English singer/songwriter Olly Murs’ world changed in 2009 when he performed a compelling rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” stunning “The X Factor” U.K. judge Simon Cowell. Though he ended the season’s sixth series as the runner-up, Murs was just beginning a rocketing music career, which now includes a record deal with Epic Records in the U.K. and Columbia Records stateside.?
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From the beginning, the 20-something pop crooner has collaborated with some of the genre’s biggest tickets. His 2010 eponymous debut features a track co-written with Ed Sheeran, while a more recent album — 2012’s “Right Place Right Time” — includes special guest Flo Rida on the contagious “Troublemaker.” Murs, who’s vocally reminiscent of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, has a malleable handle on the genre, moving from the pop-soul of “Troublemaker” to conjuring up memories of ’50s rock and roll with his single “Dance With Me Tonight.”
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On the tour circuit, Murs has not only supported Robbie Williams and One Direction on massive runs, but he’s also headlined his own arena concerts across the U.K.