They were kept in until they had gained enough weight to go home. Their parents had deliberately waited until after the election, which gave Bertie Ahern a historic third term in Government, before showing off their new babies. They ruled out doing any multimillion euro magazine deal and opted for having one photo session so the rest of the country could get a glimpse at the tiny arrivals. The night before they were born, Nicky was performing on stage at the Point Theatre but dashed to the hospital when he heard news about the births.

And the first article (shortly after birth)

Sleeping soundly in their matching blue outfits, Ireland's most famous newborns Rocco and Jay took their first major photocall in their stride. The twin boys were lovingly held in the arms of thrilled parents Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina Ahern while her father, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, beamed with pride.

The boys have only recently been able to join their parents in their home in Malahide, just north of Dublin, as they needed special care after being born by caesarean section six weeks early on April 20. First-time dad Nicky, who married Georgina three years ago in France, now has the next few months to enjoy quality time with his sons before beginning work on a new album in early August.

Shortly after their birth the ecstatic 28-year-old revealed he would love them to follow in his musical footsteps rather than politics like their grandfather. "When Georgina was pregnant I used to sing to her and now the boys are born I am still singing to them," said Nicky, who is clearly hoping his talent rubs off on the duo.

Rocco's middle name, Bertie, is in honour of the Irish prime minister, while Jay Nick was named after Nicky's dad. "I am sure Bertie will babysit his two grandchildren, he is well capable… there is no better man for caring for the two babies," says the boyband star, who enjoys a close relationship with his famous father-in-law.

Little Rocco and Jay are the latest additions to the Westlife family. Nicky's bandmate Shane Filan has a young daughter, Nicole, with wife Gillian, while former group member Brian McFadden has two daughters, Molly and Lily-Sue, with former wife Kerry Katona.

5.09.07

Westlife's next album

This article was published in the UK tabloid "The Sun"
Just when you thought Westlife couldn’t get worse, the cheesy boyband are about to sink to a new low. They plan to record an album of movie songs — with the Titanic theme the CD’s ultimate disaster. Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On topped the chart in 1998 when released with the blockbuster. Now it will chart all over again as the big single from Westlife At The Movies. Talk about two monstrosities colliding. And there are other naff tunes the lads are tipped to pick. Power ballad "I Will Always Love You" would need a Bodyguard to save it from murder by Westlife. But as a track for the Kevin Costner flick it was a Whiteny Houston hit. Wet Wet Wet's cover of "Love Is All Around" was No.1 for 15 weeks as the theme for Four Weddings And A Funeral in 1994. But if swept back to No.1 by Westlife it would be as a funeral march for the chart’s credibility. Bryan Adams was No.1 for 16 weeks in 1991 with "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", from movie smash Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves — and it seems a cert for Westlife. They have subjected us to an album of love songs and one of swing classics. But clearly these were the tip of the iceberg. The latest release is even cheesier.

Me thinks that The Sun definitely hates Westlife. I mean subjecting us to article after article of opinionated rubbish, sigh. But sadly enough, most of the stuff they print about Westlife, has been true.

04.22.07

Nicky and Georgina are parents

Nicky became the father of twin sons yesterday. Georgina, daughter of Irish Premier Bertie Ahern, gave birth by caesarian section to Rocco and Jay at 9.55am, almost two months early. Nicky, 28, rushed from the band’s sell-out concert in Dublin to nearby Holles Street hospital. He said: “My Westlife hat is coming off and my daddy hat is going on.” Singer Nicky was back on stage last night. Good thing they happened to be in Dublin!

March 2007

Brian not welcome back

Westlife insist they will never welcome former member Brian McFadden back the group, insisting there is "no room" for him now. Brian split from the Flying Without Wings group in March 2004 to start a solo career, which has failed to match the success of Westlife. Despite recent rumours the group were planning to work with Brian again, Westlife insist they will continue to remain a four-piece.

Shane says, "We would never have him back. We definitely wouldn't rule out singing with him again, but we're three years without him now and we're so used to being a four piece. He's got a different life now."

Nicky adds, "Let's put the record straight - there's no room for Brian in Westlife now. I haven't had this conversation with Brian, but there's no reason for him to want to be in Westlife now anyway."

Shane would like a large family

Shane hopes to have a large family - but he's in no rush. The 27-year-old singer and wife Gillian plan to conceive plenty of siblings for their 19-month-old daughter, Nicole. Shane says, "I'd like to have three or four kids but with nice gaps in between. It would be perfect in two years to try and have another baby."

