodrem and them together. The magic was just not there, and it sounded in frank, bloody awful. I think the band could have done a much better job if they had omitted Goodrem altogether.

"You Light Up My Life" didn’t really do anything for me, and I think it’s a song that needs a stronger voice, so that was a bit of a disappointment. I also wasn’t a big fan of their version "Easy", which is covered much better by Faith No More. Both songs just lacked the depth I was searching for.

"You Are So Beautiful", well what can we say about that? It is one of those songs that probably shouldn’t be covered for the simple fact alone, no one does Joe Cocker, or his songs better than the man himself. Having said that, it’s not a bad attempt on the song, but it failed to dazzle me.

I did enjoy their version of "Have You Ever Been In Love", because I think it was sung in the style that Westlife make their own, but also a style that actually suits the song. It also made you feel the song, and the impact of the words.

One highlight was their version of one of my all-time favorite Garth Brooks songs, "The Dance". Their version of it, hit the right emotion on the head, and was just superb. I think if the master himself heard it, he would be impressed.

I was actually also impressed with their version of "You’ve Lost That Lovin' Feeling", because they actually make it worth it, and there is the right depth in their voices for this song. Much impressed.

For fans of Westlife, this is a must have album, and even for those who aren’t fans, it’s worth checking out. One thing that does need to be taken into consideration is that it is an album of covers, and it’s not supposed to be an ingenious piece of art.

Tracks not to miss: "The Dance", "You’ve Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "The Rose" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

I give it 3/5

May 15, 2007

Westlife's Kian says I Do to the barn
Credits: Gitta

Westlife star Kian Egan may not have popped the question to Jodi Albert, his girlfriend of four years, just yet but the pair have made a serious commitment in property terms by buying a new house together in Essex.

'It's exciting news. We've just completed on buying a stunning barn conversion,' says former Hollyoaks actress Jodi, pictured right with Kian.

'It has five bedrooms, is set in three-and-a-half acres and is very close to my parents' home. I'm now longing to get a horse.' The couple plan to divide their time between Essex, Ireland and London where Kian also owns property.

'Kian's house in Sligo is gorgeous, right on the beach,' says Jodi.

'We also spend plenty of time at our place in London.'

May 15, 2007

Emma's backstage meeting with Westlife - Pictures included
Thank you Emma for writing this review for Shane Filan NL

On Thursday, the 26th of April 2007, I went to the Westlife Love Tour in Dublin’s Point Depot!! It was my 2nd night to go as I had been there the previous Friday, the day Georgina gave birth to Rocco and Jay which was also an amazing night to be in the point!!!!!

Well back to the 26th....I was so excited to go this night because I was 5 rows from the front!!!! I dressed in my 'Westlife' jacket that I made especially for the concert and then my Dad drove my mam, my friend Yasmine who came over from Switzerland, and myself to the point!!! When we got there we gave our tickets and went in!! Then I got a phonecall from my dad telling me to come outside!!!!!!!!.... so we went out and he took us around to the backstage door and we were let through as he had to give something backstage!!!!!!

I was sooooooooooooooo excited as I didn’t expect this at all!!!!!!!! So Westlife's Tour Manager brought us to the family room where there was also a woman from 98FM. (Dublin’s most famous radio Station for those who don’t know). We sat in the room for a while and little Nicole kept on running in saying ''Hiya''!!! She’s sooooo adorable!!!! After about 20 mins....SHANE WALKS IN THE ROOM!!!!!!! I WAS LIKE OMG OMG OMG!!!!! He just waved and told the woman from 98fm that Nicky was running late from the hospital and they would let her know as soon as he arrived so she could do the interview!!..... so we sat for another15 minutes....with Nicole running in and out... when finally Kian popped his head in to let the woman know Nicky had arrived!! So again i was like.....OMG OMG OMG!!!!

Once the interview was over we were called to wait to meet the lads!!!!! We waited for 10 minutes which felt like 10 hours......Until we saw Shane coming in first, followed by Kian then Nicky and finally Mark....We got pictures with Kian and Shane and then Nicky came over and he even knew my name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he said.....''ahhh howya Emma hows it goin?'' I could not believe it one bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He said it was a very sad day for him because Georgina and him left the hospital without the babies.

We then got pictures with Nicky until he had to go and then Mark came over and told me he absolutely loved my jacket!! He started asking me loads of questions about it and did I make clothes a lot!!! I just said...''ONLY FOR WESTLIFE''!! He laughed and got in some photos and then he went....but a minute later he called me over and told me to turn around to show Louis my jacket!! hehe!!! It was brill!!!

