Nicky Byrne

Nicholas Bernard James Adam McGarry Byrne Jr.[1] (born 9 October 1978) is an Irish pop singer, songwriter and radio and television presenter.

[3] He became a professional player, and joined Leeds United as a goalkeeper in 1995, and was a squad member of the FA Youth Cup winning team of 1997.

In June 1998, Byrne attended an audition for new Irish boyband, where Boyzone manager Louis Walsh approached him to join his new venture, Westlife.

Byrne joined Westlife along with Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden.

In early January 2016, it was rumored that RTÉ had internally chosen Byrne to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016.

In October 2018, a video was posted to Westlife's official social media platforms announcing the group's reunion as a four-piece.

Byrne hosted the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics live from Dublin's Croke Park in front of 80,000 spectators.

Byrne has narrated stage shows such as The Snowman Christmas Special and the Picture of You documentary dedicated to former Boyzone member Stephen Gately, who died on 10 October 2009.

The series followed ten young hopefuls competing for a chance to win a place with Celtic Football Club's youth squad.

On 4 February 2014, Byrne signed a contract with RTÉ 2fm to host a new weekday show from 11 am to 2 pm together with veteran DJ and presenter Jenny Greene.

[19] In January 2017, Byrne started hosting an Irish version of the TV show Dancing with the Stars, alongside Amanda Byram[20] and with Jennifer Zamparelli from 2019.

[21] In October 2021, Byrne was announced as the host of a new singing competition commissioned for RTÉ entitled Last Singer Standing.

He was born in Dublin and grew up in the Northside area of the city, where he attended Pobalscoil Neasáin and continues to reside.

Nicky Byrne representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016