The Grammy-winning artist shared the news on X on Monday, Jan. 5, revealing that his next solo project is complete. The announcement comes nearly a decade after Mars last released a full-length solo album, 2016's 24K Magic. Keeping his message simple, the 40-year-old singer wrote that the album was done, instantly sparking excitement across social media.
Although Mars has not dropped a solo studio album in recent years, he has remained highly active in the music world. In 2021, he teamed up with Anderson .Paak to form Silk Sonic, releasing a collaborative album that quickly became a commercial and critical success. The duo delivered chart-topping hits such as "Leave the Door Open" and "Smokin Out the Window," earning four Grammy Awards in 2022 and solidifying their place as one of the decade's most celebrated collaborations.
Over the past two years, Mars has continued to dominate the charts through high-profile collaborations. His duet with Lady Gaga, "Die with a Smile," reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance in 2025. He also scored another major hit with "APT.," his collaboration with Rosé, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received four Grammy nominations ahead of the 2026 awards ceremony. Additionally, "Fat, Juicy & Wet," recorded with Sexyy Red, climbed to No. 17 on the Hot 100 and became a top-five entry on the U.S. Hot R&B and Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Mars' last solo album, 24K Magic, was released in 2016 and produced several enduring hits, including the title track, "That's What I Like," "Versace on the Floor," and "Finesse." The project cemented his reputation as one of pop music's most consistent hitmakers.
Following his album announcement, some fans humorously referenced a long-running rumor about Mars allegedly accumulating significant gambling debt during his Las Vegas residency at Park MGM. The claim originated from a March 2024 NewsNation report and was later denied by MGM Resorts International. Mars has since leaned into the joke himself. After joining Rosé onstage during BLACKPINK's DEADLINE World Tour in Los Angeles last year, he joked on Instagram that he was almost out of debt, thanking her for the moment.
With confirmation that his new album is complete, anticipation is now building for what Mars will deliver next as he prepares to return to the solo spotlight.