What Bruno Mars Has Been Doing Since His Last Album Release

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If what you like involves having a new Bruno Mars album to look forward to, you’re finally in luck.

Bruno Mars is releasing his fourth studio album, The Romantic, on February 27th – ten years after his hugely successful 24K Magic. He’s stayed busy in the meantime, working with other artists, which is why it might not feel like it’s been that long since his last album.

Bruno Mars described the creative process with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic as feeling like the initial joy of discovering music. He told Zane Lowe that it was all about naturally jamming with a friend – no rigid plans, just working out the music together and trying to inspire each other.

As a music and lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve been following Silk Sonic’s incredible run – they took home four Grammys in 2022! And Bruno Mars continued his success last year with a performance and a win alongside Lady Gaga. Looking ahead to the 2026 Grammys, Bruno is nominated for three awards with Rosé for their catchy song, “APT.” Apparently, the inspiration for the track came from a fun Korean drinking game they played together while recording – how cool is that? It’s a really infectious tune and I’m excited to see if they take home the win for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, or Best Pop Duo/Group Performance!

I was so surprised when Rosé mentioned the idea of writing a song inspired by that funny game we all love! She actually told Capital FM in December 2024 it started as a joke. Apparently, she went home afterward and seriously wondered if it was okay to write a song about a drinking game where we all chant ‘apateu’ – which means ‘apartment,’ by the way! She was worried it might be too lighthearted, which I think is so cute and shows how much she thinks about her music.

In any case, “APT.” hit the spot, closing out 2025 atop the year-end Billboard Global 200 chart.

As Bruno Mars prepares for the Grammys, his new single “I Just Might” remains at the top of the Billboard 100 chart for the second week in a row. It’s his first song to ever debut at number one, taking the spot from Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia.” Plus, tickets for his “The Romantic Tour” have already completely sold out.

Bruno continues to be a remarkably successful performer, staying relevant and captivating audiences without needing to say a single word.

Despite being a huge star, Bruno Mars—born Peter Gene Hernandez in Hawaii—is actually very private. While he’s active on Instagram and TikTok, he mostly uses those platforms to build and maintain his upbeat, positive image. He generally keeps things light and fun, with almost everything being focused on good vibes—except for maybe one or two songs about heartbreak.

But when we do talk about Bruno, his goal is to make sure the chatter is about his music.

Bruno Mars explained to 60 Minutes in 2016, when his album 24K Magic was released, that he deeply cares about how people perceive his work and wants them to recognize his dedication. 24K Magic later won the Grammy for Album of the Year, with the title track and “What I Like” also earning Record and Song of the Year respectively. He looks up to artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown, noting their meticulous attention to detail and genuine care for the audience experience – from their clothing and movements to the overall feeling they create.

He said they weren’t just going through the motions; they were determined to outdo—even harm—anyone else on the lineup, whether performing before or after them. He explained this was a pattern he’d observed and respected throughout his life.

Unlike three famous artists who passed away recently, Mars has deliberately kept his private life separate from his public persona, reserving his performances for the stage.

He told Rolling Stone in 2016 that he initially believed their work meant they’d avoid unnecessary conflict. He explained he doesn’t participate in drama and doesn’t want to say anything regrettable that could jeopardize their success.

He faced some challenges early in his career, including a 2010 arrest for cocaine possession, for which he completed probation and had the record cleared. More recently, in 2024, reports surfaced that he owed MGM Resorts $50 million, a claim he playfully addressed while appearing onstage with Rosé of Blackpink in July 2025.

OMG, he actually posted after the show! It said, “Almost out of debt BehhhhhBehhhhh!!!” – I seriously screamed! And then he gave a shoutout to Rosa, saying “Preciate You ROSAAAAYYYYYY!!!!” It was EVERYTHING. Though, MGM tried to downplay everything, saying their relationship with Bruno is amazing and he doesn’t have any debt with them, and they’re excited to keep making amazing shows. But honestly, I believe Bruno! He’s finally breaking free, and I’m SO happy for him!

As a creative consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful collaboration can be, and Mars is a master at it. He clearly draws inspiration from his heroes, and it shows! Take his work with Lady Gaga, for example. She absolutely loved recording ‘Die With a Smile’ with him, and that partnership actually earned them a Grammy in 2025 for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – a testament to their combined talent.

In a December 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, she described him as “the most wonderful artist.” She praised his kindness and generosity, adding that she especially loved how he encouraged her to be herself during their collaboration on the song. She explained that when working with a talent as renowned as Bruno Mars, you hope he lives up to your expectations—and he absolutely did.

Rosé agrees, recalling her November 2024 interview on Hot Ones where she described working with Bruno Mars on her song ‘APT’ as “the craziest experience of my life.”

