Olly Murs has candidly revealed the debilitating health condition that led him to seek therapy before joining The Voice. The singer, who rose to fame after competing on The X Factor in 2009, served as a coach on the singing competition from 2018 to 2023. However, he has now shared his apprehension about joining the show, stemming from a mishap he experienced during his time on The X Factor in 2015.
In 2015, Olly accidentally announced the incorrect results on The X Factor, which sparked fix claims. This error, he says, triggered a profound sense of anxiety, leading to a 'massive panic attack.' He recounted his experience on Auto Trader’s Show On The Road podcast, stating, “It felt like the worst news that could ever happen to me. I had a massive panic attack over it. I know what I went through was nothing compared to what other people go through. But mentally at the time, I was freaked out.”
The event deeply impacted Olly's self-confidence, making him question his ability to handle the pressure of live television again. He confessed, “I wondered, going back on TV again, was I going to make a mistake? Because that’s all I got when I did 'X Factor', I was told 'you’re useless, you’re not good, you’re not a great presenter, you’re not this, you’re not that’.” He added that despite the positive aspects of his X Factor experience, he felt overwhelmed by the negativity and the fear of making another mistake.
Seeking professional help, Olly underwent therapy sessions, which proved instrumental in his recovery. He described the experience as immensely helpful, saying, “One of the things I learned was how to cope and understand how I was feeling. She gave me these techniques on how to deal with that other voice in your head that’s like telling you you can’t do this, run away.” The therapy equipped him with the mental tools to manage his anxiety and confront his fears, ultimately allowing him to return to television with a renewed sense of confidence.
Despite his previous anxieties, Olly ultimately found immense satisfaction in his role on The Voice. He admitted to being 'petrified' on his first day, but he used affirmations to bolster his confidence. He shared, “So I told myself 'You’re great at what you do. You’re really good on TV. You’ve got it. You’ve got this, Olly. You’ve got this.' And it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I loved it. I did it for seven years. And it was what I needed. It was brilliant.” This experience highlights the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges and demonstrates the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.
Olly Murs' Time On The X Factor: A Rollercoaster Of Emotions
While Olly cherishes the memories of his X Factor journey, he acknowledges that it was a tumultuous period filled with both exhilaration and intense scrutiny. His participation on the show marked a significant turning point in his life, thrusting him into the spotlight and setting him on the path to musical stardom. He recalls the electrifying feeling of being on the cusp of greatness, a moment he describes as, “A guy from Essex that lived on a council estate ends up being on the biggest TV show in the country. Knowing I might get a record deal or have an album.” The X Factor provided him with a platform to showcase his talent and fulfill his musical ambitions.
However, the fame that followed came with a cost. Olly admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the constant attention and the relentless pressure that came with being a public figure. He shared that at times he longed for anonymity, stating, “Sometimes there’s part of me that when I’m out with Amelia [his wife], the last thing I want to do is be noticed.” The transition from obscurity to being a recognizable celebrity was a challenging adjustment.
Despite his reservations about fame, Olly recognizes its significance in his career. He realized that the attention he receives is a reflection of his success. He explained, “Someone said to me, you’ll be annoyed when people stop asking, because you’ll know then your career’s over. So I embrace it. But that experience, that thrill, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and I’ll never get close to that experience ever again.” His X Factor experience, though challenging, shaped him into the artist he is today. He embraced the rollercoaster of emotions that came with being on the show, understanding that it was a unique and unforgettable chapter in his life.
The Unexpected Impact Of The X Factor Mishap
The unintentional announcement of incorrect results on The X Factor in 2015 was a pivotal moment for Olly. This incident not only brought about fix claims but also deeply impacted his mental well-being. He candidly revealed his feelings on Auto Trader’s Show On The Road podcast, stating, “I felt like the worst news that could ever happen to me. I had a massive panic attack over it. I know what I went through was nothing compared to what other people go through. But mentally at the time, I was freaked out.” The experience left him questioning his abilities and filled him with self-doubt.
The negative feedback he received during his time on The X Factor further exacerbated his anxiety. He recalled, “I wondered, going back on TV again, was I going to make a mistake? Because that’s all I got when I did 'X Factor', I was told 'you’re useless, you’re not good, you’re not a great presenter, you’re not this, you’re not that’.” This relentless criticism coupled with the pressure to perform at his best on a massive platform created a perfect storm of anxiety for Olly.
However, the incident also served as a turning point for Olly. It pushed him to confront his fears, seek professional help, and develop coping mechanisms to manage his anxiety. His decision to undergo therapy was a courageous step towards self-care and recovery. He credits the therapy sessions for helping him regain his confidence and return to television with a renewed perspective and resilience.
The Journey To The Voice: A New Chapter Of Success
After his experience on The X Factor and his subsequent therapy sessions, Olly was ready to return to television. However, the prospect of stepping back into the public eye still filled him with apprehension. He admitted to being ‘petrified’ on his first day on The Voice, but he used self-affirmation techniques to combat his anxieties. He explained, “So I told myself 'You’re great at what you do. You’re really good on TV. You’ve got it. You’ve got this, Olly. You’ve got this.' And it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I loved it. I did it for seven years. And it was what I needed. It was brilliant.”
Olly's experience on The Voice was a testament to his resilience and his ability to overcome his fears. He embraced the challenge, honed his skills as a coach, and ultimately found immense joy and fulfillment in mentoring aspiring singers. He credits his journey on The Voice for helping him grow as an artist and as a person, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
Olly Murs' Lasting Legacy: A Message Of Hope
Olly Murs' story is a reminder that even the most successful individuals can face mental health challenges. His honesty about his struggles with panic attacks and his decision to seek therapy are invaluable contributions to the ongoing conversation about mental health. He exemplifies the importance of prioritizing self-care, recognizing the need for professional support, and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.
His story is a beacon of hope for others who may be facing similar challenges. It demonstrates that recovery is possible and that embracing vulnerabilities can lead to growth and resilience. Olly Murs' journey continues to inspire, proving that even amidst the spotlight, finding inner strength and seeking help can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.
