Hunt for The Voice begins as hundreds head for auditions

Hosted by Kathryn Thomas and Eoghan McDermott, putting the singers through their paces will be Sharon Corr, Niall Breslin, Kian Egan and Brian Kennedy. 

By Melanie Finn

Monday October 10 2011

THE first round of filming on The Voice Of Ireland will begin in three weeks after more than 120 aspiring stars were selected for RTE's new show.

Hundreds of wannabes applied to appear on the big-budget production with the successful applicants now whittled down to the very best crooners.

The Herald can reveal that the 'blind' auditions will take place in the Helix in DCU as they vie to win over the judges with their voice alone.

"There was a massive amount of interest in the competition but producers wanted to keep the talent level really strong and only put through people that they genuinely thought were great and had a chance of going further," said a source.

Filming will start this month but it won't be shown on RTE until the New Year when it's expected to be one of its season's highlights.

Hosted by Kathryn Thomas and Eoghan McDermott, putting the singers through their paces will be Sharon Corr, Niall Breslin, Kian Egan and Brian Kennedy.

One of the stipulations to be a coach was they had to have proved themselves as a seasoned performer and be able to provide invaluable advice to their chosen acts as they mentor them through the competition.

FOOTSTEPS

That means that all of them will be expected to take to the stage at some point in the contest and perform with their individual acts, following in the footsteps of the American version of the popular show.

The closing date for applications was September 19 and the successful candidates were called back to take part in closed auditions in Dublin.

Consisting of three phases, namely a 'blind' audition, a singing battle and the live performance shows, the winner of The Voice Of Ireland will bag a recording contract with Universal Music.

Based on the international format that originated with Endemol in Holland, it has already been a massive hit in the US pulling in millions of viewers who have gobbled up the fresh twist on the talent show format.

- Melanie Finn

 Credit/Source :- http://www.herald.ie

Westlife's @kianeganwl to be a judge on The Voice -

Westlife star Kian Egan is to become a Mentor (i.e. Judge) on The Irish version of The Voice.

Kian, who also has experience of Managing girlband Wonderland has been asked to join the panel on the show, which launches next year.

An Insider said: “Kian realised that the huge amount of experience he has in the music business could be of great use to any aspiring singer trying to get a break”.

Kian will be joined on the panel by Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy and Niall – that’s Niall Breslin from the Blizzards not Niall off of One Direction.It is thought that Kian will be joined by Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy and former Blizzards singer Niall Breslin aka Bressie on the show.

So far Jessie J is the only mentor confirmed for the UK version, which will be shown on BBC1.   Other mentors rumoured to be on the panel include Tom Jones, Shane Filan and Nelly Furtardo.
 

Credit :- http://www.celebritain.com

Pre-Order 'Lighthouse'

Westlifers don't forget that Lighthouse is Available to preorder on Amazon 

Thank you Guys 10k Views

Thank You So Much Over 10k Views :D  Really Means Alot xx

Videos: Live in Singapore 2011!

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Video: Westlife Press Conference in Malaysia 7th October 2011!

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Westlife unveil new single 'Lighthouse' artwork - picture

The boyband will release 'Lighthouse' on November 14, with their Greatest Hits compilation to follow a week later on November 21.

The track was co-written by Take That's Gary Barlow and John Shanks, while the accompanying video was filmed in South Africa last month.

'Lighthouse' is Westlife's 31st single since their chart-topping debut 'Swear It Again' in 1999.The band have sold over 11 million albums and 6 million singles in the UK to date, with further sales accumulated across Europe and Australia.The group will reportedly take a break of up to two years following the release of Westlife: The Greatest Hits in November.

Source: http://www.digitalspy.ie

Westlife- Lighthouse (90 sec clip)

Westlife- Lighthouse (90 sec clip) by WestlifeGreatestHits

Westlife thrills faithful fans

KUALA LUMPUR: Irish pop group Westlife proved that they still have a strong fanbase in Malaysia when 7,600-strong fans filled up the Putra Stadium Bukit Jalil on Friday night for the Westlife: Live In Kuala Lumpur 2011 concert.

The majority of the crowd were in their 20s and older, and they have been the group’s fans since their debut in 1998.

The members, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan, wowed the audience with their soulful voice, catchy songs and smooth choreography.

Westlife performed 14 of their songs which put them on the world map, including Flying Without Wings, My Love, Seasons In The Sun and Uptown Girl.

