MC@Play with Olly Murs

Simon Cowell's a tough guy to please, so when he responded to Olly Murs' X Factor audition with "the easiest yes I've every given," we immediately knew that the 28-year-old British cutie was one to watch. The Essex native had no formal training or experience when he sang "Superstition" on U.K. television — in fact, he hoped to become a professional soccer player until a neck injury prematurely ended his career — but after hearing him sing karaoke in a local pub, Murs' mates encouraged him to try and make it in music.

Making it he is. After The X Factor, Murs went on to release two double-platinum albums and three No. 1 singles in the U.K. Now, with four million album sales to his name, the adorable entertainer — who can resist that accent? — is coming to the U.S. In his interview with MC's Sergio Kletnoy, Murs describes his music as "quite happy and quite cheeky and funny. I don't really do sad, depressing songs." Thanks to his constant smile, impressive hidden talent, and superpower of choice, a conversation with Murs is as happy-go-lucky as his catchy tunes.

Leading up the release of his U.S. debut album this fall, Murs will spend the summer on tour with the equally hard-to-resist One Direction. In the meantime, watch the video for his new single, "Heart Skips a Beat," featuring hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang.