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Cancer's no match for date with a pop star
Tuesday July 05 2011
A YOUNG girl has vowed to beat cancer and keep a date with Westlife star Shane Filan.
But brave Niamh McNulty will have to wait at least a year to make her dream happen -- after getting a call for a life-saving transplant.
The 16-year-old received a 'good luck' call from the singer ahead of her operation, which takes place this Friday at Crumlin Children's Hospital.
She has fought a rare form of leukemia for the past five years, but now a suitable bone marrow donor has been found in Germany.
Her family threw her a party in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, to raise her spirits before the operation.
All her family and friends came along, as did special guests former Eurovision singer Mickey Joe Harte and 'X Factor' contestant Eoghan Quigg.
Call
But Niamh got a very special phone call on the night from Westlife star Shane.
"Her whole face just lit up. She couldn't believe it when Shane phoned. It was very nice of him to take the time.
"Hopefully when the operation is a success, Niamh will get to meet him and have a good chat with him," her mother Bernie said.
Bernie said that despite her chemotherapy treatment and watching her hair fall out four times, Niamh has been so brave.
"She has such a great personality. She has been through hell and back and she always tries to have a smile on her face. She is amazing," Bernie added.
Despite her date with Shane, Niamh will have to wait for several months after her operation, as she can only see immediate family and cannot leave her home.
"The (medical) conditions are very strict, but we will do whatever we have to. Shane will have to wait," Bernie joked. "But it will all be worth it when Niamh pulls through."
- Stephen Maguire
This is information from Westlife’s Mark Feehily’s Twitter page, on the band’s trans-Asia tour this summer; which will cover Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The information was then confirmed on Westlife’s website. Westlife’s Vietnamese fans are very enthusiastic with the information. This year, many international singers have come to Vietnam. After Backstreet Boys, Super Junior, JYJ, Alexandra Burke, David Cook will be David Archuleta, Westlife and perhaps Bon Jovi. Westlife is an Irish pop group formed on July 3, 1998. The group's original lineup comprised Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden (departed from the band in 2004). The group is the only act in British or Irish history to have their first seven singles go straight to Number 1, and they have gone on to sell over 44 million records worldwide which includes their studio, single, video, and compilation albums.] Despite the group's worldwide success, they've only had one U.S. hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts: "Swear It Again", which made it to No. 20 in 2000. Westlife were originally signed by Simon Cowell and are currently managed by Louis Walsh. They garnered 14 number one singles in the United Kingdom, the third-highest in UK history, tying with Cliff Richard and trailing behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The group has also broken a few top records, including "Music artist with most consecutive number 1's in the UK". It was officially announced by the Official Charts Company that they are the "2nd biggest selling artist" (trailing behind Robbie Williams) and "Biggest selling band of the decade" (beating Coldplay) in UK with 11 million album sales. On June 1, 2008, Westlife marked their 10th anniversary with a concert in Croke Park, Dublin which had more than 83,000 fans attending the special occasion. Music Week revealed on their website that Westlife is the official third top touring act within the years 2005–2008, while they were 7th top touring act of 2008. Also in 2008, they were declared as Ireland's ninth-richest celebrities under 30 years old, and 13th in general with 36 million euros as a group. In 2009, they dropped as 16th richest Irish with estimated 8 million euros each. They are named as the fourth most hard-working music artist in UK by PRS in 2010. Gravity is the eleventh studio album from Westlife. It was released on November 22, 2010 in the United Kingdom through Syco Music, RCA Records and Sony Music. Westlife began its tour to advertise the album on March 7, 2011. Its Asian tour will begin on September 21. In Gravity tour, Westlife will perform its popular songs like Seasons in The Sun, Flying Without Wings, Uptown Girl, World of Our Own, You Raise Me Up and songs from the new album, such Gravity, Safe, I Will Reach You or No One’s Gonna Sleep Tonight.
