A Catch Up With B*Witched More Than 25 Years After “C’est La Vie”

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More than ever, B*Witched are ready to huff and puff and blow fans away.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that as: For over three decades now, since our “jaw-dropping” debut with the hit song “C’est La Vie,” my personal favorite Irish girl group has navigated through an incredible journey – from achieving fame, taking a 10-year hiatus from the limelight, to making a triumphant return with fresh music.

Still, looking back at their 1998 beginnings remains a surreal experience.

Keavy, 45, reminisced during an exclusive interview with TopMob News, alongside her sister Edele Lynch, Sinéad O’Carroll, and Lindsay Armaou, about their thoughts while in Italy: “We had hoped we’d finish in the top 20, but we genuinely felt that way until midweek.” Suddenly, their producer announced, “You’re number one,” which we found amusing, wondering where we truly stood. He clarified, “No, you’re number one.

Less than a year later and they were touring with the then-just breaking out *NSYNC.

At that point, they weren’t popular in the UK, so their manager announced, “You’ll be touring with a major American boy band,” and we responded, “It’s the Backstreet Boys!” Edele, 45, recalled, explaining that they had to look them up because they were incredibly famous in the USA – which is surprising given how incredible they are.

During that period, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick joined in the Irish girl group’s celebration of significant victories. For instance, when their single “Blame it on the Weatherman” peaked at the top of the U.K. charts in 1999, the group broke a record as all four singles from their 1998 debut album reached that milestone.

Sinead, aged 52, remarked that she believed they had arranged for a cake. This reminded Lindsay, who was also 46 years old, of how the band had adorned the entire dressing room with decorations and provided them with a cake and balloons.

Their music was seemingly ubiquitous, featuring in films such as Smart House on the Disney Channel, What Women Want, Dawson’s Creek, and The Princess Diaries among others, even earning them occasional messages about it.

In my capacity as a devoted fan, I must share that by 2002, approximately three years following the release of their magnificent second album titled “Awake and Breathe”, the band I admire so much decided to momentarily step away from the world of music and ultimately went separate ways.

Initially, it felt chaotic as our daily routine had been planned out for such a long time, Edele noted. We were accustomed to knowing exactly when we’d wake up, eat meals, and go to bed so that we could rise early the next day. For me, the most peculiar aspect was having to make those decisions independently.

Instead of just focusing on the ordinary aspects of their initial solo outings to supermarkets, the band members also considered their upcoming phase. As Edele explained, “After that, I went back to college, studied fitness, got married, and had three children. So, my life took a different turn during that time – it was a delightful phase as well.

Taking that time apart was indeed crucial for me – it provided the distance necessary for personal growth and reflection, allowing us to return stronger and more connected a decade down the line.

Lindsay mentioned that when we first joined the band, we were so young that it felt like we were suddenly thrust into a separate world. When we eventually left that bubble, it was a period of exploration for all of us. We each embarked on our individual adventures, but remarkably, after 10 years, our paths crossed again, giving us the chance to reunite, which we did. Since then, history has been unfolding – and here we are, still around!

Initially, when the members of B*Witched were invited to take part in the 2013 ITV docuseries “The Big Reunion” alongside other popular ’90s bands and groups like Atomic Kitten, Blue, and Five, a quick agreement wasn’t on the table for a reunion.

For approximately eight months, Keavy found herself saying ‘no’. During this time, she was engrossed in her college studies for counselling. Therefore, when the opportunity came knocking, she firmly responded, ‘No, I’ve managed to reintegrate myself into my life, and I’ve made a fresh decision. I don’t wish for that to be disturbed in any way.’

Plus, now they had families of their own to contend with.

Edele shared with TopMob that she had children and was unsure if she was ready to attract such public attention towards her family’s life. She expressed hesitation, saying, ‘I must admit, I’m really not sure about it.’ After being away from the public eye for quite some time, she felt the need to safeguard her children.

However, unlike Lindsay, Keavy, and Edele who pursued new careers as a natural progression, Sinead found the group’s reunion to be not merely a wishful dream but an almost certain outcome.

She confessed that she’d often felt they’d reunite, and mentioned there were still matters between them that needed resolution.

“So I was just like, ‘No, this is the perfect opportunity,’” Sinéad explained, “‘to do that.’”

Going beyond just showcasing B*Witched and their contemporaries rehearsing and performing together after a decade, this event essentially marked the beginning of a new phase for the group – one that allowed them to recognize and value their past accomplishments.

