He has two of the most-streamed songs of the year. It's hard to believe.

Lady Gaga, visibly moved, embraced her Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, immediately acknowledging Bruno Mars, her collaborator on the chart-topping track Die With a Smile. Sporting jet-black hair and bleached eyebrows, Gaga has shifted from the previous aesthetic of their hit, signaling a new artistic chapter, yet her admiration for Mars remains unmistakable. I cant imagine music without Bruno, she remarked. Mars, modest as ever, hid a grin while accepting one of the industrys highest honors. This moment took place in February 2025.

By December, their duet had officially become Spotifys most-streamed song worldwide for 2025, maintaining its popularity amid fluctuating trends. Marss other 2024 collaboration, APT. with K-pop star Ros, also ranked as Spotifys third most-streamed track of the year. While this dominance may seem natural to anyone accustomed to streaming autoplay, it reflects a larger shift in how modern pop artists maintain influence.

Mars has not launched a new album or embarked on a tour, yet he achieved a historic milestone in January 2025 as the first artist to surpass 150 million monthly Spotify listeners. Instead of aggressive promotion, he quietly releases hits and performs intermittently at a Las Vegas residency. His music, including tracks like Nothin on You, resonates widely enough that elaborate marketing campaigns are unnecessary.

However, some fans, affectionately called Hooligans, feel Marss engagement could be more frequent. His Las Vegas shows are pricey and rely on a nearly decade-old setlist, creating frustration among those eager for closer interaction. Despite this, many Hooligans accept his low-profile approach, understanding that Mars prioritizes artistry over constant visibility.

Fans praise Marss ability to connect personally during performances. Herick, a 27-year-old biologist from Brazil and long-time Hooligan, emphasizes that a Bruno Mars concert leaves attendees feeling genuinely recognized and valued. This intimate connection, combined with his cultural awareness, strengthens loyalty beyond casual fandom.

His influence extends globally. Jlia Christiny, a Brazilian fan since 2010, recounts her journey of learning English to communicate with Mars, highlighting how his music fosters lasting community bonds. Similarly, Viviana, a Mexican dancer, describes an immediate attachment to his tracks, appreciating the perfectionism Mars invests in each release.

Unlike artists with massive fan armies, Mars commands devotion through timeless appeal rather than hype. Breanna Walther, a PR executive, notes that his music transcends trends, becoming a staple in celebrations across generations. Tracks like Uptown Funk and Marry You are emblematic of his strategy: familiar, energetic, and universally enjoyed.

Wedding planners and event coordinators frequently select his songs, citing their popularity and danceability. Despite stepping back from constant promotion, Marss tracks continue to dominate playlists, streaming charts, and cultural moments. With over 17 songs surpassing one billion streams on Spotify, his consistency is central to his enduring success.

Megan Balyk, a PR executive, observes that fans appreciate Marss predictability, balancing nostalgic retro influences with modern sensibilities. Even when experimenting with risqu tracks, Marss music reflects his established style, satisfying audience expectations while maintaining widespread appeal.

Marss career demonstrates that discretion, reliability, and genuine artistry can rival reinvention in cultivating influence. Though not the highest-profile artist of 2025, he remains one of the most enduring and compelling hitmakers in the music industry.

Author: Zoe Harrison