Olly in search for credibility

Olly Murs thinks his American fans give him more credit for his talent.

The singer - who was runner-up on Simon Cowell's show 'The X Factor' in 2009 - believes rising to fame on reality TV has harmed his credibility in the UK, whereas his US fans only judge him for the quality of his songs.

He explained: "In the UK, people don't give 'X Factor' contestants that much credit. Over in the States they're listening to my music instead of saying, 'Oh, he's from the 'X Factor'... whatever.' I don't get the credit I deserve.

"So it's a really good thing for me. I'm able to come over here and be an artist - people are judging me on my abilities and my talent for my music."

Olly's popularity is on the rise in the US, with invitations to perform on 'Good Morning America' and 'Dancing With the Stars', but the 29-year-old does not believe he will ever achieve the same level of success as fellow British exports One Direction.

He said: "I don't ever expect to reach the heights of One Direction over here, but I believe I can be a success, and so far it's going well. It's been brilliant."

The 'Dear Darlin' singer is gearing up to perform alongside Robbie Williams on a 17-date European stadium tour, which he thinks will be a piece of cake compared to trying to crack the States.

He added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I've had some massive hits in the UK and people know my music. Its quire an easy gig, really. I'll just go out there and enjoy it."