Bruno Mars was described as the “new King of Pop” on a Notion magazine cover in December 2012. That was a magazine’s label, not an official award or a title granted by a recognized authority. The comparison with Justin Bieber also needs qualification: contemporary reporting said Bieber wanted to be the next King of Pop, but a later report said that claim had been denied.
Who called Bruno Mars the “new King of Pop”?
A December 7, 2012, report by Leonardo Torres for POPLine said that a Notion cover described Mars as the “new King of Pop.” The coverage placed the label alongside the release of his album Unorthodox Jukebox. POPLine characterized the title as contested, not settled.
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| 2 |
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| 3 |
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24K Magic | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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An Evening With Silk Sonic | $25.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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Bruno Mars Complete Discography Exclusive Limited Vinyl Collection: Doo-Wops & Hooligans /... | $119.36 | Buy on Amazon |
The report is evidence that the magazine used the description; it does not show that Mars received a formal honor. The original issue or a cover scan was not located, so the claim is best stated as POPLine’s account of the cover. Read POPLine’s 2012 report.
Did Justin Bieber say he wanted to be the next King of Pop?
In November 2012, CityNews, reporting on Maclean’s, said Bieber wanted to be the next “King of Pop.” That is a report of what he allegedly said, not a verified direct quotation: the original interview materials were not located.
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- Artist: Bruno Mars...
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In April 2015, POPLine reported that the earlier claim had been denied and described Bieber as wanting to be the first Justin Bieber. The two accounts should therefore be presented together rather than treating the 2012 report as an uncontested statement by Bieber. CityNews’s 2012 account · POPLINE’s 2015 account.
Is “King of Pop” an official title?
The coverage does not identify an awarding body, published rules, or formal process for choosing a successor. “King of Pop” is a cultural and media honorific associated with Michael Jackson, and publications have used it as an evaluative or promotional description of other artists.
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- Calling all doo - wops & hooligans! Experience the widely anticipated debut album from hitmaker Bruno Mars. Includes 'Just The Way You Are,' 'Grenade,' 'Count On Me,' and more. For more information visit brunomars.com
A 2014 Business Times opinion feature asked whether Mars was the new King of Pop, illustrating that he was discussed in those terms. It did not confer a title or establish consensus. Any comparison between artists depends on the criteria—such as influence, chart performance, live performance, audience reach, or longevity—and evidence measured on a comparable basis. Read the 2014 feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the 2026 Las Vegas honor fit in?
In April 2026, the Associated Press reported a Las Vegas celebration that called Mars the “new king of Las Vegas,” alongside the naming of Bruno Mars Drive and a tour performance. That civic recognition is distinct from the 2012 magazine description: it does not establish a new “King of Pop” designation. Read the Associated Press report.
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