Kian's honeymoon plans

Kian wants to go backpacking on his honeymoon, because he's fed up with staying in luxurious hotels. The 26-year-old Irish lad is laying down marriage plans with longtime girlfriend, Jodi Albert... and he wants to keep everything really simple. He says, "We'd probably prefer a tropical-style wedding. I'd like to get married, have a year off and go travelling. When we travel with the band, we go first class and stay in fancy hotels. I'd like to rough it up a bit and backpack."

2.26.07

Westlife continues praise for Delta Goodrem

Continuing their Australian charm offensive, Westlife have praised the musical talent of Australian singer Delta Goodrem. Westlife recorded a duet with Delta on The Love Album, and have named the 22-year-old as one of their two favorite artists to work with, along with Mariah Carey.

"If we're doing a duet we want to sing with a very good singer and she is very good," Nicky told Adelaide Now. The boys performed at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre earlier this week and revealed that they are enjoying every minute of their trip to Australia. "We went to a surf shop and bought a load of flip-flops and Rip Curl T-shirts," Shane Filan explained. "When in Rome," Byrne added. Currently in their home country of Ireland temperatures are hovering around the 11C mark. No wonder they're in Australia.

2.21.07

Westlife in S. Africa

On March 9, Westlife will be in Cape Town perfromin in the Kfm 94.5" Night of the Superstars". They will be on stage along with Michael Learns to Rock (I can't believe they're still around!) and Michael Bolton. The concert is taking palce on the lawns of the River Club in Observatory. Gates open 5pm, Starts 7pm. Tickets are available from www.ticketconnection.co.za, selected Mr Price stores or at www.kfm.co.za. General admission standing tickets will cost you R180. Golden Circle unreserved seats are R320 each. We're giving away five double tickets to the event. To enter, visit this site:

Shane's Sligo development opposed

So its not exactly music related, but Shane runs a side business with his brother. They have a proprosed development on the outskirts of Sligo...and it is one that is running into opposition from the Sligo Borough Council. Sligo Borough councillors have proposed that town planners refuse planning permisssion to Shafin Developments Ltd for a 63 apartment development at Knappagh Road on the Strandhill Road.

Shafin Developments Ltd has already met with objections from two residents' associations and up to five individuals concerning the high density of apartments proposed which would overlook existing houses. It's now facing opposition from the majority of Sligo Borough councillors, several of whom voiced concerns regarding the density of the project, the accessibility of cars coming out onto the Strandhill Road, and the location of refuse stations next to houses on Knappagh road.

Planning permission for the controversial development is an executive decision for Sligo Borough planners however, which means there's no guarantee it will be refused. A decision is due to be made tomorrow 22 February.

2.19.07

New Australian Support Act

Anthony Callea has been confirmed to be Westlife's support act in Australia for all dates except the one in Perth. He will be performing songs from his latest album, "A New Chapter", including his new single 'Addicted To You'.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Westlife will be keeping Bonnie Tyler that much richer when they release "Total Eclipse of the Heart". At its peak, Total Eclipse of the Heart sold 60,000 copies a day, and about six million copies in total. It has been number one in most charts around the world. The Skewen-born singer is currently ranked the 49th richest person in Wales with a personal fortune of £25m thanks to her record sales and property. And it is the longevity of her most famous song that has gone a long way to building her wealth.

The royalties will come rolling in once more when Westlife releases the song. The top-selling singers from County Sligo are facing a challenge for female hearts from a revived Take That whose comeback single Patience picked up a Brit Award this week. Westlife have responded by making their own version of Bonnie's greatest hit and plan to release it as a single on March 19. The Irish singers, discovered by feuding music impresarios Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, premiered the song on the BBC's National Lottery Show on Wednesday.

Bonnie, 55, who divides her time between her Mumbles Bay home and her house on the seafront in Portugal's Algarve, said she was happy to see Total Eclipse of the Heart yet again being trotted into the charts. She said, "I will never get tired of Total Eclipse of the Heart. I get another generation of fans as a result. My first hit record was over 30 years ago and the people who bought my records then are married now and they probably still play these records and their children get to like them when they are re-released."

The song set Bonnie's career on fire when she released it in 1983. It was written by American songwriter Jim Steinman - his soulful lyrics were inspired by the classic novel Wuthering Heights. He wanted to give it to larger-than-life singer Meat Loaf for his early album Midnight at the Lost and Found but the record company baulked at Steinman's fee. He offered it to gravel-voiced Bonnie, believing her unique vocal style would suit the song just as well. Tyler's career reached new heights and it put her in the history books as the only Welsh artist to hit the top slot in the UK and US Billboard magazine charts.