As a surprise for fans, the group also entertained them with a medley of songs by other artistes, namely Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Time Of My Life (Black Eyed Peas), Only Girl (Rihanna) and Bad Romance (Lady Gaga).

This is the group’s fifth visit to Malaysia, with the last one being nine years ago.

Filan said he was excited to be back in Malaysia again.

Egan recalled their first time in Malaysia, when 6,000 fans attended their showcase.

That night was also an exceptionally memorable one for a couple. The group helped the man propose to his girlfriend on stage.

Part of Westlife’s Gravity Tour 2011, the concert was presented by JS Concert Productions, Midas Promotions and Sony Music.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Westlife and Gravity thrill Jakarta

FAMOUS IRISH BOY BAND IN CONCERT

Seven years since their last performance in Indonesia, the famous Irish boy band, Westlife, finally made their comeback in Jakarta on the evening of October 5, quenching the longing of their fans. This exuberant show was part of their world tour entitled, The Gravity, held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta. Thousands of loyal fans from Jakarta and other major cities of Indonesia such as Bandung, Surabaya, and Lombok flocked to the site, hours before the show commenced.

A special Meet and Greet session organized by Enterprise Ireland was held before the fabulous quartet of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan went on stage. Speaking for Enterprise Ireland, Claire Tracey stated that they had a number of fortunate loyal fans to come face to face and interact closely with the boy band, which supports education in Ireland. When asked about how he sees Indonesia, Nicky simply replied, “It’s amazing.” The Meet and Greet session itself was short, but it left a lasting memento for those who got the chance to just shake hands or take pictures with all Westlife members.

The concert kicked off at 2000 Western Indonesia Time, as the rumbling sounds of the hysterical audience grew louder by the minute. As the curtains were raised, Westlife appeared with their elegant trench coats and black ties, and shook the stadium with “When you‘re looking like that,” while the audience passionately sang along with them.

After the opening song, Mark greeted the audience and expressed his excitement to return and meet his fans in Indonesia. “I hope you guys don’t just scream, but also sing along with us, but watch out don’t let anybody get hurt,” said Mark, as Westlife went on to play “World of Our Own,” “What Makes A Man,” and “What About Now.”

The hysteria and frenzy got somewhat out of control as the quartet played “Home.” The adrenalin drove some among the audience to push one another, causing a number to faint. The concert was paused for a short moment as the concert crew and security staff tried to get the crowd to cool down and restore order. Mark, Nicky, Kian, and Shane appeared to ease the hysterical crowd. “We will play one more song, but if you guys can’t behave, that song’s gonna be our last” said the group as they performed “My Love.” As the crowds came to order, the concert was continued with “Season in the Sun,” “You Raise Me Up,” “I am Already There,” and “ I Will Reach You.”

As Westlife played the phenomenal “Flying Without Wings,” Nicky pulled out the Irish flag and wrapped it around his neck. There was no single person that did not sing along to the song, right from the beginning. “Uptown Girl” became the finale of the fascinating night, and as midnight approached, Westlife bade farewell and left thousands in the crowd still craving for more.

With their distinct style and sounds, Westlife has added to the ongoing list of international concerts in Jakarta. For musical fans, don’t stop your engine yet, for Hip Hop and R&B stars, 50 cent and Akon, will also set up stage this very October.

Source: Indonesia.travel | www.eturbonews.com

Westlife’s Kian Egan, Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy to mentor on The Voice Ireland?

Kian Egan may just be about to follow in his manager’s footsteps.
The Westlife star – who is managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh – is rumoured to be in talks about joining the judging panel of new reality TV show The Voice, not the BBC version but the Irish one.
The singer not only has industry and music experience, but he has also managed other acts, such as his wife’s girlband Wonderland – until they split last month after being dropped by their record label – and has an all round history in the business.

The Independent claims that Egan, 30, has been approached by BBC bosses about joining the panel as a Voice mentor and an insider explained:
“Kian realised that the huge amount of experience he has in the music business could be of great use to any aspiring singer trying to get a break”.
It is thought that Kian will be joined by Sharon Corr, Brian Kennedy and former Blizzards singer Niall Breslin aka Bressie on the show.

VIDEO – Behind The Scenes of ‘Lighthouse’

Westlife's Kian Egan to be coach on 'The Voice'

WESTLIFE singer Kian Egan is to play a starring role on RTE's new talent show.