Shane Filan says it will happen 'someday' Westlife have hinted that they will reunite with former member Brian McFadden "someday". Last year McFadden, who quit the band in 2004, wrote on Twitter.comBrianMcFaddem: "I had a dream I was back on stage with Westlife playing some crazy-sized football stadium. "I would love to do an album with the boys and show JLS and Take That what we are really made of! If the boys wanna challenge these newcomers I am up for a fight." However, member Shane Filan responded at the time by saying: "I don't think it's even remotely interesting if Brian came back." Filan has now had a change of heart, telling the Daily Record: "I'd never rule out Brian coming back because there never was a bad patch with him. Brian was great with fans. "I definitely think some day it would be great fun to sing with Brian again. It could be in 10 years time but I think it will happen."
I'm so happy for Brian and new love Vogue -- Wednesday July 20 2011 WESTLIFE'S Nicky Byrne has spoken of his joy that former bandmate Brian McFadden has found love again. The singer made the comments about his ex bandmate, who is currently enjoying the early flushes of romance with top Irish model Vogue Williams. Dad-of-two Nicky (32) explained how he doesn't know the Howth born model personally, but says that he is happy for his Australia-based friend on his newfound love. Nicky went on to reveal his belief that Artane native Brian will collaborate with Westlife again. He insists however that the group have made no plans for a reunion. "I don't know Vogue whatsoever but I'm just happy if he's happy," Nicky told the Diary. "He's a nice fella, I've always said it since the day he left. "Brian's not the worst in the world. He has a heart of gold. He's probably had a bit of a rough time of it down the years. "The way it is with Brian and the band is that it was one of those things where you'd never say never but there is no plan. I can categorically say that. I like him and who knows. "People love a bit of nostalgia. "I think there will be a time in Westlife's life when we do sing with him again. When that is, whether it's next week or five years down the line I really don't know," he added. Nicky also insists that he is in the dark when it comes to the line-up for RTE's new talent series, The Voice, for which his name has been mentioned as a potential judge. The Flying Without Wings singer says he would be interested in hearing more about the show but claims he has not spoken to anyone to date. According to the down to earth singer: "I don't know about The Voice at all. I keep hearing my name being mentioned around as well but no, not that I know of. "I don't know, I mean, I'd certainly be interested in being listed but you know I think they put everyone's name in the hat, don't they? "TV is something I've always enjoyed. Certainly I've presented Childline over the years. I'm always doing TV with Westlife being interviewed. I've always enjoyed the buzz of TV so definitely down the road. "I'm still concentrating on Westlife at the moment, we've another album to produce and lots of tours. "I do think The Voice is a great concept, I mean I've seen the American version. I think it will be great for Ireland definitely," he added. Nicky and his bandmates took a month off work over the summer, but are soon due to hit the road once more to continue their tour across South Africa and South East Asia. The chatty popstar was speaking last night at the world premiere of Peter Pan at the Grand Canal Theatre. Nicky was joined at the star-studded event by his wife Georgina, the couple's twin sons Rocco and Jay (4) and his mother-in-law Miriam Ahern.
Westlife pay tribute to Amy Winehouse at Hamilton Park Race Course
Westlife brought their Gravity tour to a packed Hamilton Park Racecourse last night (Saturday, July 23).
Although the atmosphere at the concert was electric, the night was tinged with sadness following the news that Amy Winehouse had been found dead earlier that day.
The boys were keen to express their sadness at the news and pay tribute to the singer.
Mark Feehily told the crowd: ?It?s been a funny old day. I?m sure you?ve all heard the sad news about Amy Winehouse. I am a massive fan of hers; she has done so much for music in this country.
?Amy Winehouse, we love you so much ? tonight is for you.?
Prior to the show, Mark had joined the host of stars and fans Tweeting tributes to Amy. He wrote: ?I am devastated...so so devastated... RIP my hero Amy xx?
