Singing priests paid big bucks by Sony over their 'X-factor'

London, Sept 13 : Sony BMG has signed a band of priests, named The Priests, for a whopping 1.42million pounds.

The company will be releasing their debut album simultaneously in 32 countries in November.

The band members- Fathers Eugene and Martin O'Hara, both brothers, and Father David Delargy- have been singing together for more than 30 years, at boarding school, Queen's University, Belfast and the Irish College in Rome, where they performed frequently for the Pope.

Nick Raphael, managing director of Epic Records, part of Sony BMG, spotted the trio, dubbed by some "Father Ted, The Musical," and was sure that he found what he was looking for.

"I thought they were amazing. They have the X-factor," Times Online quoted Raphael, as saying.

The Priests have promised to give away most of their money to charity and their Northern Ireland parishes.

In fact, they are determined to keep up their parish duties while embarking on a gruelling schedule of concerts and promotional work.

"Weddings, funerals, baptisms, all these things will go on," said Father David.

Father Martin added: "Music is very much part of our lives, but our priority, of course, is the priesthood. The contract reflects that."

They claim that their music will carry the Church's message.

"It's an extension of our ministry - it will speak to hearts well beyond the realm of the Church," said Father Eugene.

When asked how they would cope with issues such as celibacy, abortion and sexual abuse, the band said: "We are not mandated to talk on such issues. They are for others."

ANI