Then we went to our seats .....which were 5 rows from the front!!!!!!!! I had such an amazing view of the lads!!!! It was such an amazing night!!!!! They danced...joked...laughed and did all kinds of things with the audience...as you would probably know yourselves from seeing the concert!! After the concert the lady from 98fm rang my dad and asked me to be on the radio!!!! So I said yes and it was brilliant!!!.....she started off by saying so Emma I met ya backstage at the concert and ya had a class jacket'' ha ha !! I just started laughing and said noooooooooo '' ha ha!!!!! and then she asked me how were the lads and what was my favourite part of the concert!!!! I just said....I couldn’t pick a part it was all amazing''...............................'' every bit of it!!!!!!!''

WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 15, 2007

Westlife Release New Look - the White Milk Moustache - another longer article
Source: Scottish Dairy Marketing Company

Irish pop superstars Westlife have been unveiled as the next faces to front Scotland’s ‘The White Stuff Milk Moustache’ campaign.

The fresh faces of the four Irish lads donning the famous white moustache will appear on billboards and bus stops later this month to help promote the benefits of semi-skimmed milk as part of a balanced diet.

The band’s involvement comes on the cusp of National Osteoporosis Month in June.

One in two women will now experience an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point in their lives and getting sufficient levels of calcium in childhood and early adolescence is a key factor in helping to prevent the disease (source: The National Osteoporosis Society (UK)).

Milk is one of the easiest ways to get calcium into the diet. This is particularly true of the formative years, when there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build healthy bones.

However, with teenagers and young women continuing to go on fad diets, which discourage the use of dairy product, they could be doing their body untold harm in the long-run.

With such a large female audience, Westlife are keen to help raise awareness of this issue, as band member Nicky Byrne explains: “This is a great campaign to be involved in and we’re really proud to help promote healthy living in Scotland.

“We’ve always had an amazing support in Scotland, so it’s fantastic to be able to give something back.

“It’s crazy to think that people, especially young girls, are putting their health at risk by following fad diets that could be damaging their health at a later date.

“I’ve certainly come to realise over the years that you only get out of your body what you put into it, and milk is a great way to get a whole host of essential minerals and vitamins, whilst building up your body’s foundations for later life.”

Band mate Shane Filan echoed these sentiments: “I’ve always been a big milk drinker; it may be an Irish thing but it was always drummed into us from an early age that milk was good for you, so I always drink loads of it when I am on the road.

“It would be fantastic to think that we could make milk as big a part of the culture in Scotland as it is in Ireland.

“This campaign to date has already helped capture the imagination of people in Scotland so if through our involvement we can help spread the message to even more people then that would be great.”

Since its pilot launch in 2003, the campaign has seen a whole host of stars from the world of TV, music and sport wear a milk moustache from bands like McFly through to tennis player Andy Murray and TV presenter Steve Jones.

The campaign is the brainchild of five of Scotland’s leading dairies - Arla Foods, Graham’s Dairies, Mitchell’s Dairies, First Milk and Robert Wiseman Dairies, in conjunction with The Milk Development Council.

The campaign received a boost in the summer of 2005 when it was awarded a grant by the EU, which pledged to co-fund the campaign for a period of three years.

Chairman of the Scottish Dairy Marketing Company commented: “Scotland’s milk moustache campaign continues to go from strength to strength, and the addition of Westlife, who are arguably the biggest pop band in the UK at the moment gives us the opportunity to target a whole new audience, so it’s fantastic to have them on board.”

May 14, 2007

Wedding in Hawaii?
Source: Belfast Telegraph Saturday paper / Credits: Gitta

JODI Albert has revealed that she would love to marry her Westlife boyfriend Kian Egan on a beach in Hawaii.

The former star of Hollyoaks, who has been going out with the Irish popstar for four years now, says no date has been planned for the big day, but that both are pretty confident it will eventually happen.

Speaking in Hello! mag she said: "I'm not really bothered about whether it happens really soon or in another three years.

"The point is that we really love each other and are really excited about our life together."

Jodi also revealed that the first time Kian clapped eyes on her, when she was just 15, he was bowled over, but was warned by pop guru and X Factor judge Simon Cowell that she was too young.

The pair didn't get together until four years later.

And she said Kian's best quality is his respect for her.

"His respect for me overwhelms me," she said.

"It's so lovely to have a man who adores everything about me. He's also such a caring person with the biggest heart."

May 13, 2007

Interview with Shane Richie - Mentioning Westlife
Source: ITV

- only taken the Westlife part -

Shane Richie quit EastEnders in 2005 and now calls himself a “freelance actor.” He plays Brian Guest in ITV1's new one-off drama The Good Samaritan. It's a big year for him, the 43-year-old marries Christie Goddard, the mother of their child Mackenzie, this summer and is currently in talks with a major Hollywood studio. He tells itv.com all about it…

And you're getting married this summer. Tell us about that.

I've been really busy and haven't had a hand in organising any of it. I've been so busy that I'll just have time to write my speech and just be there.
 

There was a rumour you've invited Westlife and Robbie Williams to sing at it.