During a concert in Scotland, Westlife singer Mark Feehily told fans: “It’s been a funny old day. I’m sure you’ve all heard the sad news about Amy Winehouse. I am a massive fan of hers; she has done so much for music in this country. Amy Winehouse, we love you so much – tonight is for you.”
Westlife singer Mark, who came up with the idea, said he was inspired by his own personal experiences of bullying when he was younger. A poster campaign aimed at highlighting the effects that bullying has on the lives of children and young people was launched in Dublin today. A number of well-known figures from the world of music and the arts are participating in the ISPCC campaign, which will last for four weeks. The society hopes the campaign will encourage children and young people to stand up to bullying and to find the strength to talk about it and to seek support. Saoirse Ronan, Mark Feehily, Louis Walsh, Laura Whitmore and Jedward all feature in posters with cuts and bruises to represent the lasting effect bullying can have on lives. "I know at first hand how the impact of being bullied as a teenager can quite literally last a lifetime," said Westlife member and ISPCC ambassador Mark Feehily. "I thought that if we could involve well known ISPCC ambassadors perhaps people will think twice about bullying or indeed allowing bullying to happen." Bullying can take on many forms from physical threats to online harassment and the Childline service received some 2,300 calls and messages everyday from young people last year alone. Almost a quarter of these contacts related to abuse and welfare, including bullying as well as issues around mental health.
A week ago Kian Eagan announced that he and wife Jodi Albert were expecting their first child and today Jodi Albert proudly showed off her growing baby bump. The Wonderland singer appeared on This Morning with her fellow band members to sing a song from their debut album and Jodi looked just swell. Last week Jodi and her Westlife singer husband enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza and the singer showed off her four month pregnancy in a white bikini Kian announced on Twitter than the couple were expecting their first baby together and Jodi revealed on This Morning today that the baby is due January 1. people.com : Westlife star Kian Egan is looking forward to being a dad. Wife Jodi Albert, 28, is busy in girl band Wonderland - but not too busy to have a baby. The singer loves strutting around in her Louboutins, but she might have to abandon them soon - for the sake of her back! 'I have two or three pairs for special occasions and they always make me feel really sexy,' Jodi tells us. Kian, 31, doesn't mind what Jodi wears though and even finds her alluring in her jim-jams. 'Kian thinks I'm sexy in my pyjamas,' she reveals.
Thursday August 18 2011 WESTLIFE star Nicky Byrne has revealed his delight for his bandmate Kian Egan, who is preparing to become a father for the first time. The Dublin singer told the Diary how he was delighted to hear earlier this month that Kian and his wife, Wonderland singer Jodi Albert, were expecting their first child. The singer explained how Kian was a great help when he started his own family with wife Georgina Ahern. The couple have children, twin brothers Rocco and Jay (4). tips "It's such great news. The thing about Kian is he has a load of nieces and nephews so Kian, if I'm honest, was actually giving me and Georgina tips when we started having kids, back in the day," he laughed. Speaking at the launch of the new ad campaign for the Irish Heart Foundation earlier this week, the star who was accompanied by his wife and their twin sons, revealed that singer Jodi has always been very maternal. "Kian was very good with kids from the offset so I really think he will be a great dad and Jodi will be a great mum, she's brilliant with Rocco and Jay, she's very very motherly. I am genuinely delighted for them," he revealed. Meanwhile, the Dublin star -- who is tipped to be the new co-presenter of RTE's The Voice -- told the Diary that he hasn't met or spoken to former bandmate Brian McFadden since his return to Ireland. The Australia's Got Talent judge is in town for a month with model girlfriend Vogue Williams, and although he asked Westlife member Mark Feehily to meet up last week, Nicky (32) says he hasn't heard from him at all. blood "I haven't seen Brian or heard anything from him, you probably see him or hear about him more than I do," he joked. The dad-of-two insists however that there is no bad blood between them. "I never fell out with Brian, he's a good mate but just haven't heard from him or seen him at all," he explained.
Jodi Albert has revealed that she will be raiding partner Kian Egan's wardrobe for 'baggy' clothes during her pregnancy.