Beyond just creating new music, Bruno Mars is a perfectionist, and that’s a big reason why it took four years to release a follow-up album to 24K Magic after Unorthodox Jukebox.

After the massive success of my last hit, walking back into the studio felt really intimidating,” he explained to Rolling Stone. He was still finishing up 24K Magic before its release in November 2016, and was worried about following up a song that had sold 12 million copies. “I wasn’t sure if people would like the new music, or if the radio would play it. My biggest fear was releasing something and then wishing I’d made different choices.”

Hence the gap between albums. He’s either releasing magic in the air, or nothing.

It’s likely Bruno Mars will win more Grammys on February 1st, but before that, let’s take a look back at some of the most surprising moments ever to happen at the awards show.

The reaction to Jennifer Lopez’s stunning, low-cut Versace dress was unbelievable. It caused such a frenzy online that it actually led to the creation of Google Images – people were searching for the dress so much, Google needed a way to better handle image searches!

Everyone was amazed when these two unexpected performers shared the stage at the Grammy Awards. What many didn’t know is that their performance led to a lasting friendship. Both artists have revealed they connected through their mutual journey with sobriety.

When the rock band won Best New Artist over the rapper, 50 Cent unexpectedly walked onstage during their acceptance speech, surprising everyone. He quickly returned to his seat to applause, and the band even acknowledged him. It was clear he was disappointed not to win an award himself that night.

It’s one thing for a pregnant musician to perform, but quite another to rap and sing onstage when you’re actually due to give birth! That’s exactly what the artist behind “Paper Planes” did in 2009. She performed “Swagga Like Us” with T.I., Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, and fortunately, her baby waited a few days to arrive.

Lady Gaga made a dramatic entrance at the event, arriving in a large, egg-shaped pod. Models dressed in gold carried the pod through the crowd and onto the stage, where she emerged to perform.

Everyone was shocked when Macklemore’s The Heist won Album of the Year, including Macklemore himself. He immediately texted Kendrick Lamar to say he felt Kendrick deserved the award. “You were robbed. I wanted you to win,” Macklemore admitted, adding, “It feels terrible that I won instead.” Despite Macklemore’s heartfelt apology, Drake publicly criticized it, calling it “completely lame.”

In 2009, Kanye West faced backlash after interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Years later, he repeated a similar act, rushing the stage when Beck won Album of the Year. However, this time, after briefly approaching the microphone, West unexpectedly returned to his seat while the audience watched in stunned silence. Beck had offered him the chance to speak, but West didn’t say anything.

Beyoncé’s performance was stunning when she took the stage wearing a sparkling gold dress and crown. She was pregnant with twins, Sir and Rumi, at the time, and beautifully sang and danced to her songs “Sandcastles” and “Love Drought.” While all of Beyoncé’s performances are incredible, this one stands out as particularly unforgettable.

Choosing between Adele and Beyoncé was difficult, but Adele ultimately won the vote. While accepting the Album of the Year award, a tearful Adele expressed her gratitude and humbly stated that Beyoncé is her biggest artistic inspiration. She particularly praised Beyoncé’s Lemonade album, calling it a landmark achievement and dedicating much of her speech to Beyoncé’s artistry.

Adele was deeply affected by the news of George Michael’s passing, becoming emotional while honoring him during a performance. She started to sing his song “Fastlove” but quickly stopped, even swearing and requesting a restart despite the live broadcast. Visibly upset, she repeatedly apologized for her language and for interrupting the performance, explaining she didn’t want to fail in her tribute to him.

As the show began, host Alicia Keys surprised everyone by inviting several well-known women onto the stage, including a former First Lady.

The evening’s host, a celebrated pianist, captivated the audience with a performance of several popular songs, playing both pianos simultaneously.

Oh my gosh, it still gives me chills! It had been almost two years since Demi went through everything, and seeing her at the Grammys in 2020 was just… incredible. She sang “Anyone,” and it was her first time performing live since being in the hospital. Seriously, the emotion was so raw, she actually had to stop and start the song over. It was a totally powerful moment, and I was completely wrecked in the best way possible. I’ll never forget it!

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s performance of “WAP” at the 2021 Grammys was unforgettable, featuring playful props like stripper heels, bright neon visuals, and energetic dancing. Before they performed, host Trevor Noah playfully advised parents with young children to tell them it was a song about bathing a cat.

The K-pop group’s 2022 Grammy performance of “Butter” began with Jungkook dramatically lowered from the ceiling of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The rest of the group – J-Hope, RM, Suga, Jin, V, and Jimin – then made their way through the audience, with V briefly sitting next to singer Olivia Rodrigo.

Fans of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles were thrilled at the 2023 Grammys when the two reunited! After Harry Styles won Best Pop Vocal Album for his album Harry’s House, Taylor Swift immediately gave him a standing ovation.

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2026-01-31 15:18