Keavy shared that she’s more than eager to perform “C’est La Vie” again because it’s a truly electrifying moment. The song is filled with numerous high points, starting from the powerful guitar riff at the beginning, continuing through the energetic middle part, and culminating in an extended, exhilarating chorus that generates increasing excitement and enthusiasm among the audience.

Lindsay added, “It’s incredible how well it’s held up over the years – you know, a song from the ’90s that’s still played and cherished now, when we never could have predicted that back then.

At one point, Edele felt eager to move past their most successful song, which Sinead described as “the gift that just won’t stop giving.

She confessed that she had taken a brief break from it, expressing her frustration with continuing to sing it. However, she participated in a stage theater production instead. While the cast performed it, she did not – an uncommon decision. Yet, this allowed her to observe from the audience perspective. This new vantage point gave her a fresh understanding of the piece, leading to her eventual return to the project.

Going beyond the show where they and their peers rehearsed and performed together after a decade, it essentially sparked a new era for B*Witched – an era that let them appreciate the accomplishments of their earlier days.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but share my unabated enthusiasm for the iconic tune ‘C’est La Vie.’ Each time I belt out its lyrics, I am swept away by an electrifying moment that truly ignites my spirit. The song’s opening guitar riff sets the stage for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and the music in the middle only serves to amplify the euphoria. The chorus, with its extended duration, seems to build upon itself, creating a crescendo of energy and excitement that leaves me breathless with anticipation and pure joy.

Lindsay added, “It’s astounding how it survived the passage of time – almost unbelievable that a ’90s pop song is still being played, still admired, and still enjoyed today. We couldn’t have foreseen this back then.

At some point, Edele felt inclined to move past what has been their most successful song, often referred to as “the gift that just won’t stop,” as Sinéad had described it.

Currently, they’re performing their classic hits at festivals throughout the U.K. and Ireland, anticipating a return to the United States, while also unveiling fresh tracks from their upcoming 2024 EP titled “Ripped Jeans.” This is their first new music in a decade.

Keavy explained, “We really wanted to thank those who have supported us over time by offering them something special. At the same time, it helps us revitalize our performance and reignite our enthusiasm for what we do, ensuring that we keep giving our best without becoming too routine.

Currently, they’re continuing to put out popular songs such as “Multiply” and “So Into You,” but now they approach their music from a fresh angle.

Sinéad reminisced fondly about the good old times when things were truly exciting,” she shared, “but those days were also marked by a significant amount of stress. Now, we’ve shed that burden-we no longer carry it ourselves; if anyone else tries to impose it, we simply tune it out. What matters most now is that everyone is enjoying themselves, including the audience. That’s the essence of our experience.

Many other bands, both male and female, have captured the hearts of fans throughout the years. Dive in as we take a nostalgic trip back to some of the most memorable boy and girl groups…

The Backstreet Boys, who first appeared in 1996, brought in the new millennium with their 1999 album “Millennium.” Fortunately for us fans, original members Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson are still performing and singing our favorite songs more than two decades after that!

Celebrate the girl group that birthed Beyoncé! Don’t overlook Destiny’s Child, because Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams continue to be influential figures in the music industry even today.

The well-known boy band, ‘NSYNC, was formed by members Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Lance Bass, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for another reunion show since we aren’t quite ready to bid farewell just yet, without any strings attached, meaning we haven’t said goodbye forever like in the song “Bye Bye Bye.

If you want to win their affection, it’s essential to be accepted by their friends, and they have quite a crowd! The Spice Girls charmed the U.K. in the ’90s with their trendy style and memorable tunes. Mel C, Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Geri Halliwell, and Emma Bunton were the dreamy British girl group we all admired.

Back in the ’90s, Hanson, much like other popular boy bands of the era, achieved success with their hit single “MMMBop.” Later on, brothers Isaac Hanson, Taylor Hanson, and Zac Hanson collaborated on an album together in 2013 before pursuing separate solo careers. Interestingly enough, Taylor Hanson has been keeping busy by raising seven children! Fortunately, these talented siblings reunited in 2018 for the release of the album “String Theory” and have since continued their concert tours.

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas continue to be part of the ’90s rap group TLC, following the unfortunate passing of original member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes in 2002. Lil Mama performed alongside TLC in 2013, before the duo declared plans for a new album in 2017.

Since 2017, the South Korean boy band BTS has primarily taken charge of penning, producing, and performing their hit songs, solidifying their status as global sensations. Their devoted fan base, fondly known as the Army, is renowned for their unwavering passion, placing them among the most fervent fans in music history.

