Former "X Factor" U.K. finalist Olly Murs, 28, has confessed that he was so hurt by negative remarks about him on the Internet that he began to abuse alcohol in 2011.
In an article published by The Sun on March 18, 2013, Murs is quoted as saying: “I’ve never walked into a room and been arrogant or confident or horrible to anyone. And being seen like that – a nice bloke – was important to me. But I was doing TV and I getting criticism every day – in blogs, tweets and the media.
“Suddenly it seemed like nobody liked me. I didn’t like that feeling. I didn’t handle it well. I was doing a lot of TV, not just 'The Xtra Factor' but popping up on things like '8 Out of 10 Cats.' I just felt I had to drink myself to a point where I had that Olly Murs personality again. Without it I didn’t feel good enough or funny enough.”
Murs did not say if he has curbed his drinking habits, but his comments have a tone of regret about his increased level of consuming alcohol.
Meanwhile, 2013 is shaping up to be Murs' biggest year for his career so far. His single "Troublemaker" (featuring Flo Rida) has become a massive international hit, by reaching the Top 5 in countries such as the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. And he has become one of only four "X Factor" alumni acts so far to have a Top 40 single in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (Leona Lewis was the first in 2007, followed by One Direction and Cher Lloyd in 2012.)
As previously reported, Murs is headlining a North American tour in April and May 2013, in support of his North American debut album, "Right Place Right Time," which Syco Music/Columbia Records will release on April 16, 2013. Tickets for the tour went on sale on March 15, 2013.
On April 17, 2013, Murs will perform live in his second appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." He first performed on "Good Morning America" in September 2012.
As previously reported, Murs is making his U.S. TV acting debut on the CW show "90210" in an episode whose air date is to be announced. He will perform "Troublemaker" and "Right Place Right Time" in the episode. Even though "90120" has been cancelled, the CW will televise the show's already filmed last episodes through May 2013.
Murs came in second place on "The X Factor" U.K. in 2009. He has since had several No. 1 hits in the U.K. and Ireland.
"Right Place Right Time" is Murs' third U.K. album and his first U.S. album. The U.K. and U.S. versions of the "Right Place Right Time" album have different tracks. The first two U.K. singles from "Right Place Right Time" are "Troublemaker" and "Army of Two." The first two U.S. singles from "Right Place Right Time" are "Heart Skips a Beat" and "Troublemaker."
As previously reported, "Troublemaker" has become Murs' first Top 40 hit in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where the song is currently at No. 32. "Troublemaker" initially bombed in the U.S. when it was released in October 2012, but the song got a second wind in January 2013, when sales and radio airplay began to increase. In Canada, "Troublemaker" reached No. 15 on the singles chart.
In January 2013, Murs did a mini-tour of the U.S., where he headlined nightclub dates in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. On Jan. 24, 2013, Murs appeared on the syndicated U.S. talk show "Live! With Kelly and Michael," and he filmed an appearance on the syndicated celebrity news show "Extra" on Jan. 28, 2013.
Because of all the touring that Murs is doing in 2013, Murs has announced that he's quitting "The Xtra Factor," the spinoff series that features news and interviews with "X Factor" U.K. contestants, judges and guest artists. In an article published on Jan. 27, 2013, Heat magazine's website quoted Murs as saying: "I’ve had two great years on it. To be honest, the way my career is going in terms of music and internationally it looks unlikely that I’ll be able to do it. It’s an amazing part of my career and working with Caroline [Flack] has been great."
Murs and Caroline Flack joined "The Xtra Factor" in May 2011 as co-hosts. They replaced Konnie Huq on the show.
He told the media in late 2011 that he was probably going to quit the show, but he changed his mind and signed on for another season in 2012. However, he was unable to attend "X Factor" U.K. auditions, boot camp and "judges' houses" in 2012 because he was busy doing a North American tour with One Direction, and then working on his third U.K. album, "Right Place Right Time," which debuted at No. 1 in the U.K in November 2012.
There's no word yet if Murs will be replaced or if Flack will host "The Xtra Factor" solo. Flack has not announced yet if she is remaining on the show.
Rylan Clark, who came in fifth place on "The X Factor" U.K. in 2012, is rumored to be a possible replacement for Murs. Clark told Digital Spy on Jan. 25, 2013: "My dream job would be presenting on 'The Xtra Factor,' and I know my name has been banded about, but it's an honor that I've even been mentioned."
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