Olly Murs ‘ignites bidding war’ as he leaves label and seeks new deal for new album

Record labels are said to be scrambling to sign up the former X Factor contestant as he prepares to release his seventh studio album while enjoying new success as Starstruck host

Olly Murs has sparked a bidding war after sensationally leaving his label – leaving him to win for a series of rivals.

The 37-year-old singer has been signed to RCA Records since 2016 – with his last two albums, 24Hrs and You Know I Know, released by the label.

But now Olly is said to have walked away from the label and plans to find a new home for his music as he prepares to release his seventh studio album.

Now a host of rival record labels are reportedly sniffing out the former X Factor contestant – and current host of Starstruck – and are all desperate to offer him a new contract.

A source told The Sun: “I felt like it was time to move on and try something new.

“He had a chat with them and finally decided he wanted to shake things up a bit. He’s been working on music in the studio for months now and wants to release it soon.

“As things stand, many labels have shown interest and it’s just a matter of finding the best deal that suits it. Olly is really excited for the next chapter.

Olly shot to fame in 2009 on the sixth season of The X Factor – ultimately losing to eventual winner Joe McElderry.

He then signed to Simon Cowell’s Syco label and Epic Record – both part of Sony Records – and enjoyed huge chart success despite not winning the talent show.

Its first single, Please Don’t Let Me Go, rose to the top of the charts – while subsequent singles Heart Skips A Beat, Dance With Me Tonight and Troublemaker were all also number one hits.

Her self-titled debut album reached number 2 on the charts, while subsequent albums In Case you Didn’t Know, Right Place Right Time, Never Been Better and 24Hrs also reached number 1 – while her most recent came at number 2.

Away from the charts, Olly has enjoyed success as a judge on The Voice UK and currently runs the weekend primetime show Starstruck – which sees people perform like their idols in the Stars In Their Eyes style .

As part of the show, Olly was alarmed to see a number of people trying to play like him.

Speaking about his experience, the singer told The Express: “It was quite surreal and I actually said to the judges if this was how I sang and danced, I could retire now.

“Really, it was really humbling, I was very emotional actually and I was really surprised that these three guys left to study me, study how I sing and how I play.

“It was a little weird and kind of confused me because I have these amazing judges in front of me and I’m trying to be cool and host the show and all of a sudden I’m judging myself.

“Then to hear the comments, oh my. Adam was like, ‘Close your ears, Olly’. It was still a lot of fun.

Olly added that he didn’t want to come across as “too polite” as a presenter on Starstruck.