I like to be extravagant but I can tell you that contrary to what's been in the tabloids Westlife and Robbie are not going to be playing at it.

May 13, 2007

I'll be a glam gran
Source/Credits: Gitta

DELIGHTED new gran Miriam Ahern yesterday said she can't wait to hold Westlife twins Rocco and Jay at home.

The Taoiseach's estranged wife, known for her impeccable fashion sense, said being a gran will not knock her style.

But she joked: "I can make fashion mistakes at any age."

Miriam, who was on holiday in South America when the babies arrived.

Her daughter Georgina, who is married to pop star Nicky Byrne, gave birth to the boys six weeks early on April 20.

Miriam said: "They will be in hospital for a few weeks, but they are thriving.

"Georgina has lots of energy - and she is going to need it.

"I am looking forward to the children coming home so I can hold them."

Miriam was speaking at the launch her annual Newbridge Silverware Summer and Fashion show in Malahide, Co Dublin, for the Cari charity.

Cari offers counselling to sexually abused children.

When asked if having little Rocco and Jay in the family brings her charity work closer to home, Miriam said: "I suppose you could say that.

"Children affected by sex abuse often need outside help because in many cases it comes from within the family."

Miriam was joined by her partner Terry McCoy at yesterday's glammed-up lunch and auction, where TV3's Alan Hughes was MC and top Irish tenor Paul Byrom entertained.

Despite being separated from Bertie, Miriam is still very supportive of him.

The pair are still friends and she said he is "very pleased" with both his General Election campaign and being a grandad.

While the Taoiseach got off to a rocky start with claims of corruption he appears to have recovered.

'I can't wait for the tots to come home so I can get to hold them'.

May 12, 2007

Westlife poster for the milk campaign
Credits for scanning: Joanne / WestlifefanaticVip

May 12, 2007

Westlife on This is David Gest and Westlife get off their stools
Source: UK NetGuide

Westlife on UK telly twice, 20th and 23rd of May. You will be reminded on the day as well.

May 11, 2007

Singer in plea to girls
Source: Daily Star / Credits: Gitta and Joanne/wfvip for typing

Boyband Westlife have urged teenage Scottish girls not to put their lives at risk in pursuit of the perfect body.

The former teen idols said fashion-conscious girls shouldn't turn their back on milk and warned that faddy diets which cut out the white stuff were "crazy".

They said milk was vital to prevent osteoporosis, a bone condition which will cause one in two women to experience a fracture at some point in their lives.

The Irish superstars said dairy products were essential to a healthy diet.

Band member Nicky Byrne said, "It's crazy to think that people, especially young girls, are putting their health at risk by following fad diets that could be damaging their health at a later date.

"I've certainly come to realise over the years that you only get out of your body what you put into it"

Westlife are the latest in a line of stars to promote the healthy drink in Scotlands, "The White Stuff" milk moustache campaign.

May 11, 2007

Jodi's a true Brit
Source: Daily Star / Credits: Gitta

FORMER Hollyoaks beauty Jodi Albert might have been living it up in Los Angeles for the past few years, but she's got one message for her army of male fans: "I'll always be a Brit babe at heart."

The gorgeous girl - back on our screens next month in Casualty - has been working hard across the pond to make a name for herself. But she reckons she could never move over there permanently - unlike celebs such as Denise Van Outen, 32, Michelle Ryan, 23, and Rachel Stevens, 29.

Jodi says: "It's strange all these stars running off to the States. I just know that I could never leave the UK.

"Besides, I've found that all the American casting directors are coming over h
I've had so many meetings and I haven't been asked to put on an American accent once."

Jokingly, she adds: "I think they're over here because the UK is cheaper."

Whatever the reasons for the American invasion, the brunette beauty still prefers the British way of thinking. "LA can be so fake, " she says. "Last time I was there a guy in a Starbucks told me he was filming a 25million-dollar movie with Penelope Cruz and he wanted me to be in it. If I was more naive I could have been taken in.

"Everyone promises everyone they'll be a star and no-one means it. It's all phoney. The English may be blunt but at least they're honest."

The 23-year-old is already better placed than most budding actresses. She has pop supremo Simon Cowell, 47, on her side for a start.

"Simon used to manage my band Girl Thing back in 1999, " she says. "So I know him quite well. He's a great guy - he still gives me advice now and I love bumping into him at parties."

So has having the most famous Brit in America as a mentor helped at all?

"Well, I have been in talks for a couple of things, " Jodi smiles, "including a part in a new Ben Stiller film."

Jodi, who is happily loved up with Kian Egan from Westlife, splits her time between London and Sligo in Ireland. The softly spoken star isn't a huge fan of the celeb lifestyle. "Being a celebrity is bullshit, " she says. "I never wanted to be someone famous for being famous. Of course, there are perks. I love days like today for example - having my photo taken, having my hair and make-up done. I love trying out new looks."

