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.

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.”

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.