Biografia
Nicky was born Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne on October 9, 1978, to parents Yvonne and Nicky. His Irish name is Nucal O'Byrne. He was born in Dublin as the middle child, with an older sister, Gillian, and a younger brother, Adam. From age 7, he played as a goalkeeper for the successful local Dublin team Home Farm Football Club. In his early teens, he won the Young European Keeper of the Year award. He met Georgina Ahern in high school. After three years of shy glances across classrooms, they got together, thanks to Nicky's best friend, Colm 'Cos' Costello. They've been together since 1995.
At 15, he signed with Leeds United as a goalkeeper but soon grew homesick, missing his family and girlfriend. Two years later, his manager George Graham decided Nicky was too short and would terminate his contract unless he grew taller. Unfortunately, he did not, and his contract was ended after two years.
Upon returning home, he retook his Leaving Certificate at Plunkett College. He then started a karaoke business with his father called "Father and Son," touring local pubs performing Boyzone songs. Nicky learned about the Westlife audition through his aunt but was initially doubtful. His girlfriend encouraged him to try, expressing confidence in him. He went without telling anyone, and it was only after his photo appeared in the paper that people found out. He was competing against another blonde contestant, Brian McFadden, for the last spot in the band. Both were eventually selected, forming Westlife.
Westlife released their debut single, "Swear It Again," in May 1999, which began a run of seven consecutive number-one hits, culminating with "My Love" in 2001. All four of their albums reached number one, and they hold the Guinness World Record as the first boy band to achieve five consecutive number-one singles from their debut.
