I agree. Bands such as Boyzone and Westlife won the Smash Hits Tour award, which basically propelled into the charts and the world of pop, and guaranteed them a slot on shows such as SMTV and Live and Kicking answering viewers questions, "performing" their single and joining in the fun and games. I remember the hype when Westlife (or Westside as they were then called!) won the Tour award. Being from Ireland, I already knew of them and was a bit of a fan.
But then all of a sudden they were EVERYWHERE. Winning that award played a HUGE part in them being as successful as they are today.