Louis Walsh

Who is Louis Walsh?

Michael Louis Vincent Walsh is an Irish entertainment manager and judge on British television talent show The X Factor.

Originally from Kiltimagh, County Mayo, Walsh moved to Dublin to get a start in the music industry. He managed Johnny Logan, Boyzone and Westlife, three of Ireland's most successful pop artists in recent decades. In later life, Walsh began an alternative career as a television talent pundit and personality. He has been a judge on The X Factor since the show's inception in 2004, mentoring the "Groups" category five times and the "Overs" category three times. He was the winning judge of the show's second series, mentoring Shayne Ward. He has also appeared on You're a Star, Popstars and Popstars: The Rivals. Walsh has also guest judged on Britain's Got Talent a number of times and on The X Factor USA in 2012.