Westlife World Column
Sunday World Newspaper Sunday 28th May 2000
Our dream session with Mariah
We even sang with the diva on her luxury yacht
Hi Mark here,
THIS has been the most amazing week in my life... EVER!
It was the week my childhood fantasy became a reality. I finally got to
sing with my idol Mariah Carey.
Even as I write this for our column in the Sunday World, I still find it
hard to believe that it actually happened.
We flew from America to join Mariah on the beautiful isle of Capri in Italy
last Monday and Tuesday and from the time we landed I felt I was in a
wonderful dream.
First stop was Naples where we took a boat Out to Mariah's £5 million
yacht, which was anchored in the port. When we climbed on board it took
our breath away - no luxury hotel could touch it for luxury.
I have never been so nervous in all my life meeting Mariah and singing
with her. You would not believe how nervous I was.
But we soon discovered that Mariah is a really nice person and she made
us feel totally comfortable.
Even though she's such a big diva and famous superstar, she was very
normal and down to earth. She was really, really nice to us and we had a
great time.
The song we recorded together is called Against All Odds, which is a
Phil Collins cover.
We spent all last Monday recording the video with Mariah on Capri. We
travelled around the beautiful island doing different shots and just
hanging out with Mariah.
Studio
Then it was into the studio on Tuesday to record the track. That was
the day my dream came true. It might seem like a small thing, but I was
even singing harmonies with her. It was absolutely a dream come true.
We started recording at five in the evening and fin-ished at six o'clock
on Wednesday morning. I had to constantly battle to control my
nervousness and excitement during the recording.
Here I was singing in front of the person I always dreamed of singing
with. But she made it easy for me and all the lads and that was
important for the quality of the recording; to put down a good vocal.
The next day we flew back to America and I slept throughout the whole
journey.
When I woke up I wasn't sure if the recording with Mariah had actually
happened, or if it was just a dream. Thankfully, this time it was a
reality.
I can't wait to see the video and hear the duet. It will he Mariah's next
single and we expect it to come out in a couple of months.
I HAVE to thank my dad for introducing me to Mariah and her music. That
all happened back in 1990 when she had her first single out and she was
performing it on TV.
He knew I was interested in singing and he was trying to get me more and
more into it. It takes me a long time to actually get into things. I need
encouragement.
Dad called me up to the room and I literally stood staring at the
television, mesmerised. She made a connection with me straight away and from
then on I was hooked on the music of Mariah Carey.
Gorgeous
I think my dad, God bless him, called me in because she was so gorgeous. I
thought she was gorgeous too, but I was more interested in her voice. I hope
he doesn't kill me for saying that.
When I told dad this week that I was going to meet her and sing with her, he
said, 'You'd better get me a signed picture and tell her Ollie said hello.'
The memories from this week will live with me forever. I'll never forget my
experience with Mariah on that paradise isle. Watch out for the song.
MARK, I hope you read this. I just want you to know that I think you're
the finest thing since sliced pan. I love your big blue eyes and your shaved
head (which I think is dead sexy). Your voice is out of this world (like
yourself). Love you lots. Best of luck in the future.
Sharon Murphy, Co Kerry
WE are among your biggest fans. We think all of you are gorgeous, especially
Kian and Shane. Our wish in life would be to meet you all some day soon.
Bernadine and Laura Hussey, Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
I JUST want to tell you guys that you are the best ever, I love you all,
especially Shane. You are gorgeous.
Michelle Flanagan, Loughrea, Co Galway.
I SAW the Westlife story on Sky One and I thought it was great. I love
Nicky, I think he's gorgeous, really gorgeous.
Niamh McWilliams, Dublin.
I LOVE all the songs on the Westlife album, especially More Than Words. I
really think you should release that. Shane, Nicky and Kian are my
favourites, especially Shane. I have posters all over my room and I even
have I Love Westlife inscribed on my arm.
Caroline McCarthy, Dublin.
WESTLIFE are the best band in the world and Kian is so sexy. It would be my
dream come true to meet you some time.
Triona Merrigan, Bray, Co Wicklow.