The song, on Tyler's 1983 album, Faster Than the Speed of Night, has since been a big hit for dance artist Nikki French (1995). And it was a pan-European hit for Bonnie and young French star Kareen Antonn in 2003 when they re-released it together as the bilingual duet Si Demain. It was also recorded last year by Sheffield band BabyPinkStar using her original vocals with new guitar work. Speaking of the BabyPinkStar version, Bonnie said, "When I first heard it I thought, 'are you serious?' I kind of liked it, I sent it to producer Jim Steinman, he loved it and suggested they crank up the guitars."

The song was sung by Bonnie in 1999 at the opening of the National Assembly. And amazingly it was used in an advert for yoghurt in Germany, featuring members of the public turning around as they went about their daily business, in time with the song's famous "turn around" lyrics. Bonnie said, "That was definitely the strangest place I have seen the song used, I wonder if we should have been paid for it?"

Total Eclipse of the Heart also became known for its bizarre accompanying video. It featured Bonnie, apparently struggling through a wind tunnel in an apparently haunted school, in which all the children had disturbingly bright, shining eyes. She said of it, "Don't ask me what it was about. Jim (Steinman) did the story boards and it must be said it was nominated for a Grammy."

2.13.07

Contest for Australians

Westlife Valentine's Day contest. Winners will be treated to 1) Accommodation at the Medina Apartments. Winners will be provided with a $500 voucher that is valid for six months and can be used at any Medina Apartment in Melbourne. 2) Flowers: Winner will also receive one dozen boxed roses including rose oil, pot pourri, Lindt chocolate and Randy the bear courtesy of Roses Only. That's a total value of about $140. 3) Westlife concert tickets: The winner will also pick up a double-pass to see Westlife when they perform in Melbourne later this month. The tickets are worth $180. 4) We'll also chuck in a copy of Westlife's The Love Album (RRP $30).

This contest is only open to residents of Australia and closes at midnight on Thursday, February 15, 2007. click here for the contest

Westlife tour support act pulls out

"The Young Divas" have pulled out of the Westlife tour. The group, which contains Ricki-Lee Coultier, Emily Williams, Paulini Curuenavuli and Kate DeAraugo, had been booked to support the Irish boy band when they tour Australia later this month. But the girls have stepped down from the tour and been replaced by Anthony Callea.

The Westlife tour was initially booked for the Rod Laver Arena last September, but was rescheduled for the Vodafone Arena on February 26. The support act reshuffle comes at a time when the group has been weathering speculation that Coultier is set to leave the quartet permanently, amid rumours of rampant egos and personality clashes.

Coultier filmed the video clip for the Diva's next single during the week and has headed overseas for six weeks to work on her solo album. Lavina Williams, the sister of Diva Emily and also an Idol graduate, will stand in for Coultier while she is overseas. Diva's manager David Champion tipped cold water on the red hot rumour that Coultier was planning to quit the group. He said she would be promoting the girls' new single and would record the Divas' next album.

"The Young Divas' success has surprised everybody," Champion said. "It has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the Divas are intent on going forward and continuing on this whirlwind of a ride. They are disappointed they won't be sharing the stage with Westlife, but are looking forward to headlining their own tour later this year."

Nicky on Valentine's Day

"The best way to your Valentine's heart is a box of luxury chocolates", says Nicky. "I love it when the two of us have something that we can share."

If you don't get any Valentine cards this year, just pretend you did. Nicky noted: "At school everyone would act really cool about how many cards they got, and you knew everyone exaggerated. I'd always say I got seven."

For the past 14 years, Nicky has had one special Valentine, his wife Georgina, daughter of Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. They have been together since school and married in 2003. Georgina is now expecting twins. 'We were very young when we started going out,' he says. 'We've had more than 10 Valentine's Days together, so every year it's getting harder to buy something different.'

At least Mrs Byrne will know what to get Nicky - he loved Thornton's 'I Love You' Cups, which he tried for the test. 'I like something we can share, and these are great!'

If you're single, Nicky says go for it: 'If you fancy someone, use Valentine's as an excuse to ask them out. Why not?'

