ROLLER COASTER RIDE
What happened between Louis Walsh and Ronan Keating?
Louis helped launch Ronan to fame in a VERY famous boyband
WHEN it comes to spilling the tea, Louis Walsh hasn't held back in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
One person the former X Factor judge was keen to dish the dirt on was his former protégé Ronan Keating.
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What happened between Ronan Keating and Louis Walsh?
When Louis Walsh launched the pop music boyband Boyzone, he helped make Ronan Keating into a star.
After the singer went solo in 1999, it was the Irish music mogul who managed him.
During their partnership, Ronan had several No. 1 singles including Life Is A Rollercoaster and When You Say Nothing At All.
After a decade of working together, they seemingly parted ways on good terms in 2009.
Read more on Louis and Ronan
Ronan even appeared alongside Louis in the Judges' Houses round on The X Factor shortly after ending their partnership.
But fast forward three years and Louis lashed out at his former protégé during an interview with in 2012, labelling Ronan 'talentless and spoiled'.
Claiming the fame went to the singer's head, he said: "His head got turned by having nice hotels and chauffeur-driven cars, and he thought he could write songs.
"If you're Ronan Keating, who was working in a shoe shop when I discovered him, but end of thinking you're George Michael, then you need to be stopped."
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Ten years later in 2022, and when he told Angela Scanlon: "I don’t manage him [Ronan] anymore... I’m not in the fan club.
Boyzone star Ronan Keating looks unrecognizable in adorable throwback video
"It’s an Irish thing, we tend to say it like it is.
"We have to be honest as well. Nothing wrong with it (shooting from the hip).”
What did Louis Walsh say about Ronan on Big Brother?
In March 2024, Louis had another pop at Ronan in the Celebrity Big Brother house.
He took a swipe at the singer when BB bosses played Ronan's Life Is A Rollercoaster for the housemates.
Speaking to Sharon Osbourne he said: “Great song. He was such a p***k.
Really he [Louis Walsh] should just move on and be happy and grateful for what he's achieved – he's had a great career.
Ronan Keating on his feud with Louis Walsh
“Everybody thinks he’s a lovely guy, do you know what I mean?”
He then claimed Ronan had failed to enjoy chart success without him, and said: “He hasn’t had a hit record since I left. He sacked me.”
What has Ronan said about Louis Walsh?
Ronan previously opened up about his rift with former manager Louis, branding him "bitter".
Speaking on Magic Radio, the singer said: "He was very important to me as a mentor and I'm grateful for the opportunities he gave me, because I wouldn't be here without them.
"But there’s only so much you can give back and be so grateful, and for that not to be appreciated or respected."
Ronan went on: "Really he should just move on and be happy and grateful for what he's achieved – he's had a great career.
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"It's no life to be bitter and talking negatively about people – it festers in your soul."
All the acts Louis Walsh has managed
Since the early 90s, Louis has managed numerous well-known singers and bands.
Many of these pop stars have come from the talent shows he has been a judge on including The X Factor:
- Boyzone 1993 to 2000
- Westlife 1998 to 2012
- Samantha Mumba 2000 to 2002
- Ronan Keating 2000 to 2003
- Bellefire 1999 to 2004
- Six 2001 to 2002
- Girls aloud 2002
- G4 2004 to 2007
- Shayne Ward 2005 to 2009
- Wonderland 2010 to 11
- Union J 2013 to 2015
- Hometown 2013 to 2016
- Shane Filan 2012 to present
- Myles and Connor 2012 to present
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