Westlife star Mark Feehily returning to music to tour with Mariah Carey
NEWBURY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Mark Feehily of Westlife performs at Newbury Races during Ladies Day at Newbury racecourse on August 14, 2010 in Newbury, England (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Former Westlife singer Mark Feehily is to perform with Mariah Carey at her upcoming Christmas shows.
The out star will join Mariah at her shows in Manchester and London as part of the All I Want For Christmas tour.
It comes 17 years after Westlife recorded a chart-topping cover of Phil Collins’ Against the Odds with the US superstar.
The band went on to sell 55 million records, including 14 number ones.
Westlife’ (L-R) Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily attend the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball
An insider said: “Mariah was impressed by Mark’s natural vocal ability when they recorded their number one collaboration, so this is the perfect opportunity for them to work together again.
“It’s great timing for Mark. He’s preparing to release a series of seasonal tracks at Christmas ahead of bigger music projects next year.
“Working with a global superstar like Mariah will give Mark a platform to remind his fans of his exceptional voice.
Mariah Carey performs during the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Times Square
“They’re both looking forward to reuniting in December for these very special arena gigs.”
The pair will be taking to the stage at the Manchester Arena on 10 December, and London’s O2 arena, 11 September.
It was previously revealed Mark had been working selling crepes and coffees from a van since Westlife split in 2012.
He said the van job was always just a “side project”, explaining: “People were flabbergasted that I was in the van making crepes…but its my business and I love it.
“I cannot not be involved. People kind of have this thing ‘oh, he was in Westlife a few years ago and now he’s making tea.’
“I’m not going to be in the van all the time but it’s exciting, I love it….so why not?”
He came out as gay in 2005 when he announced he was dating then boyfriend Kevin McDaid, after seven years of hiding his sexuality in the public eye.
The pair later got engaged, but the pair split up in 2011.
