Westlife star Kian Egan has admitted competing at his local Fleadh gave him the push to become a pop star.
The Voice judge said he is “grateful” Ireland is a massive music hub, especially in his native Sligo.
“My mother had me in Feis every Easter reciting poetry and playing piano,” he said.
Band: Kian on stage with Westlife before their split | VIPIRELAND.COM
“It was my training ground and I’m so grateful that Ireland is such a musical place and that they support their young people.”
And I’m A Celeb winner Kian – who recently admitted he wants Westlife to reform – insists he still sees Sligo as home even as he travels the world.
“I absolutely love it in Sligo. It’s where I grew up and it’s my home,” he told Radio 1.
Love: Kian and wife Jodi Albert | VIPIRELAND.COM
“No matter where I am in the world, I will always be back. It’s where I developed my skills and my crafts and I was lucky enough to travel the world because of it.
“It was the people of Sligo who got behind Westlife from the start and made us feel like we could do something.”