Louis Walsh has told his new boyband Hometown to base themselves on The Backstreet Boys.
The X Factor judge brought the fivesome to The O2 in Dublin to see the US group in action tonight – after previously doing the same for Westlife.
The 61-year-old was joined by ex-Six star Liam McKenna, who will be Hometown’s tour manager, as well as the five lads.
A source said: “Louis sees The Backstreet Boys as one of the best boybands there have ever been – and wanted Hometown to see the way it is done.
Inspiration: Backstreet Boys
“They were all told to watch the moves carefully, and they all did – he’s going to be schooling them even more over the next few months, but this would have been a big help to them.”
Hometown is made up of Brendan Murray, 17, from Tuam, Co Galway, Cian Morrin, 19, from Castlebar, Co Mayo, Dayl Cronin, 20, from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Garret Borrowe, 18, from Derry city and Ryan McLoughlin, 20, from Newbridge, Co Kildare.
They were selected after auditions which saw more than 1,000 people turn up – and Louis is confident they will be the next big thing.
Boss: Louis believes they will be next big thing
He said: “I genuinely think they will give One Direction a run for their money. They have recorded fast songs, ballads, everything.
“They won’t be a typical boyband. I‘m 100 per cent happy with the lads, with the songs, they’re amazing.”
Hometown – who will star on Britain’s Got Talent – are expected to appear on the Late Late Show when they launch officially in coming weeks.
