Walsh holds auditions to recreate boyband magic
With the path to musical success no longer looking available on the Eurovision route, hundreds of young would-be pop stars travelled from all corners of Ireland, as well as a few from Britain, to audition for Louis Walsh’s latest attempt to recreate the success of his previous groups, Boyzone and Westlife.
Many gave up the opportunity to bask in rare glorious sunshine of a Sunday in May to queue for several hours in the dark confines of the music venue.
More than 200 young singers, many with guitars, were already in the queue when registration formally opened at 11am. Auditions were open for males aged 16-25, with Walsh announcing he is seeking to form a five-member group.
With stars in their eyes, dozens waited patiently inside the auditorium for their number to be called. Many of the entrants showed serious concentration and focus by donning their own headphones and shutting out the varied quality of sounds coming from their rivals on stage.
Emmet Daly, 23, from Limerick had given up both his job and a holiday to pursue his dream of a career in music. “I cherish everything about music,” said Emmet, who stopped working in January to chase his dream. He said he had also cancelled his holiday to Tenerife after learning it clashed with yesterday’s audition.
Although he wanted to sing Clarity by Zedd, Walsh persuaded him to instead try his voice at Justin Timberlake’s Mirrors. “It’s your audition but I’m trying to help you,” said the band manager.
An existing boyband member, Brian Wilkins, 22, flew in yesterday morning from Birmingham to attend the audition and impressed judges with his version of the Ray Charles number, Hit the Road, Jack.
Joe Boyle, 18, from Letterkenny, Co Donegal admitted that he most sang country and western tunes but was persuaded by his mother to try pop songs.
Speaking during a break in audition, Walsh expressed delight at the standard of the first 60 singers to take to the stage.
He also welcomed the fact that most entrants were fresh new talent, although he admitted recognising a few faces from previous X Factor auditions.
Assisted by a judging panel including Jedward’s former road manager, Liam McKenna, concert promoter director Caroline Downey, and broadcasters, Mairead Farrell, Brenda O’Donoghue and Aengus McNally, Walsh engaged in breezy conversation with some of the contestants.
However, after hearing only 40 acts within the first 90 minutes, he had to dispense with such niceties to speed up the process which continued until evening.
“There are a few real gems. The people that are good don’t even know it,” said the X Factor judge. “We could probably form a band even though we’ve only heard 60 people.
Asked why he still sought to repeat his trick after his highly lengthy and successful career, the 60-year-old entertainment guru laughed: “It’s what I do. I’m not going to be like David Beckham or Alex Ferguson. I’ve got a few years left in me. This is my real day job — occupation: band manager.”
As for Ireland’s dismal result in Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, where Ryan Dolan finished last of 26 contestants, Walsh commiserated with the Irish singer.
“I thought he should have got more points,” he observed. However, he believed Ireland’s future in the competition remained bright.
“I think Ireland can still do well in Eurovision,” said Walsh.
Meanwhile further auditions are being held at the Button Factory inTemple Bar today and tomorrow, while Walsh also held open the possibility that he may hold auditions in other locations.
Successful applicants were due to receive a call-back last night to arrange a second audition, while the unlucky ones will probably move on to casting for the next season of X Factor or The Voice.
