Westlife Bios

Two years into the industry and this group has already made a name for themselves, scoring no fewer than seven No 1 singles with only two albums released. Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Bryan McFadden are members of this phenomenal group, Westlife.

Westlife began "life" with a much different name, as well as a different look. In 1998, Kian, Mark and Shane had actually gotten together to form a band, initially called ? as 1" before changing it to "I.O.You". The three guys released a single in Ireland that was not very well received. Nonetheless, Shane's mother, Mae, contacted Louis Walsh, manager of Boyzone, asking him to take the group under his wings.

Louis then contacted Ronan Keating from Boyzone and he agreed to co-manage the group with Louis. As such, "I.O.You" was restructured, three of its members were asked to leave and auditions were held to look for new blood. This came in the form of Nicky and Bryan. The group's name was also changed to "Westside", but in 1999, it was set as "Westlife".

Westlife, Co managed by Boyzone's Ronan Keating, Westlife are already being compared to the hugely successful Irish boy band.

The group released their first single, "Swear It Again" in April that same year and it became an instant hit, going straight to the top of the British and Irish charts. "Swear It Again" was also the biggest-selling debut single in Ireland.

From then on, it was hit after hit for the group, "I Have A Dream/ Seasons In The Sun" was the UK No. 1 of 1999, their self-titled debut album, released in November 1999, has achieved triple platinum status, "Flying Without Wings" was Record of the Year. All these from just one album!

Now, their follow-up album, titled "Coast To Coast" is set to follow the footsteps as well, with the first single, "My Love" hitting No. 1 and even beat the Spice girls in the first week of the sales figure, giving Westlife their place in chart history. They have also collaborated with soultress, Mariah Carey in "Against All Odds" and will probably continue their hit-making with their next single, "Angel's Wings".

As Westlife ploughs ahead like a bulldozer through the charts as well as promotional tours, they have plans to break into the massive US market in the near future. Looking at their success in the rest of the world, it's not hard to guess that Westlife will also be a great success in US as well!

2001
• Capital Awards Best International Group Award
• Brit Awards Best Pop Act Award (UK)

2000
• TMF Best International Band Award (Belgium)
• Smash Hits Best Album Of 2000 Award For "Coast To Coast" (UK)
• Smash Hits Best Single Of 2000 Award For "My Love" (UK)
• Smash Hits Best Non-British Band Award (UK)
• Smash Hits Best Band On Planet Pop Award (UK)
• Smash Hits Best Haircut Award [given to Kian] (UK)
• Smash Hits Best Looking Male Award [given to Shane] (UK)
• Record Of The Year Award For "My Love" (UK)
• MTV Best UK and Ireland Act Award
• TV Hits Best Looking Popstar Award [given to Shane] (UK)
• TV Hits Best Band Award (UK)
• Capital FM Best International Newcomers Award (UK)
• Best World Artists of 2000 Award (Singapore)
• Voice Of The 21st Century Award [given to Shane] (Indonesia)

1999
• Best Love Song Award for "Swear It Again" (South Africa)
• Topp Magazine Best Band Of The Year Award (Norway)
• Heineken/Hot Press Best New Act Award (Ireland)
• Record Of The Year Award For "Flying Without Wings" (UK)
• TV Hits Best New Act Award (UK)
• TMF Best Breakthrough Band Award (Belgium)

1998
• Smash Hits Best New Tour Act Award (UK)