Former Westlife star Nicky Byrne chosen to represent Ireland in this year's Eurovision song contest
It's been four years since Westlife parted ways after 14 years together.
However, former bandmember Nicky Byrne is back in the studio as a solo artist after being chosen to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision.
The Irish singer, 37, has co-written Sunlight with Wayne Hector - who wrote many of Westlife's big hits - and composer Ronan Hardiman, which he hope will qualify for the Eurovision final in Sweden.
He enthused: 'Like many of us, I have grown up watching the Eurovision Song Contest. It always brought great excitement to our house down through the years and I was lucky enough to see Ireland win it on many occasions.
'I have a great memory as a nine year old, of dancing around our sitting room in a tricolour sweatshirt when Johnny Logan lifted the trophy in 1987.
'The Eurovision is a TV show and song contest like no other and for the past three years my Eurovision experience has gotten better and my affiliation grown stronger, as I have proudly delivered the Irish votes live from Dublin.
Boy band beginnings: Nicky with his former Westlife bandmates (L-R) Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan
'This year I go one step further, and actually walk on that stage to represent my country, I am honoured RTÉ have chosen me and believe in this song like I do.'
The father-of-three is hoping to turn Ireland's bad luck around after missing the final two years in a row.
In 2013, his home country came last, with their last win back in 1996 with Eimear Quinn's The Voice.
Will he put on his dancing shoes for his Eurovision performance? Nicky previously starred in Strictly Come Dancing with Karen Clifton in 2012
Ireland were the kings of Eurovision in the Nineties, clinching the title four times.
Meanwhile, the UK's entry is yet to be chosen after acts were invited last year to submit entries ahead of a public vote to decide on who will represent the country.
This year's Eurovision will take place in Stockholm on 14 May.
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