Bruno Mars Has a Message For Super Bowl Haters

Any artist who followed Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show performance was bound to be met with apprehension or criticism, but Bruno Mars blew viewers away with his impressive vocals, choreography, and drum solo and landed perfectly on his feet. On Monday, Bruno Mars appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to talk about the halftime show and what an accomplishment it was for him. Mars knew from the start that critics were skeptical of his ability to deliver a jaw-dropping performance, but wouldn't think of turning it down.

No, like how do you say no? 'Nah, nope I'm good?' I know it was early; it's very early in my career, says Mars. I've only got two albums so I don't have the like legacy or anything like that, but, you know, tomorrow's not promised, Ellen, so I had to go for it.

Ellen DeGeneres called his performance "amazing," and referenced an unflattering article in the New York Times that criticizes Mars' star appeal, and says he's not visible enough in the tabloids and doesn't have a "brand" to promote himself with like so many fleeting stars of today, or even powerhouses like Beyonce who have fragrances, clothing, and other promotional opportunities. Mars had heard about the article and thought (and we thought too) that critics wanting to see a "brand" more than a performer with raw talent was pathetic.

It was by far the most disgusting thing I think I've heard, says Mars. Not because it was taking a shot at me but I was thinking about aspiring young musicians who want to do this and even hearing the thought you need a fragrance or something like that is just is, you know what I would like to make a little speech and talk to them about this. Can I?

Mars then asked for Rocky theme music, because he had something truly inspiring to say to young musicians who are told that they aren't good enough.

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 every day, 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 and you're going to have a lot of people saying that you can't do it and you're not good enough. But I promise you, if you go out there and sing and you put your heart and soul into it and you follow your dream, one day you're going to be sitting next to Ellen DeGeneres, you're going to be sitting next to Ellen DeGeneres talking about how you broke records and rocked the Super Bowl. Stand up, America.

Mars then jumped to his feet and started running up and down the aisles in the crowd and high-fiving guests and made us love him even more. It's upsetting that he was criticized at all for a stellar, powerful performance, but there will always be those that find fault with anything.

Bruno, you literally should never change, 'cause you're amazing just the way you are.

Image: The Ellen Show