Over the course of nearly four years, Keavy Lynch, Edele Lynch, Sinead O’Carroll, and Lindsay Armaou were consistently popular on the radio with their 1998 smash hits like “C’est La Vie” and “Blame it on the Weatherman,” which appeared in shows such as Smart House and Dawson’s Creek. However, they disbanded in 2002 following the release of two albums… until they reunited in 2013 for The Big Reunion. Since then, they have continued touring and even produced new music, such as the EP Ripped Jeans in 2024.

Absolutely, you’ve got it right! Nick Lachey did indeed belong to a boy band known as 98 Degrees. Just reminiscing about that time sends temperatures soaring above normal. The group was formed by Nick along with his brother Drew Lachey, and Justin Jeffre. In the ’90s, music producers Nick and Jeff Timmons left their college studies behind to chase their musical dreams, eventually forming 98 Degrees after leaving college.

In the late 1980s, the New Kids on the Block experienced a meteoric rise to stardom. The band got back together in 2011 for a nostalgic tour, which they shared with the Backstreet Boys.

The original members of NKOTB consisted of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. After disbanding in 1994, they eventually reunited and went on tour with the Backstreet Boys in 2011, an event that nearly overwhelmed the internet. They continue to perform today.

It’s fantastic news that the Jonas Brothers have returned! With Nick Jonas’ charming smile, Joe Jonas’ stylish swagger, and Kevin Jonas’ mature charisma as big brother, they were a winning combination from the start. And let’s not forget, they can both sing and play instruments exceptionally well. We’re still in awe of these talented celebrities since their band first came into being back in 2006!

In the 2010s, one of the most outstanding bands to emerge from a singing competition show, One Direction, dominated the globe. Notably, this boy band spawned several successful solo careers, including those of Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and the late Liam Payne. Each of them has left an indelible mark not only in music but also in fashion and film history.

A group fashioned by “The X Factor” embodies the essence of modern pop royalty, addressing themes such as body positivity, feminism, the challenges of social media, and balancing these responsibilities while being young mothers.

The band Blackpink, consisting of Lisa, Rosé, Jennie, and Jisoo, released their debut album titled ‘THE ALBUM’ in October 2020. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Rosé shared that the name ‘Blackpink’ signifies the duality within the group – they are feminine yet fierce. The song ‘Pretty Savage’ embodies this balance and was one of the reasons they chose the name.

Prior to the widespread adoption of “Work From Home” lifestyle brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Fifth Harmony provided a cheerful and sultry anthem to help alleviate any WFH-related problems. Subsequently, breakout singer Camila Cabello found success in her solo career, including a stint as Cinderella, following Fifth Harmony’s hiatus in 2018. Other group members also embarked on their individual music careers with solo projects.

5 Seconds of Summer, an Australian rock band, initially gained recognition through YouTube videos. Their songs “She Looks So Perfect” and “Girls Talk Boys” eventually received airplay on radio stations. Following this success, they were chosen to tour with One Direction, which further boosted their fame. Since then, their journey has been etched in history.

For more than three decades, the trio comprising Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men continue to captivate music charts with timeless hits such as “I’ll Make Love to You” and “One Sweet Day.

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase that as: “I was part of the crowd rooting for The Wanted, the edgy alternative to One Direction from the UK. They made their mark in the US with their smash hit ‘Glad You Came’ in 2012. Later, they graced our screens with their own reality show, ‘The Wanted Life.’ Despite taking a break in 2014 and reuniting in 2021, the group faced a tragic loss when founding member Tom Parker succumbed to brain cancer the year after.”

The band CNCO was established in 2016, consisting of members Joel Pimentel, Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez, and Zabdiel De Jesús. However, they performed together for the last time as a five-piece on May 14, following Joel Pimentel’s decision to leave the group.

Big Time Rush, a group that gained popularity on Nickelodeon, continued to rock the stage from local tours to national performances for five years before disbanding in 2014. Fortunately, all four band members – Kendall Schmidt, Logan Henderson, Carlos PenaVega, and James Maslow – came together again for two new shows in December 2021.

In the year 2002, the British pop group known as Girls Aloud made history by becoming one of the initial bands to be formed from a reality TV show competition. The show that launched them into stardom was called “Popstars: The Rivals.” This sensational group consisted of vocalists Sarah Harding, later recognized as Cheryl (who was then known as Cheryl Cole), Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh. During their reign, Girls Aloud produced 20 consecutive top 10 singles and four number ones, with “Sound of the Underground” being one of them.

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2025-09-06 15:17