1. I Love You Cups, Thorntons, www.thorntons.co.uk, £2.50
Revert back to school days when love letters were 'in', and spell it out with the 'I Love You Cups', a series of five milk chocolate cups [the word love is represented by a heart] filled with a delicious chocobeurre centre, that spell out the immortal words. Nicky says "My favourite: I love these, they are so cute. If you find it a bit awkward to give romantic gifts, this is perfect because they're so small and say 'I love you' in a really sweet way. They taste really nice - not too heavy, not too sickly. The nicest part is that they say they're for 'childhood sweethearts' and that's perfect for my wife and me, so it won us over straight away. As they're so cheap, it would be lovely to give them as a side gift along with something else."

2. Heart gift box, Marks and Spencer, £9.99
An assortment of milk, white and dark chocolates including nut, truffle and caramel centres. Nicky says "Lovely - the truffles have champagne in them too, and you can't go wrong with these. You could just keep popping them in your mouth all day; they are delicious. It's not too big a box either, so you can eat them without it being too much. Good price, and great presentation."

3. Continental Valentine's Day Satin Heart, Thorntons, £25
The perfect way to say 'I Love You' and to keep the love alive. Our striking red Continental Satin Heart contains 56 of our most popular chocolate collection. Nicky says "This was my second favourite. Really lovely box. Everything's beautifully wrapped inside, it's luscious. There's a great selection of chocolates. If you bought these for a girl, it would look like you'd spent money."

4. Velvet Heart Belgian chocolate selection, Marks and Spencer, £30
A selection of milk, dark and white Belgian chocolates. Includes treats such as Buchette, an indulgent mix of smooth white chocolate and crunchy croquant praline. Nicky says "I can see how a girl might love these - the box and the ribbon are pretty. It's absolutely huge too, so it's something you could get for your girlfriend and you'd know she'd love it. Great if you like luxurious chocolates."

5. Hand-decorated truffles, Marks and Spencer, £5.99 This sumptuous and sexy truffle selection combines smooth milk chocolate made with cocoa beans from Ecuador, dark chocolate from Santo Domingo beans and white Belgian chocolate. Nicky says "I really like the white chocolate ones in this box. It's quite an unusual box - black - so could be quite discreet to send. I loved the presentation."

2.07.07

Westlife happy without Delta's boyfriend

Westlife believe they are better off without Delta Goodrem's boyfriend Brian McFadden. Brian, who has been dating the Australian singer since 2005, quit Westlife in 2004 just before the group was due to embark on a world tour. Band member Kian Egan says there were no hard feelings, but that the group gelled better when McFadden departed.

"When we did our first concerts the reaction was massive ... fans were saying we were better than ever. They were saying they didn't miss Brian and it was fantastic," Kian noted, ahead of a visit to Australia this month.

Westlife will touch down in Australia for the third time in a year, launching a national tour in Perth on February 21 before playing in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. "We always thought a five piece was the perfect band, until we got the four of us," said Kian. "I think it was also probably a part of the growing up process as well. We changed from the typical boy band to singing powerful ballads and love songs."

Westlife have had 14 number one singles since forming in 1998. Their tally of number ones is the third highest in British history, behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles. They are also the only band in the British Isles to have entered the charts at number one with their first seven singles, including Swear Again, Flying Without Wings and Fool Again. It's only been in the last 12 months that Westlife has cracked the Australian market, helped by their cover of Secret Garden song You Raise Me Up.

Kian says while the band began in the era of "the boy band" they have found a more mature style now. "When we first started off we were your typical run of the mill boy band and there was an awful lot of us - Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Take That, N'Sync," he said. "But since then we have separated ourselves from the bunch, in my opinion, because what we are doing now is a bit more adult and it's a lot more about the songs and the singing rather than your typical boy bands on stage doing your typical dance routines." Westlife have sold more than 45 million albums in over 40 countries.

Ireland Meteor Awards

Irish and British performers were full of praise for the support of their Irish fans in England at the seventh star-studded Meteor Irish Music Awards last week. Topping the event were Snow Patrol sweeping-up four awards.

Ronan Keating and Westlife also thrilled fans with a first-ever joint performance of Garth Brooks’ "The Dance". Speaking to The Irish Post Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody said: “It’s great to be winning awards on our home turf. We’ve had January off to relax but now we’re back and these awards are really making us excited about our tour starting this week. We’re back to England in the summer for the festivals. But it’s great to be near home tonight.”

Ronan Keating also praised his fans in Britain. The ex-Boyzone member said: “I’m looking forward to coming over to England this week with work and I’ll see some of my Irish fan base in Britain.”

