Rock On: Verve keep their nerve as they come out on top

Ulster's most important music critics - the readers of Rock On - have delivered their verdict on the showbiz hits of '97, and voted The Verve the best group.

One lucky reader will be drawn from all the entries this week and will win TEN crates of Miller, TEN of the year's best movies, and the top TEN albums of the year.

"This really puts the icing on the cake for the guys," said a close friend of the Verve. "

\"Hopefully they can pay back Rock On readers now by playing in Belfast live next year."

Boyzone also picked up an award by winning the best single category with Baby Can I Hold You. "We're delighted and privileged," said band member Keith Duffy, currently taking a well-earned break in Dublin.

""As usual the Rock On readers have been very loyal to us - we really appreciate that."

Sensationally the Spice Girls won the worst group award, but in a bizarre twist they also came second in the battle for the best band title.

Ronan Keating stormed to victory in the most fanciable male race, while new girl on the block, Natalie Imbrugalia, stole the most fanciable female title in a close battle with Baby Spice, Emma Bunton.

After his stylish victory in America last week, it's no surprise that Prince Naseem Hamed proved the most popular sportsman of the year.

Rock On readers were clearly tuned into the Ulster showbiz scene after a year in which I've brought you exclusive interviews with big names like Boyzone, the Spice Girls, Cast and Peter Andre.

I also exclusively revealed Blur's Irish concert plans two months before our rivals caught on - and gave Boyzone fans the behind-the- scenes story from their Belfast visit last month.

HOW YOU VOTED IN FULL

Best Album......Urban Hymns (The Verve)

Best Single.........Baby Can I Hold You (Boyzone)

Worst Single.........Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh

Best Group...........................The Verve

Worst Group..................The Spice Girls

Most Fanciable Male.........Ronan Keating

Most Fanciable Female...Natalie Imbrugalia

Least Fanciable Male......Liam Gallagher

Least Fanciable Female......Sporty Spice

Best Movie.....................The Full Monty

Best TV Programme..................Friends

Sporting Hero..................Prince Naseem

JANET JACKSON SET TO PLAY DUBLIN DATE

JANET Jackson looks set to announce a huge concert in Dublin - just six months after her brother Michael performed in front of 40,000 fans at the RDS.

Janet hasn't performed in Ireland for over five years, but plans for a massive world tour could include a date in Dublin, probably at The Point.

No date has yet been announced, but sources close to the singer say that she is very enthusiastic at the prospect of treating her Irish fans to a show to remember.

"Janet is a huge name all over the world so it's hard for her to fit everywhere into her schedule," a source told me.

"But we have discussed the possibility of an Irish date - and things look really good. Janet's behind the idea all the way.""

THE Limelight have signalled their big intentions for the New Year, announcing plans for a bonanza of big name bands.

The Deftones are performing at the Belfast nightspot on January 18 and Mogwai are there a week later. Also lined up for the future are the Levellers and Thunder.

MY Hollyoaks mates just can't get enough of Belfast...and yours truly.

Will Mellor, Jeremy Edwards, Kurt and Terri Dwyer dropped into Belfast's trendy M Club last week for their Christmas party. And after having a great time with me on his last visit, I persuaded Will to treat the crowd to a sneak preview of his debut single Heart Of Mind.

Afterwards Will asked me to give my verdict on the song. "I'm serious," he said. "I really value Rock On's opinion, Paul." I reassured him the song had Top Ten potential - and made him promise to perform live in Belfast if things take off.

TALKING of Holly-oaks, Terri Dwyer made me an offer I found hard to refuse. Wearing a skimpy mini-dress, the sexy star revealed that she wasn't going to follow Will into the world of pop - and to prove it invited me to listen to her sing ...in the bath!

"I only sing in the bath - you can come and hear the standard for yourself if you want," she said. I replied: "I'd love to - but wouldn't Kurt object?"

MY SOUND ADVICE FOR HOLLYOAKS WILL

GIG GUIDE

DEFTONES........................The Limelight.........Jan 18

GREEN DAY.....................Ulster Hall...............Jan 20

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE...Ulster Hall.........Jan 21-22

THE LEVELLERS...............The Limelight.........Feb 22

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