Westlife wanted for Jackson song

Westlife were meant to record Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone'.

The group - who have been regularly criticised for their repeated release of cover versions - were given the suggestion by record company chief Simon Cowell, but rejected the idea straight away.

Singer Mark Feehily revealed: "There were many songs which I would be even scared to mention, you know, that were suggested to us which we turned down.

"There were many cover versions and many original songs that were either terrible. There was loads of stuff through the years, like 'You Are Not Alone' by Michael Jackson? "

While Westlife turned down the track, the finalists on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' - which record Simon produces - recently topped the British singles charts after releasing a version for charity.

Mark added to Popjustice: "So Simon's basically convinced somebody to do it, and it wasn't us!"