1 of 1 Albert is set to wear partner Kian Egan's clothes during her pregnancy Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, the 27-year-old Wonderland singer said: "I love to wear baggy clothes and I'm always in Kian's wardrobe!"
Jodi Albert and Kian Egan are looking forward to becoming parents.
Albert continued to disclose that the pair are over the moon to be expecting their first baby saying: "We're so happy and can't wait to become parents."
However, the former Hollyoaks actress suggested that her baby will be the first of many pitching in: "We'd love to have a big family. That's what life's about."
Saturday August 20 2011 Westlife's Nicky Byrne has said he doesn't believe The X Factor will be as good without acid-tongued judge Simon Cowell. And the Herald can reveal how the band's usual slot on the hit show now hangs in the balance since they left the music mogul's record label, SyCo. The chart-topping singer explained how he believed the whole dynamic of the ITV programme will have changed as a result of Simon switching to X Factor USA. "I hear Gary Barlow is good but I can't see it being as good without Simon, if I'm honest, because he and Louis had that banter, that chemistry. I know Louis likes Gary and they get on but I'm not sure if the same chemistry could be had, with anyone," he said. Cog "It doesn't matter who you put in that seat, it's not Simon Cowell. It's nothing against Gary but it's going to be different. And then you've not got Cheryl or Dannii either, so it's not like, you're not just missing one major cog in the wheel it's like 'wow, the whole thing has changed'. But it could be 50 times better, who knows?" The Irish boyband has made countless key appearances on the talent contest, now in its eighth series, which has helped them launch their latest albums to TV audiences of millions. But Nicky explained how the group are no longer assured a key slot on the programme now that they have switched labels to RCA. "I will certainly watch the show but I don't know if we'll be on it. We would all love to, of course and with Louis there thankfully we have an 'in' on it," he continued. "But they have had us on a lot over the years and you have to remember, SyCo is the company that makes the show so hopefully it wouldn't be like that. But you never know, we might not get the show and if we don't, we'll just have to pick ourselves up and move on." The popular singer has also done little to allay speculation that RTE is head-hunting him to co-present new programme The Voice of Ireland. But he said that it's all to do with timing and his first loyalties will always lie with Westlife as the four lads gear up to embark on a short tour next month of South Africa and South East Asia. "I'm not going to lie -- broadcasting is something I do enjoy," he continued. "Nobody has offered me the job or anything like that but it's always nice to be mentioned in a big TV show like that. I don't know if I have the timing for something like this." Request Once their next tour is complete, Westlife will be taking to the stage at the O2 Dublin on November 24 to play 'O2 SmartSounds'. A live social-media gig, it will see attendees being able to request the songs they'd like to hear on the night. "We're really looking forward to that. It's a great concept and there's also going to be a battle of the bands on the night," Nicky added. Herald readers will have the opportunity to win tickets to this exclusive event, with more details revealed over the coming weeks mfinn@herald.ie
Dubliner Nicky Byrne has revealed that the band is currently out of contract and looking forward to their future. The Irish crooners, who parted ways with Simon Cowell's record company earlier this year, moved to RCA after they clashed creatively with Cowell. Speaking to The Star, Byrne said that there is not a new Westlife album in the works right now. "Right now no." he said. "Right now we are just looking forward to the Greatest Hits. "We are out of contract at the moment which is a great position to be in because if this album does well we're looking to the future, like a footballer you are free to talk to anybody. Byrne with his bandmates Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan "At the moment I would guess Greatest Hits tour and then we might not come back with an album in the next year because it might feel too soon. "I would say we'd probably look at what's on the table and then maybe discuss with a few other people, labels and see what's there and move forward." However the Westlife star admitted that there is no hard feelings between the band and their former mentor Cowell. "I texted him when the amicable departure happened and I said Simon I just want to thank you for the 13 years and I owe you an awful lot. Straight away he replied and said 'listen we're always here for you guys'."
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