Nicky could be as big as Johnny Logan, says Kian

WATCH out Johnny Logan, the Eurovision could prove to be the perfect launching pad for Nicky Byrne’s solo singing career, former bandmate – and Voice Of Ireland judge – Kian Egan has ruled.

Father-of-three Byrne, pictured with wife Georgina, left, is to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place in Stockholm in Sweden in May.

It will be the first time the 2fm presenter has performed as a solo artist since Westlife split up in 2013 and as far as Egan is concerned, it’s a great move to improve Ireland’s chances.

Yesterday, Egan said: ‘I think it’s great, fair play to him. It’s a great thing for him and for Ireland. He’s been keen to get solo material out there and that’s a great way to do it.

‘He would represent the country very well. He’s a great singer, great performer, he has tonnes of experience after being in Westlife.

‘When I first heard it I was like, “Wow, good on him.”

‘We might bring Eurovision back to Ireland. Johnny Logan would want to watch out, Nicky Byrne is hot on his heels,’ he said, speaking on the Anton Savage Show on TodayFM.

Byrne, 37, has established himself as a successful TV and radio presenter on RTÉ. His 2fm weekday programme, which he fronts alongside DJ Jenny Greene, is a ratings hit – with a current listenership of 163,000, compared to 141,000 in 2014 according to the latest JNLR figures.

Last year he revealed that he has been working on solo material and teamed up with renowned producer Ronan Hardiman and former Westlife writer Wayne Hector.

Speaking on his radio slot yesterday, Byrne was staying tight-lipped on confirming the reports. ‘I don’t comment on rumours, I never have done. Anything you read are unconfirmed reports,’ he said.