Olly Murs interview before Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival 2014

Olly Murs at the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival 2014

Olly Murs came to Dubai and we caught up with 'the cheeky chappie' before his performance on the main stage at the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival. What a charmer he was! Telling us what he's been up to since arriving in Dubai including riding the Leap of Faith at Aquadventure water park!

When asked how he's been kicking back pre gig since arriving in Dubai, Olly reliably informed us how he enjoyed a quiet trip to the water park, splashing about and riding the slides. Talking of swimming with mammals, sure dolphins is up there on his can't wait to do list but sharks is an absolute no no. With the suggestion he might try a skydive - he'd love to try a sky dive but it's unlikely his insurance will cover it... we say boo, you only live once Olly!

This gig at the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival is perfect timing for him, talking of how he has grown to be a much more confident and astute character now, Olly feels this classic pop / jazz mix gig will be a platform to showcase him at his absolute best. Discussing his pending performance he said he is likely to just go with the flow of the audience and their vibe. His inspiration comes from the crowd so before the gig he had no surprises up his sleeve!

Olly has come along way since selling kitchens over the phone from which he has fond memories- even remembering his rehersed sales pitch down to the last word. His claim to fame was coming a close second in the X Factor 2009, he has gone from strength to strength since the show and absolutely loved co hosting Extra Factor (well he had to say that, Simon Cowell told him he had to do it!). Olly owes alot to his idol Stevie Wonder and devotes as much time as posisble to his trouble maker nephew who he dotes on.

Looking forward to the release of his new single in June followed by an album a few months after Olly couldn't think of a better place on Earth to be for Valentine's Day 2014- Dubai... where else!

Below are some snaps from the main stage on Valentine's Day - evening, where The Wanted kicked off an amazing stage show, singing classics such as, All Time Low, War Zone, I Found You and Glad You Came - they woo'd the crowd serending five lucky girls from the front to a meet and greet.

When Olly hit the stage, the crowd went crazy! He swapped his trade mark hat with a Toyota red one with lights around the rim which one gig goer had written a message on, much to her delight he read out mid tracks. We were treated to an Olly Murs distinct cheeky show which involved fun, frolics and dancing to Army of Two, Dance With Me Tonight, Hand on Heart, Please Don't Let Me Go followed with Dear Darlin - an absolute treat - being my favourite!

Enjoy!

Click on a thumbnail below to enlarge the image...

The Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival will run until February 20th. In the Jazz gardens weekdays edition expect to see Four 80 East, Alex Schultz & Raphael Wressnig's Soul Gift Band Feat. Sax Gordon, Jonathan Fritzen, Tad Robinson & Band, Paul Shilts Weimar, Dietra Farr & Band, Matt Marshak + Le Bron and "Sugaray" Rayford & Band.

On Wednesday evening, 19th February expect to see Steve Grossman + Special Guest Silvia Droste and Sean Jones in the Jazz Garden and Colbie Caillat followed by the sensational Jamie Cullum on the Main Gigs stage.

The Thursday finale will see Nestor Torres and Billy Childs Quartet hit the Jazz Garden. Listen to the powerful rhythms of world cultures with Dubai Drums leading to the legendary multi grammy award winner and global music icon, Santana who will close what will be a jazz festival to remember.

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