Bono takes time out to sign autographs for fans waiting outside Belfast's Great Victoria Street BBC studio
Beautiful Day as U2 steal the show
THE cream of Irish rock and pop may have glittered at last night's Hot Press awards but the night belonged to music giants U2.
Bono and the boys confirmed their reign at the top of the world's rock scene as they jetted into Belfast to take home three gongs from the prestigious event.
The Dubliners picked up Best Irish Band, Best Live Act for last summer's Slane gig and the Best Male Singer award for Bono.
Speaking of the Belfast bash, Bono said he had been away from the city for too long.
"We are honoured to win these awards here," he said.
"Driving past the Odyssey Arena today I was thinking, 'hey, we should be playing there'.
"Belfast is really happening at the minute. I'm looking around and the people are looking good, the place is looking good."
Downpatrick lads Ash kept the flag flying for Northern Ireland as they left with two awards - Best Album for Free All Angels and Best Single for Shining Light.
Divine Comedy frontman Neill Hannon also pulled further success for the province when he won Best Songwriter.
But the upset of the night was when teenage favourites Westlife picked up just one award.
The boy band, who recently played the Odyssey Arena as part of the record-breaking sell-out run in the city, won an award for their Outstanding Achievement in the Popular Music category.
They lost out to Dundalk favourites The Corrs who were crowned Best Pop Act.
Speaking of the upset, Andrea Corr commented: "We have the utmost respect for Westlife.
"They did very well at the Meteor Awards in Dublin and we have done very well here."
Source: Belfast Telegraph
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I've seen his baby blue eyes in the freeze frame so many times I feel like I'm his very best friend~~~~
