13 Amazing Singers Similar To Bruno Mars

Written by Dan Farrant
Last updated

From his smooth vocals to his groovy dance moves, Bruno Mars has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. A truly versatile artist—embracing pop, R&B, soul, and funk—it’s no wonder that fans are eager to discover more singers like him.

If you’re one of those music enthusiasts looking for artists with a similar sound or style to the beloved Puerto Rican-Filipino-American superstar, you’ve come to the right place! 

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 13 talented singers like Bruno Mars that you’re sure to love. Let’s get started.

Bruno Mars by slgckgc (CC BY 2.0)

1. Justin Timberlake

One of today’s most iconic artists who’s similar to Bruno Mars is Justin Timberlake. Launching his music career as the lead singer of the popular boy band NSYNC, Timberlake transitioned to solo stardom in the early 2000s and quickly took the world by storm.

Both pop icons have created waves in their respective careers by blending genres such as R&B, funk, soul, and dance-pop into their music. This unique fusion can be witnessed in Justin Timberlake’s hits like “Cry Me A River,” “SexyBack,” and “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

Timberlake has also made a name for himself in Hollywood with acclaimed film appearances such as The Social Network and Inside Llewyn Davis, continuously expanding fan interest beyond just his singing prowess.

2. Pharrell Williams

A multi-talented musician and record producer, Pharrell Williams has undeniably made his mark on the music industry. Often compared to Bruno Mars, both artists create genre-bending pop and R&B music that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide.

In 2013, Pharrell’s collaboration with Robin Thicke on “Blurred Lines” landed him in a controversial legal battle over copyright infringement against Marvin Gaye’s children. The jury ruled in favor of Gaye’s family, ordering Williams and Thicke to pay $7.4 million in damages.

Both Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams draw inspiration from past musical eras, with Williams often incorporating retro-funk and soul influences into his production style. Bruno Mars, on the other hand, gives his music a timeless quality with sounds of Motown, 80s pop, and 90s R&B.

3. Jason Derulo

A talented singer and songwriter, Jason Derulo found global success in the pop and R&B music scene with his catchy tunes and captivating stage presence. Born Jason Desrouleaux, he adopted a simplified version of his last name as his stage moniker for easier pronunciation.

Derulo’s impressive musical journey includes collaborations with notable artists such as Taio Cruz, Iyaz, and Jay Sean. He also shares connections with Justin Timberlake regarding celebrity status and talent level.

With hits like “Whatcha Say,” “Talk Dirty,” and “Want To Want Me” under his belt, it comes as no surprise that fans often mention him when discussing singers similar to Bruno Mars. Their energetic performances contribute significantly to their standing within the pantheon of beloved pop icons.

4. Usher

Grammy award-winning artist Usher is known for his R&B and pop music, similar to genres ventured by Bruno Mars. He has sold over 65 million records globally and has had numerous hit songs throughout his career, including “Yeah,” “Burn”, and “My Boo.”

Usher had an early start in his music career. His self-titled debut album was released in 1994 when he was just 15 years old. The album didn’t have much positive reception, but through the years, Usher persevered and fine-tuned his craft, eventually becoming a significant influence in the R&B landscape.

Like Bruno Mars, Usher seamlessly blends these genres to create energetic, infectious tunes. Their shared ability to fuse different styles gives their music a unique and appealing vibe.

5. The Weeknd

Another singer with similar vibes to Bruno Mars is The Weeknd. Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye in Toronto, Canada, The Weeknd’s music incorporates various styles and influences, such as R&B and hip-hop, just like Bruno Mars.

The Weeknd’s album sales are pretty impressive, having sold over 75 million records worldwide as of 2021. His most famous songs include “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Starboy,” “Earned It,” and “Blinding Lights.”

Both The Weeknd and Bruno Mars possess smooth and soulful voices that can deliver powerful and emotional performances. They’ve received critical acclaim for their work and have been recognized with numerous awards, including several Grammys.

6. Sean Kingston

Born Kisean Paul Anderson, R&B star Sean Kingston burst onto the scene in 2007 with his self-titled debut album, which featured the breakout single “Beautiful Girls.” He was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and his music often incorporates elements of reggae, a nod to his Jamaican heritage.

Kingston and Bruno Mars display various musical styles in their work. Kingston’s music spans pop, reggae, and R&B, while Mars explores genres like pop, R&B, funk, and rock. Moreover, both artists have a hand in writing their songs, and they’ve each penned hits for themselves and for other artists.

Like Bruno Mars, Kingston achieved significant commercial success with multiple hit singles and albums, including “Take You There,” “Fire Burning,” and “Eenie Meenie” (collaboration with Justin Bieber).

7. John Legend

Multi-talented musician John Legend is another singer similar to Bruno Mars’ music style, fusing R&B and soul. His 2005 debut album, Get Lifted, first gained widespread attention, which featured the hit single “Ordinary People.” He went on to make more memorable hits, like “All Of Me” and “Love Me Now.”

