Following a recent run of shows in Asia – including seven dates in China – Westlife have enlisted artificial intelligence (AI) to craft a new single, performed entirely in Mandarin.

'Love + Courage', a cover of Jason Zhang's 2016 single, was released through the Chinese online music platform Tencent Music, and garnered over a million streams in its first week.

As reported by Music Week, the Irish group are already one of the biggest international acts in China, and are particularly popular on social media platforms there. The release of a single in Mandarin, however, marks another major step into the Chinese market for Westlife.

Kugou AIK, which claims to be the world's first multi-lingual AI singing tool, was used to re-create the group's vocals for the track. The technology reportedly allows users to sing and record songs in 10 languages, and 15 Chinese dialects.

"The fan response from us singing 'The Ordinary Road' in Mandarin was truly overwhelming and this just felt like it could be another fun thing to do for our Chinese fans," the band have said of 'Love + Courage'. "It took months to get it right as we wanted it to be the perfect reflection of our voices and we are thrilled with the final version. It’s hugely exciting.

"We are delighted it is one of Jason Zhang’s songs as we performed with him on a previous tour. We hope our Chinese fans love it!”

Tencent Music have also stated that, since the release of their 2021 album, Wild Dreams, Westlife "have continued to deepen their connection with China", and their relationship with the online platform.

“This ongoing mutual dedication is why we have chosen Westlife as the first international artist to collaborate with to release AI music," Tencent Music's statement continues.