With her stunning looks and celebrity boyfriend, Jodi is definitely playing the fame game, like three others in her class at the Sylvia Young Theatre school: Amy Winehouse, Matt Willis and Billie Piper - all 23. "I always knew they'd make something of themselves, " she says.

And although Jodi doesn't want to be classed as a celeb she definitely wants to continue being successful. As well as trying to break America, from her London pad, she's also got her stint in Casualty. "I play a complete bitch, " she says. "It's nice to play someone who's so completely unlike me."

Despite appearing a few years ago in reality show California Dreaming, which followed her and five other British celebs around Hollywood as they tried to make it, Jodi reckons her fly-on-the-wall days are well and truly over.

She says: "I was on ITV2's Deadline a few weeks ago, which was fun. But other than that, I draw the line at reality shows now.Working on Friends or Desperate Housewives would be my dream job."

In real life, Jodi has no plans to become a housewife yet - desperate or otherwise.

She says: "I just enjoy everything the way it is right now. That includes not having children.

Maybe in a few years but definitely not now."

While kids are a long way off, Jodi and Kian, 26, who met four years ago when she played Debbie Dean in Hollyoaks, have made one commitment.

They have a one year-old Maltese dog called Prince. Jodi says: "We do spoil him a lot. He's on tour with Westlife now in Dublin with Kian.

"While I'm here on my own he's staying in a four-star hotel, " she laughs. So at least one member of her family enjoys the celeb lifestyle.

May 11, 2007

Jodi Albert poses for sexy photoshoot
Source: VIP Ireland

Westlife's Kian Egan's stunning girlfriend Actress Jodi Albert poses for a steamy photoshoot on a giant bed and even makes loo-roll look sexy!

May 11, 2007

May 11, 2007

Live at Wembley DVD still going up in NZ DVD Chart
Source: RIANZ

After being gone from the New Zealand Charts for at least a month, Westlife’s Live at Wembley - tour DVD went back in the top 10 to number 8 last week and is now climbing till number 6, Still doing very well.

May 10, 2007

Milk moustache campaign recruits Westlife
Source: Farmers Weekly Interactive / By Caroline Stocks

Irish boyband Westlife have sign up to be the next faces of Scotland’s ‘The White Stuff’ campaign. >>>>


Westlife and their milk moustaches

The group will don the campaign's famous white mustache on billboards and bus stops later this month to help promote the benefits of semi-skimmed milk as part of a balanced diet.

The band, who have topped the UK charts 14 times, join other famous faces who have taken part in the campaign, including Tennis ace Andy Murray, pop group McFly and model Nell McAndrew.

Launched in 2003, the campaign is a joint initiative between five of Scotland’s leading dairies and the Milk Development Council. It is also co-funded by the EU.

The spokesman for the Scottish Dairy Marketing Company, the umbrella group for the five dairies, said it was "fantastic" to have Westlife involved in the campaign.

“Scotland’s milk moustache campaign continues to go from strength to strength, and the addition of Westlife, who are arguably the biggest pop band in the UK at the moment gives us the opportunity to target a whole new audience," he said.

May 10, 2007

Mika writing original songs for Westlife
Source: UK Teletext

Mika is writing Westlife original songs for their next album in an effort to ‘freshen up’ the bands’ sound, reports the Daily Star.

A source told the paper: ‘Westlife have been around for nine years and want to freshen up their sound so Mika is exactly the right man to do that’.

Westlife is managed by Syco, run by Simon Cowell, who rejected Mika before the singer found stardom.

May 10, 2007

Mika to pen song for Westlife?
Source: Virgin Media

May 10, 2007

Mika to write for Westlife?
Source: Contactmusic

British pop star MIKA is to write a song for Irish group Westlife, according to reports.



The Grace Kelly singer is allegedly helping the band with tracks for their new album in a bid to inject some "freshness" into their sound.

A source tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "Mika has given pop a good kick start again in the fun department and turned around many opinions that the scene had perhaps gone a little stale. "Westlife have been around for nine years now and want to freshen up their sound so Mika is exactly the man to do that."

Bandmember Mark Feehily says, "Good pop doesn't fall out of trees. Not many writers are writing for pop now."

May 10, 2007

Westlife actually do something different
Source: MTV UK / Popshots

May 10, 2007

Jodi on holiday - picture incl.
Source: The Sun

BUSTY soap stunner Gemma Atkinson looks Miami Nice as she tops up her tan.

Gemma, 22, was joined in Florida by ex-Hollyoaks co-stars Jodi Albert, 23, and Sarah Dunn, 25.

The girls took snaps of each other as they relaxed on the sand and frolicked in the clear water.

A fellow tourist said: “Men kept glancing over.”

Maybe they were hoping for a Holly-day romance.