Nicky Byrne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nicky Byrne
Byrne in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Nicholas Bernard James Adam McGarry Byrne Jr.
Born	(1978-10-09) 9 October 1978 (age 46) Dublin, Ireland
Genres	Pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter presenter footballer
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Warner East West Universal Syco RCA Sony

Nicholas Bernard James Adam McGarry Byrne Jr. (born on 9 October 1978) is an Irish pop singer, songwriter, and TV and radio presenter. He is most famous for being a member of the pop group Westlife. Westlife has released many albums and gone on world tours. They are one of the most successful Irish boy bands ever.

Before he became a music star, Nicky played professional soccer. He even played for the Republic of Ireland at different youth levels. Later, he became a successful TV and radio host. His wife, Georgina, is the daughter of Bertie Ahern, who used to be the leader of Ireland (called the Taoiseach). They have twin sons and a daughter.

In 2012, Nicky joined the TV show Strictly Come Dancing. He was eliminated as the ninth contestant. In 2016, he represented Ireland with his song "Sunlight". He performed in the semi-final in Stockholm, but he did not make it to the final.

Nicky Byrne's Career

Playing Football

Nicky Byrne was a talented footballer. He played for youth clubs like Home Farm in Dublin. In 1995, he became a professional player and joined Leeds United as a goalkeeper. He was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1997.

After two years with Leeds, he played for other Irish clubs like Shelbourne and Cobh Ramblers. He also represented the Republic of Ireland at different youth levels (U15, U16, and U18).

Nicky also played in special charity football matches. In 2009, he was a substitute for a Liverpool Legends team. In 2014, he won Soccer Aid, a charity match, and even scored a goal. He was the only non-professional player to score in that game.

Making Music

Nicky Byrne representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016

In 1998, Nicky auditioned for a new Irish boyband. Boyzone manager Louis Walsh asked him to join his new group, Westlife. Nicky joined with Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden.

Westlife became very successful. They had 25 songs in the top ten in the UK, and 14 of those were number one hits. They also had 7 number one albums. The band has sold over 55 million records worldwide. Nicky also co-wrote many of Westlife's songs. In 2002, he had a number one song in Ireland with the Republic of Ireland national football team and Dustin the Turkey. It was the Irish anthem for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

In 2016, Nicky was chosen to represent Ireland with his song "Sunlight". He performed it in the semi-final but did not make it to the grand final.

In 2018, Westlife announced they were reuniting as a four-member group. In 2019, they went on "The 20 Tour" to celebrate their 20th anniversary. They also released new music, including the song "Hello My Love" from their album Spectrum.

TV and Radio Presenting

Nicky Byrne has had a busy career as a TV and radio presenter. In 2003, he was a guest host on the show CD:UK. He also hosted the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics in Dublin, in front of 80,000 people.

He has appeared on charity shows like Children in Need and Comic Relief many times. He co-hosted Children in Need from Belfast in 2001.

Nicky has also narrated stage shows and documentaries. He hosted the Cheerios ChildLine Concert seven times, which was shown on Irish TV channels.

In 2010, he presented the radio show Celebrity Sunday on RTÉ 2fm. In 2012, he hosted the TV show Football's Next Star. This show followed young hopefuls trying to win a spot with Celtic Football Club's youth team.

From 2013 to 2018, Nicky presented the Irish votes at the Eurovision Song Contest. He also co-hosted the TV talent show The Hit.

In 2014, Nicky started hosting a new weekday radio show on RTÉ 2fm with Jenny Greene. He stepped down from this show in 2019 to focus on Westlife's tour.

In 2015, he hosted the game show The Million Euro Challenge on RTÉ 1. Since 2017, he has been hosting the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.

In 2020, he hosted RTÉ Does Comic Relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he hosted a new singing competition called Last Singer Standing. In 2024, Nicky launched his own podcast, "Nicky Byrne HQ".

Nicky Byrne's Music

Albums

Singles

As the Main Artist

As a Guest Artist

Songs Nicky Has Written

Nicky Byrne has helped write many songs for Westlife and all ten songs on his first solo album. Some of these songs include:

• "Sunlight"
• "Explosion"
• "Song For Lovers"
• "Pop Machine"
• "Still The One"
• "Thank You"
• "Pretty"
• "Talking with Jennifer"
• "When You Come Around"
• "Don't Let Me Go"
• "Imaginary Diva"
• "Reason For Living"
• "Where We Belong"
• "I Won't Let You Down"
• "Singing Forever"
• "You See Friends (I See Lovers)"
• "I'm Missing Loving You"
• "Closer"
• "Last Mile of the Way"
• "The Way That You Love Me"
• "Alive"

Nicky Byrne's Personal Life

Nicky Byrne was born in Dublin to his parents Yvonne and Nicholas. He has an older sister and a younger brother. He grew up in the Northside area of Dublin, where he still lives.

Nicky married Georgina Ahern, who he knew from secondary school, on 5 August 2003. They had a civil ceremony in Wicklow, Ireland, followed by a church blessing in France. The couple has three children.

Helping Others

In 2010, Nicky and his family organized the 'Nikki Byrne Twilight Ball'. This event raised money in memory of his father, who passed away in 2009. The event raised over €200,000. This money helped fund a TV and radio campaign to raise awareness about heart attacks, working with 'The Irish Heart Foundation'.

TV Presenting Roles

Awards and Honors