There's one sure way to guarantee a swift rise to pop stardom with your debut single. Just ask Irish pop queens, B*witched, who shocked the music world last month by topping the UK charts with the irritatingly catchy hit debut single 'C'est La Vie'. The method is simple: create a catchy chorus, add an upbeat traditional Irish segment and watch the money roll in, as thousands march into the high street record stores to grab a copy of the latest pop phenomenon silencing a mass of sceptics in the process. Now as the Dublin popsters prepare for a year in the spotlight of music stardom, Buzz magazine talks exclusively with the girls who are being tipped to eclipse the Spice Girls, and even shatter the almighty All Saints. "We're not too hung up on that kind of thing - it's a lot of hype, really," defends Edele Lynch, sister of Boyzone star, Shane. "The Spice Girls have already broken all the records and done everything there is to do. It's kind of flattering that people think we can knock them off their throne, but I think that there is enough room for all of us up there." It's little wonder that B*witched are happy to share the spotlight with the other pretenders on the pop scene. After all, they've grown up with band rivalry firmly planted in their family roots with the likes of Boyzone, Dublin wannabes FAB and, of course, B*witched, all sharing members of the Lynch family. "It would be fair to say that music is well and truly implanted into our family," says Edele's sister, Keavy, who completes the Lynch music family tree with her role in the band. "Our brother Shane is really happy for us and supported us all the way," she continues. "He always said that we would make it big, so I think he's quite proud of us, really. People always think that we are out to beat Boyzone and FAB because of the family connections, but that just brings us all closer together. We are hoping to work with them all in the near future and possibly even record together." "Obviously I wouldn't complain if we beat them to a Number One spot in the charts," she laughs. "But it's not like an obsessive thing or anything. We will all have our day." 'C'est La Vie' was arguably one of the biggest debut successes in music history for an all-girl group. They broke the Irish records by becoming the first band of any description to debut at the top of the UK charts and sent their rivals ducking for cover, as they hijacked every ounce of publicity on the music market. "We certainly didn't expect it to go straight in at Number One - it was a huge shock to us all," says Lindsay Armaou. "We heard rumours during the week that it was selling really well, but when it debuted at the top, we all nearly collapsed. Ever since then, it's been like a dream come true. Getting up every morning to spend a day in the most exciting industry in the world is just THE dream job." "Obviously, though," she adds, "We miss family and friends back in Ireland a lot, but we make up for it by running up massive phone bills everywhere we go. I'm not sure our manager approves though!" The injection of traditional Irish tunes in their songs, via the odd violin or fiddle interlude was a huge, if not surprising, success. Who else could claim to have fused the stereotypically 'naff' elements of a traditional Irish jig with dance-floor pumpin' sounds and dashes of technologically-enhanced keyboard and drum beats? "We wanted the Irish dancing bit in the song, because it pays tribute to our roots. There were a few people who looked at us as if we were mad when we included it in our debut single, but people seemed to love it," says Edele. "We'll definitely be including more of the same in our future singles, which will come off our debut album, set for release in the near future. It's kind of nice to have another string to our bow. We could easily go out there and do these pop tunes, but to be able to add a bit of Irish to it is just a huge bonus."
	Many could easily write off their success as a flash in the pan and instantly condemn B*witched to the realms of the one-hit wonders. But those who still criticise should perhaps think again, as their pop machine charges up for a full-on assault on the world music market. With the Spice Girls well on their way out of the business, and the brilliant All Saints due a long break, now is the perfect time for the Dubliners to strike and stamp their unmissable mark on the pop world - and they know it; "There is a big opportunity out there to take advantage of, but it really all comes down to album sales," says Lindsay. "We want to be able to tour, make more records and do everything else that makes a group massive, but we need the album to come up trumps. If it all goes according to plan, then we are looking at going on tour in the first half of next year. The show will be a massive event and bring together all the best elements which make a truly memorable live experience. There will be loads of great dance routines and performances, but I don't want to give away too much at this stage. Obviously it would be a huge bonus to kick it all off in Ireland, but we will just have to wait and see."
So, they've got the compulsory top five hit behind them, family connections and, let's face it, the looks. What else could they possibly need to conquer the world? "We still need some luck and, of course, a good follow-up to 'C'est La Vie'", says Keavy. "We also need to keep our heads and not let it all get to us too quickly. We know that there have been many bands who have had a great debut hit and then disappeared and we are desperate not to join them. I just count every day as a blessing and long may it last." Long may it last indeed. For while some might think it fashionable to turn their nose up at good old-fashioned pop tunes and opt for the increasingly depressing tones of the rock world, we'll always need young pop acts to elevate our spirits, albeit in a sceptical way. The Spice Girls have possibly run their race, and the All Saints won't be around much in the next seven months. So if can take advantage, then let us all take our hats off to another Dublin pop group success. Only time will tell...