Kian said: “I’d like to say thanks to our Irish fans in England for supporting us. They keep us in profile among so many other big acts in Britain.”

English band the Feeling — from London and Sussex — were also determined to prove their Irish roots at the event. Bass player Richard Jones said: “We love it over here. In fact most of the band members have family in Dublin and Galway. It’s like a second home here. We love going out here.”

X-Factor winner and second-generation Irishman Shane Ward was also full of praise for his British-based Irish fans. He said: “I’m really thankful for all your support and please keep it up. Your support means I can come to these awards” And Irish girl-band Triniti revealed their fame had grown since winning an Irish Post Award last year. They said: “Since winning the award people are recognising us more and we’ve had so much fun.”

Westlife asked to perform

Shane Richie has landed a megabucks deal for his big day with a downmarket glossy mag and has asked Irish warblers Westlife and ex-Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley to perform. But the privilege for singing the tune for the first dance, at a venue yet to be confirmed, has fallen to Shane’s chum Robbie Williams. He has been asked by the former EastEnder to perform his anthem Angels for an expected 600 guests.

Childline Concert 2007

The celebrities: .... Local heroes Westlife were out in force, Kian Egan arriving with girlfriend Jodi Albert.

Childline raises €2.5 Millin

Cheerios Childline Concert , which celebrated it's 10th anniversary last night at Dublin's Point Theatre, has raised an amazing €2.5 million for the Irish Childline Charity since the concerts began in 1997. Over the past ten years, the event has received generous support from a massive array of Irish and International stars including Westlife, Robbie Williams, Busted, Boyzone, Five, Samantha Mumba, Big Brovaz, S Club 7, Girls Aloud and many more.

In particular, Westlife have been outstanding supporters having performed an amazing 9 times. This year's concert, which was hosted by Stephen Gately and Brian McFadden, featured performances from Westlife, Shayne Ward, Sugababes, McFly, G4, Matt Willis, Lil Chris, Lady Nada, Greg Ryan and Streetwize.

The concert will be televised by RTE 2 on Sunday, February 18 at 4.30pm, bringing the sold out event to those unable to get their hands on one of the hottest tickets this year. All parties involved with last nights Cheerios Childline Concert are providing their services free of charge on the night including the artists and organisers.

1.25.07

Next single

The next single will be "Total Eclipse of the Heart". It will be released on March 12. The single will also contain a new mix of the track by Sunset Strippers. The boys are shooting the video during this month...which means you'll be able to see it sometime next month.

Westlife finally together with Ronan Keating

After all the hoopla...and as it turns out a big publicity stunt back in 1999 with Ronan as one of Westlife's manager...the two are getting together for a public performance. They will be singing "The Dance", which is the remake of the original Garth Brooks song. The awards will be on February 1, and broadcast on RTE 2 on February 4 at 9:30pm.

Childline (now sponsored by Cheerios)

Now that's an awkward sponsor. Good cause, but did they have to call it Cheerios. Childline is Ireland's #1 children's charity, and its an event that Westlife have attended pretty much every year for as long as I can remember. This year will be no different. It wil be hosted this year by Stephen Gately and Brian McFadden (awkward anybody?). The concert will be televised by RTE 2 on Sunday February 18 at 4:30pm. All the stars that appear are donating their services for free, and this year €280,000 will be donated.

12.19.06

UK chart dominance

Alas, it is not Westlife I'm talking about. Take That continue to impress with their comeback. "Patience" remains #1 after 4 weeks, while "Beautiful World" retains the #1 for 3 weeks. I can't remember another pop group being so dominant in the UK charts in a very long time. Beautiful World is expected to be the Christmas #1 album, keeping it at #1 for the 4th week in a row.

That's not to say Westlife haven't done well. They maintained the #3 album spot again, with Oasis maintaining the #2 spot. Westlife have remained in the top 5, with "The Love Album" for 4 weeks now, which is one of their best showings ever.

X Factor

The battle even had an extension onto the popular UK show, X Factor. Take That sang with Leona, with "A Million Love Songs". She ultimately won the X Factor, and is set for the UK Christmas #1 with a remake of Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" (dear god, can they do remakes any sooner in time...how crappy is that selection). Westlife were paired with Ray Quinn, singing "That's Life".

And how does that translate, with all the attention lavished on both Take That and Westlife in recent weeks? This week so far, Take That have moved another 100,000 albums, nearly double that of Westlife.

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