The man who guided Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, LFO and O-Town to American stardom is predicting similar success for Westlife.

Talking this week to hotpress.com, Lou Pearlman says: "They've got the look, the sound and the right people around them to do well in the States. It not happening for them the first time round isn't a problem. When we came out with Backstreet Boys, we hit number 69 and then dropped off the (American) charts. We didn't fit into the hip hop/R'n'B thing that was going on at the time, so we thought, 'Okay, we'll go over to Europe and Asia, get that right and then have another go at the States.' Second time round, the climate was right for a pure pop act and Backstreet Boys hit number one.

"One of my bands, Natural, opened for Westlife in Germany and I was impressed not only by their performances but their attitude. You don't get anywhere in the States without working your socks off."

Is Pearlman similarly impressed with Samantha Mumba?

"If you're asking me if I think she's going to clean up, why not? There's a lot of potential there."