The Irish Independent has learned that the 31-year old is to be a vocal coach on 'The Voice OfIreland' when it comes to TV screens early next year.

Programme sources have said that the star is perfect for the role as not only is he a member of one of the world's biggest pop bands, but he also has experience of band management.

"Kian realised that the huge amount of experience he has in the music business could be of great use to any aspiring singer trying to get a break," a programme insider said.

Until recently the Westlife vocalist was co-managing his wife Jodi Albert's girlband Wonderland but the group split last month after being dropped by their record label.

The Irish Independent has also learned that Belfast born BrianKennedy is to be another coach on the programme.

Egan and Kennedy will be joined by fellow coaches Sharon Corrand former Blizzards singer Niall Breslin aka Bressie.

- Ken Sweeney Entertainment Editor

Kian Egan - Egan Apologises For Westlife's 'Dangerous' Show

Irish singer Kian Egan has promised Westlife fans in Indonesia the band will return to the country after they halted a concert on Wednesday (05Oct11) due to safety fears.

The Flying Without Wings hitmakers are touring the Far East and took to the stage for a gig in Jakarta, but they were forced to leave the stage for 30 minutes amid fears hysterical crowd members would be crushed or trampled to death.

Egan has now apologised to fans for the shortened set and has vowed to revisit the country with his Irish group.

In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Westlife will never give up on our Indonesia fans. Sorry the concert was dangerous. We will come back. Thank you for all your love."

Westlife concert interupted by health and safety fears

Fans were in danger of being crushed at the concert in Jakarta.

Irish boyband Westlife were forced to interrupt their concert in Indonesia last night (05.10.11) when they had fears for the safety of the crowd.

The group took to the stage as part of their Far East tour, and were performing in Jakarta but had to leave the stage for half an hour while security fears were being addressed.

The issues started when hysterical fans began to surge forward, alerting security that there were people about to be crushed to death if something was not done.

Posting on his Twitter account, band member Kian said, “We had to stop our show in Indonesia for 30 minutes for the safety of our fans. We feared someone would die. Thankfully no one did.”

111001 Mark Feehily's twitvid

Credit-    SingingForever49

Westlife Gravity Tour in Manila - Mark Feehily Bad Romance

credit;- BonjourRosyness

Irish boy band in one-night stand

When Westlife make their capital appearance Oct. 1 it will be the dream come true for many.

The Irish boy band is set to play in Vietnam for one-night only at the My Dinh National Stadium as part of their global tour in promotion of 11th studio album Gravity.

The band is scheduled to arrive at Noi Bai Airport by 3.30pm Sept. 30 in order to meet with the press and fans.

Group member Mark Feehily, wrote on Twitter that Vietnam would be one of their destinations in Asia alongside Indonesia , Taiwan , Hong Kong , Singapore and the Philippines .

Four lucky concert attendees will be invited onto the stage to perform their favourite hits, according to information made available by organisers An Thuan and Alatca Media.

“Visiting Vietnam for the first time will be great. I also can’t wait to get back to old haunts such as Jakarta and Taiwan ,” he said.

Vietnamese fans are excited, one posting dozens of photos of the group on her Facebook page while others posted statuses like “Is it just a dream or are they really coming?” and “Let’s gather, Westlife fans!”.

Vietnam Idol 2010 Uyen Linh said that she could not wait for the show.

“It’s time to recall my childhood, having sung their songs to myself all day,” she said, adding, “Westlife has always been extremely popular amongst Vietnamese people of all ages.”

Tickets for the upcoming show will range from 350,000 VND (12.5 USD) to 1 million VND (50 USD), according to music producer Vu Anh Tuan, director of the An Thuan Media Company, who helped to bring the boys to Hanoi .

Tuan said that tickets have been priced reasonably to encourage locals to attend the concert.

“We have done our best to bring Westlife to Vietnam ,” Tuan added, saying, “it’s expected that in the near future, the country will become a familiar Asian destination for international stars.”

It has been a good year for Vietnamese music lovers who have had the chance to welcome a lot of big-name bands and artists, including the Backstreet Boys, Super Junior, JYJ, Alexandra Burke, David Cook and David Archuleta, to the country./.

PICTURE: ARRIVING IN MANILA 2011

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PICTURE: Westlife press conference in Manila, 29 September 2011

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