In addition to his successful solo career, John Legend has collaborated with several other artists in the music industry. One notable collaboration was with fellow singer-songwriter Alicia Keys on their hit duet “If I Ain’t Got You.”

John Legend’s musical influences include legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Both John Legend and Bruno Mars have received critical acclaim and recognition for their musical talent, winning multiple Grammy Awards.

8. Chris Brown

Known for his silky-smooth voice, impressive dance skills, and songwriting abilities, Chris Brown is a multifaceted talent in the music industry. Like Bruno Mars, Chris Brown’s music style is influenced by R&B and hip-hop culture, with a soulful touch that sets him apart.

In addition to his impressive solo career, Chris Brown has collaborated with many other artists in different genres, such as pop, rap, and electronic dance music (EDM). Some notable collaborations include “No Guidance” featuring Drake and “Loyal” with Lil Wayne and Tyga.

Chris Brown boasts an extensive discography with numerous chart-topping hits to his name like “With You,” “Forever,” “Look at Me Now,” and “Wet the Bed.”

9. Ne-Yo

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer Ne-Yo perfectly fits our list of singers similar to Bruno Mars. With his smooth R&B vocals and catchy beats infused with hip-hop elements, Ne-Yo’s music is a captivating blend that’s earned him worldwide acclaim and a strong fanbase.

As one of the most popular R&B artists of the 2000s, Ne-Yo’s style has been compared to that of Michael Jackson due to his ability to create irresistible dance tracks. He’s written hits for some of the biggest names in music history, like Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Some of his biggest tracks include “Miss Independent,” “Mad,” “So Sick,” and “Because Of You.” Ne-Yo also boasts a staggering 29 million certified singles and albums in the US alone.

10. Charlie Puth

With his impressive vocal range, Charlie Puth has gained a loyal fan base and continues captivating new listeners with his catchy songs. He began his music career modestly, sharing acoustic covers of popular songs on YouTube. This became his stepping stone to mainstream success not soon after.

Like Bruno Mars’ eclectic sound and style, Charlie Puth’s music displays influences from various genres such as jazz, hip-hop, and soul. His music often features an upbeat rhythm accompanied by emotionally charged lyrics that are relatable to listeners worldwide.

With hits like “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” (featuring Selena Gomez), “Marvin Gaye” (featuring Meghan Trainor), “Attention,” and “Light Switch,” fans of Bruno Mars will find something to love from Puth’s discography.

11. Shawn Mendes

Canadian folk-pop singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes has been making waves in the music industry since 2013. He first gained attention by posting song covers on the now-defunct video-sharing platform Vine, which led to him gaining millions of followers on social media.

Beyond his musical prowess, Mendes is also known for being a teenage heartthrob with boyish good looks. He has a long list of accolades throughout his music career, including multiple Grammy nominations. He has also created several top-charting hits like “Treat You Better,” “Wonder,” and “Stitches.”

Shawn Mendes and Bruno Mars both create music that’s rooted in pop, but they also blend in other genres, adding depth and richness to their sound. Much like Bruno, Shawn uses his soulful voice and meaningful lyrics to connect with audiences on a personal level.

12. Miguel

With his soulful and seductive voice, Miguel has several similarities to Bruno Mars. Like Mars, Miguel has experimented with many genres throughout his musical career, including R&B, pop, funk, and hip-hop.

He cites various musicians as his inspiration, including Prince, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and Phil Collins — all of which embody a unique fusion of rock, soul, funk, and pop, similar to Bruno Mars’ music style.

While Miguel doesn’t have an extensive discography compared to other artists on this list, he has produced several hits like “Adorn,” “Sure Thing,” and “Sky Walker” featuring Travis Scott. This shows his ability to consistently create impactful music, resonating with listeners just as Bruno Mars does.

13. Anderson .Paak

Born Brandon Paak Anderson, Anderson .Paak is a singer, musician, and rapper who gained recognition for his unique blend of R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop.

As a solo artist, he has released catchy tunes such as “Come Down,” “Tints,” and “Make It Better.” He has worked alongside several prominent artists such as Justin Timberlake, Mac Miller, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, showcasing his range as a vocalist and instrumentalist.

Anderson .Paak has also teamed up with Bruno Mars to form the duo Silk Sonic. Together, they created #1 hit songs like “Leave The Door Open” and “Smokin’ Out The Window.” Both artists share an appreciation for funk-filled rhythms and classic soul melodies that make their songs incredibly catchy.

Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Bruno Mars

If you’re a fan of Bruno Mars and looking for similar artists to add to your playlist, there are plenty of options. From Justin Timberlake to Pharrell Williams and Jason Derulo, these singers all share the same talent for creating catchy pop and R&B tunes with a funky twist. 

And who knows? You might even discover some new favorites in the process!

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.