Biography

Irish singer/songwriter Nicky Byrne is best known for his time in successful boy band Westlife. Byrne was originally a semi-professional football player before he attended a live audition to join the group. The band, formerly known as IOYOU, had just fired three of their members based on advice from Simon Cowell. Re-branding themselves as Westlife, they held auditions for two new members, where Byrne, alongside Brian McFadden, joined Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan to create the final lineup. Westlife enjoyed 14 years of chart success in countries worldwide; the only exception being the U.S., where they only achieved one hit single, 2000's "Swear It Again." In 2004, McFadden left the group to spend time with his family. Eight years later, in 2012, the rest of the band parted ways for good. In the years that followed, Byrne took on a number of presenting roles, both for radio and television, including an appearance on a popular U.K. reality show Strictly Come Dancing. In 2016, he made a move back toward his music career by writing and recording his debut album, Sunlight -- making him the last member of Westlife to release a solo record. Sunlight was released to coincide with his inclusion in 2016's Eurovision Song Contest, where he performed lead single "Sunlight" on behalf of Ireland. ~ Liam Martin, Rovi