Westlife 'bullied into recording version of Mandy'

Westlife say Simon Cowell bullied them into recording their cover of the Barry Manilow song, Mandy.

The band also jokingly likened their record label boss to Adolf Hitler.

The Sun says the gamble on Mandy paid off as their version went to the top of the charts on Sunday.

Singer Nicky Byrne said: "Simon said our album was missing that one big song, the one that will reach out to both housewives and teenagers. He recommended Mandy and we went back into the studio and did it.

"Hands up, though - it worked out brilliantly, Simon was right. He has got a nasty streak to him though and I don't think he likes the word compromise. We've experienced that first-hand over the last five years.

"I think we're the only people who have managed to get around him the odd time."

Bryan McFadden chipped in, saying: "Simon's like, erm, Hitler."