Guess who’s back again…
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Grammy-winner Bruno Mars has kicked off the new year with a major announcement that fans have been dying to hear! On X, the “24k Magic” singer announced his new album titled “The Romantic” following a 10-year drought of solo music from him.
While there’s plenty of questions still left to be answered about any potential new music from Mars, it’s certainly been a long time coming. From gambling debt rumors to collaborations with Sexyy Red and Lady Gaga in the same year, here is everything you should know about Mars’ journey to album completion before he blesses our ears…
10th Anniversary of Mars’ Last Album
One of the many reasons this year marks an epic comeback for Mars is that a proper music release would coincide with the 10-year anniversary of his last solo project, “24K Magic.” The album featured hits like the title track and “That’s What I Like” and who could ever forget that iconic collaboration between him and Cardi B on “Finesse (Remix)”?!
Las Vegas Residency
2016 was also the year Mars became the latest musical icon to begin a residency in Las Vegas. The long-term contract painted the stage for fans from all over the world to come to him instead of touring. Vegas residencies have become somewhat of a staple on the Strip. Folks like Adele and Celine Dion have also checked the exclusive performance contract off their bucket lists.
Mars Goes Ghost
Five years had passed since Mars’ 2016 release, and fans were more than anxious. Music in general was experiencing a drought from it’s biggest stars. Of course, Covid-19 was rampant, but silence from Mars, Rihanna, Cardi B, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj and plenty of others didn’t quiet the demand.
Why Hasn’t Bruno Mars Dropped Yet?
While the world can never truly know Mars’ personal reasons for the delayed solo release, the singer has clearly been focused on other things– namely collaborations with Lady Gaga, Sexyy Red and Anderson .Paak.
Silk Sonic
When Mars and Anderson .Paak announced their collaborative single “Leave the Door Open” and album, fans didn’t know what to expect. What they received however was years worth of theatrics, funky music and killer performances. Who knew Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak were a match made in music heaven?
Gambling Rumors
As the years went on, fans noticed just how quiet Mars had been in the music world. In fact, outside of Silk Sonic, it didn’t seem like the singer had plans for new solo music. This was only exacerbated by unconfirmed online rumors that he owed MGM Resorts $50 million in gambling debt in 2024.
…And the Residency Continues
According to the New York Post, MGM immediately came out to deny any such claims, and Mars continued business as usual with his residency.
Mars Cracks a Joke
Following a surprise appearance during K-pop group Blackpink’s show in Los Angeles last year, Mars posted about the moment on Instagram. Up until this point, he had remained silent about the gambling rumors, but he decided to poke fun at the drama with a caption.
“Almost out of debt BehhhhhBehhhhh!!!” he teased on Instagram. “Preciate You ROSAAAAYYYYYY!!!!”
‘Die With a Smile’
Mars’ next major collaboration came with pop music icon Lady Gaga and their song “Die With a Smile.” The record was also the lead single to the soundtrack for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” starring Gaga and Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix.
Fans Begging Mars to “Come Back”
As conversations about the “King of R&B” and the best performers since Michael Jackson continue to crowd the internet, many of Mars’ fans have thrown his name into the hat. Now more than ever, folks are begging the singer to come back!
“Bruno Mars please come back to music I can’t do this anymore I truly can’t,” @invisiblehex wrote on X back in September.
“i need bruno mars to come back and save us genuinely,” @emeisgay said.
New Album Coming Next Month!
Welp, it looks like fans are getting their wish! The singer just announced his new album will drop next month called “The Romantic.” Before then, he promised new music this Friday.
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