Irish pop group Westlife uses AI to release new single entirely in Mandarin

Boy group Westlife has used artificial intelligence to release a song entirely in Mandarin.

The Flying Without Wings band has embraced AI in a bid to make it in China, and worked on a cover of Jason Zhang's 2016 hit Love + Courage using teaching software Kogou AIK.

The group said in a statement: "The fan response from us singing The Ordinary Road in Mandarin was truly overwhelming and this just felt like it could be another fun thing to do for our Chinese fans.

"It took months to get it right as we wanted it to be the perfect reflection of our voices and we are thrilled with the final version.

"It’s hugely exciting. We are delighted it is one of Jason Zhang’s songs as we performed with him on a previous tour. We hope our Chinese fans love it!”

The quartet – made up of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan – didn't actually sing on the track, which was created using the world's first multilingual AI singing technology to sound like them.

However, Westlife was still heavily involved in the creative process, which resulted in the song being streamed more than a million times in its first week.

Tencent Music Entertainment added: “Since the release of their album Wild Dreams in 2021, Westlife have continued to deepen their connection with China and Tencent Music Entertainment.

"In 2022, Westlife took their love for their Chinese fans to new heights by deeply participating in Tencent Music Entertainment Group's annual non-profit programme If Music Has A Shape, demonstrating their love for their Chinese fans through the campaign.

“This ongoing mutual dedication is why we have chosen Westlife as the first international artiste to collaborate with to release AI music.

"We hope to use AI technology to bring Westlife ‘a bit closer’ to their fans in China.

"This aligns perfectly with Tencent Music Entertainment's corporate mission of creating endless possibilities with music and technology.'"