Former X Factor finalist Olly Murs has tipped fellow Essex boy Matt Cardle to be crowned series champion this year. The singer - who was runner up to Joe McElderry in 2009 - told the News Of The World that he thinks Matt has what it takes to be a star. "He's a fellow Essex boy and we need to stick together," Olly said. "He lives up the road from me - he's a top lad. I want him to go all the way. It would be great if he could go one better than me and win!" However the 26-year-old added that Matt needed to "take a risk now" and do some different types of song. "He's done some quality songs and ballads and he's absolutely smashed it," Olly said. "Now we need to see him sing an uptempo song, a cool tune to see a different side to his voice. He's got it in his locker!" Olly - who will perform his new single Thinking Of Me on Sunday's results show, also tipped Cher Lloyd to do well. "She's a contender as well," he said. "She's got real personality and is an all round performer. "Matt and Cher are the two stand-out acts for me and have really risen to the challenge. "I like Katie Waissel too," Olly added, "but she hasn't done herself any favours. I like her voice and charisma but unfortunately the public hasn't bought into it. To me it looks like she plays up to the cameras too much." And the singer admitted he had yet to be blown away by the strongly fancied Rebecca Ferguson. "I have not been wowed by Rebecca," he revealed. I think she has a fantastic voice but I don't think she has found that top song yet." Olly reached number one in the charts earlier this year with his debut single Please Don't Let Me Go, and releases his debut album on November 29.
