Olly Murs Opens Up About Reality TV Stigma, Collaborating With Demi Lovato, and His American Dream

Olly Murs may have placed second on The X Factor in 2009, but the British pop star has since proven that losing the competition doesn't mean losing the war. In a revealing interview, Murs opens up about the double-edged sword of reality TV fame, his close ties with One Direction, and the electrifying collaborations that are propelling him toward American domination.

The X Factor Legacy and the Reality TV Stigma

Murs candidly addresses the lingering stigma faced by artists who rise from reality shows. 'I think there is [a stigma],' he admits, 'but then you look at One Direction and wonder if it really matters.' For Murs, the real issue is authenticity. 'Whether you come from the ghetto, private school, or a reality show, if you can sustain a career and be a proper artist, it doesn't matter where you come from.'

His own journey is a testament to that. Back in 2009, Murs auditioned with Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition,' relying on sheer charisma rather than a polished voice. 'I just wanted to have a good time up there. I didn’t want to be someone I wasn’t,' he recalls. That leap of faith landed him a record deal and a string of UK hits, but the real test came when he set his sights on America.

Breaking Into the US Market

Murs credits his early US breakthrough to an unlikely ally: One Direction. In 2012, he opened for the boy band on their first US headlining tour. 'That tour really started off my U.S. career in a big way,' he says. The exposure led to his smash single 'Troublemaker,' featuring Flo Rida, which climbed the charts and established him as a contender. 'One Direction are the benchmark for how to smash it here,' Murs notes. 'I’m constantly hungry to get more fans.'

The British sensation’s latest album, Never Been Better, is a calculated bid for American hearts. Tracks like 'Wrapped Up' (with Travie McCoy) and 'Up' (with Demi Lovato) showcase his versatility—blending pop, doo-wop, and even country influences. 'I always try to mix it up,' he says. 'I want people to genuinely love my music and never get bored.'

Chemistry With Demi Lovato and Travie McCoy

Murs lights up when discussing his collaboration with Demi Lovato on the heartfelt ballad 'Up.' 'She was brilliant. Fun to be with, good laugh, good energy,' he gushes. 'For someone who’s been through so much, she’s a positive person.' The song has a country-tinged feel, a departure from his usual pop, but Murs insists it was a natural fit.

His work with Travie McCoy on 'Wrapped Up' was equally rewarding, though not without logistics. McCoy sent his rap separately—a process Murs likens to 'sending your kid to school.' The result? A cheeky verse filled with Spider-Man innuendos. 'That shows the class of the guy,' Murs says, praising McCoy’s talent. He also fondly recalls working with British legend Paul Weller, describing him as 'down-to-earth despite his god-like status in the UK.'

Dream Collaborations and the Future

When asked about dream collaborators, Murs doesn’t hesitate. 'Stevie Wonder would be the one. To go full circle from doing "Superstition" on X Factor to doing a song with him—that would be special.' For a deceased legend, he picks Michael Jackson, whose Thriller Murs says 'could be released today and still blow you away.'

And what about teaming up with One Direction? 'Definitely! I love the lads. They’ve been writing on every album, so I’d 100% write with them.' Murs remains tight-lipped about specific US tour dates, but promises they are in the works. 'We want to do it big—off the back of a big single. We have plans.'

With his infectious positivity, undeniable charm, and a string of hits, Olly Murs is proving that reality TV can be a launchpad for genuine artistry. As he eyes the next chapter, one thing is clear: the underdog is hungry for the spotlight.

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