How Olly Murs Went From Boy Next Door To International Superstar.

When one superstar hopeful was asked about his dream on the hit U.K. talent show “The X Factor,” he replied, “To be a pop star and be famous and sell records and be an international superstar.”

That superstar hopeful? Olly Murs.

Fast-forward to 12 years later, and it’s safe to say his dream came true! In a decade’s time, Murs went on to release No. 1 hits, do voice animation for Disney, and even coach singers on “The Voice UK.”

But it all started with a fateful audition for “The X Factor” in 2009.

In an interview before his audition, Murs explained that he was working a desk job and “basically [gave] people advice on how to save money on their energy bills.” He immediately established himself as a relatable boy next door from Witham, Essex.

In fact, his first dream was to play professional football. After an injury, he gave up on that future, securing an office job and playing with his band, the Small Town Blaggers, on the side.

He had auditioned for “The X Factor” once before but failed to make it past one of the earlier stages. A few years later, the then-25-year-old figured he had nothing to lose and decided to try, try again.

Singing “Superstition,” the classic hit by Stevie Wonder, Murs immediately started pacing around the stage with a funk-like swagger. The minute he sang his first words, the crowd erupted.

He continued to win the crowd – and the judges – over with his dance moves, self-assurance, and charisma. The further he got into his performance, the more confident he became, giving the room a small taste of his radiant star quality.

After a performance overflowing with talent and boyish charm, the judges instantly knew they’d found a star.

He even won over Simon Cowell, who put it this way: “You’re very, very, very cool.” Cowell then turned to the other judges and said, “I really, really like that guy.”

Beyond his skill, confidence, and charm, one thing was plain as day: No one could help liking Olly Murs! Week after week, he continued to pull the judges further into his corner as they described him as the “dark horse of the competition” and being “in a different league.”

In one of his final performances, Louis Walsh said, “You’re a born, born showman, and no matter what happens tonight you’re going to have a great career in music.”

Murs ended up taking home the title of runner-up on his season of “The X Factor,” but that didn’t change the fact that the world now knew his name.

Immediately following the show, Murs signed a record deal and released his debut album, “Olly Murs,” in November 2010. The album sold over 108,000 copies and landed at No. 2 on the U.K. Albums Chart. His hit single, “Please Don’t Let Me Go,” secured the No. 1 spot in the U.K. Singles Charts over Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.” 

Since then, Murs has gone on to release six albums in 11 years, tour with The X Factor Live, open for One Direction, complete five headliner tours, and collaborate with artists like Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, Snoop Dogg, and Robbie Williams.

He has also had a full career as a TV show host. He co-presented for “The Xtra Factor,” a spin-off of “The X Factor,” in 2011 and 2012, and for “The X Factor” in 2015.

Continuing his TV career, Murs was chosen to be a coach on “The Voice UK” in 2017. He ended up becoming a fixture on the judging panel, sticking around for three more seasons, and winning the competition twice.

In addition to performing, he has also authored two books, “Happy Days,” an illustrated autobiography released in 2012, and “On The Road,” which was released in 2015.

In more recent news, Murs has officially broken into the acting scene, making his voice acting debut playing Spike the Doberman in “A Summer to Remember” in 2019. He also landed his first film, voicing the role of Junior Agent No. 1 in “Spies in Disguise.”

Despite all of his success, the world will never forget the charming 25-year-old who was working at a call center before he stole our hearts and became the star he is today.

At the ripe age of 36, we know that Murs’ best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to see it!

Don’t forget to share his incredible rise to fame with a friend.