Bruno Mars says you don’t need a fragrance to be a star.
The ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ singer performed during the Super Bowl Half Time Show at the beginning of this month – one of the most watched TV moments of the year in the US – and is proud he achieved it without putting his name to an aftershave, which it has been suggested is a benchmark for stardom, after successful perfumes from stars including Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Beyonce.
Speaking to talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, he said: "Listen, any young, aspiring musicians out there, if music is what you want to do, if music is what you love and your passion. It doesn’t take a fragrance, its not about the tabloids, it’s about you putting in the work, practicing everyday, practicing your vocals, practicing your instrument, practicing songwriting.
"Hopefully one day you write the song the whole world wants to get down to and I promise you, I promise you one day you’re going to have your moment to shine."
Bruno, 28, also acknowledged his headline slot – which included him being joined by The Red Hot Chili Peppers for a rendition of their hit ‘Give It Away’ – came at the start of his career, but he was eager to seize the opportunity.
He added: "I know it was early; it’s very early in my career. I’ve only got two albums so I don’t have the legacy or anything like that, but you don’t know you know tomorrow’s not promised, so I had to go for it."