You may not know Olly Murs yet, but you soon will. The British superstar made a name for himself across the pond and now he’s bringing his contagious music stateside.

Earlier this week, the 28 year-old singer-songwriter stopped into PRO-FM to showcase his incredible talent and new single. “I would’ve never thought to put Flo Rida with my track Troublemaker, but it’s amazing,” said the UK X Factor Alum before belting out the song LIVE on the air.

Troublemaker is a great pop anthem, soulful and upbeat, being compared to the sounds of Maroon 5. The track is off Murs’ third album Right Place, Right Time due out this April. And the proof is in the music. Olly’s exclusive in-studio performance showcased his expressive and bubbly voice – every note he hit forced a smile.

The Troublemaker star, who describes himself as more of a peacemaker, wasn’t always on the path to music stardom. Ironically, he was on his way to soccer fame. As a soccer player or “footballer,” the David Beckham super-fan was injured. Although his dreams of turning pro were shattered, Olly soldiered through. Wanting to be social and hang with friends, he started singing karaoke in local pubs. The PRO-FM staff even got a sample of Olly’s karaoke with an impromptu cover of Skee-Lo’s 1995 song, I Wish. “I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller…” rapped the hottie with his sexy British accent. Accent or not, his singing definitely made the PRO-FM girls swoon.

Karaoke paid off for the former athlete. In 2009, Murs auditioned for Season 6 of the UK version of  The X Factor. With Simon Cowell as his mentor, Olly placed runner-up. Three albums later, a tour with boy band One Direction, and a hosting gig on the UK’s Xtra Factor, Olly’s ready to crack the states!

As Olly prepares for his British Invasion, he told us he can add song-writer to his accolades. “When I started the song writing process, I could barely write on a piece of paper,” he laughed. “It’s natural,” he added, “but thanks to my amazing team.” Olly’s attitude toward song writing is confident. “I just know what my records should sound like.”

Olly would love to pair his song-writing skills with other artists. “The collaboration depends on the song and who you can get,” buzzed the stylish pop-star. Flo Rida is featured on his first US single, but Olly would love to work with two of his idols, Michael Bublé and Stevie Wonder. With such amazing talent, Olly may very well work with his favs in the future.

Is there anything Olly can’t do? All signs point to no. The hipster cutie even has great hat hair when forced to trade his hat for headphones. Entertaining and charming, Olly is ready to crash America. Olly Murs’ album Right Place, Right Time drops April 16th.
 

Barbi Jo DiMaria - Entertainment Contributor With her sassy & electric personality, Johnston-ite Barbi Jo has had the opportunity to plan amazing events featuring superstars like Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias, & Selena Gomez. Between events, she covers local entertainment and emerging artists for Cumulus Providence. Cumulus Media Providence: 92PROFM.COM, LiteRock105FM.com, HOT1063.com,                                               630WPRO.COM & 790Business.com