5 questions for: Mario

His full name is Mario Barrett. But to his legion of fans, he's known simply as Mario. Already at single-name status at the age of 18, the smooth-voiced crooner is one of the hottest young stars to emerge on the R&B scene. His No. 1 single, "Let Me Love You" broke Usher's "Yeah" record with 191 million radio listeners shortly after its release last year. The single has already taken him to heartthrob status. With Turning Point, his sophomore CD, Mario has traded in sneakers for a pair of dress shoes, and is putting R&B back on the map. Enjoying a rare off day, Mario talks about his music, Usher and, of course, relationships.

1. Growing up in Baltimore, who were your biggest musical influences?

It was my mother standing by me and encouraging me to sing. At 4 years old she saw singing ability in me. She kept good music around me, which helped me to see other options. Sam Cooke is an artist I've grown to love; also Earth, Wind & Fire. And my mother played the piano. It was her way of keeping me away from the negative influences in our environment.

2. Tell us how the single "Let Me Love You" affected you personally?

Man, that song touched a lot of people. It's about a love triangle. She's fresh out of a relationship until a couple of weeks ago. She's devastated because love is a hard game to play and the guy who she's dealing with knows how to manipulate her mind. Sometimes these things are better seen from the outside than the inside. I was in a situation like that once. [And now?] I date. I meet a lot of different girls. When I have the time, I do date.

3. What is it that people may not know about you?

I'm a God-fearing person who appreciates success. I love music with a passion. I love to see smiles on the faces of my supporters. We spend so much time trying to be successful that we don't take the time to be thankful for life's everyday blessings.

4. How do you feel about being compared to Usher?

I have so much respect for the guy. I am trying to go about things differently with my music. There will never be another Usher. There will never be another Mario.

5. Where would you like to be five years from now?

At 23, I would like to have a movie or two and my fourth album coming out around the same time, and my own record label. Cedric the Entertainer approached me about starring in a leading role. I am not going to say no to the right offer.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group