Mario

Mario Dewar Barrett, better known as Mario, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. His musical journey began at the age of 14 when he signed with J Records and released his debut album Mario in 2002. The album included the hit single “Just a Friend 2002,” which soared to the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mario’s second album, Turning Point (2004), solidified his place in the music industry, achieving platinum status and featuring the chart-topping single “Let Me Love You.” The track earned him a Grammy nomination and two Billboard Music Awards, establishing him as one of the leading voices in R&B.

Throughout his career, Mario has released several albums, including Go (2007), D.N.A. (2009), and Dancing Shadows (2018), with the latter marking his first independent release. In 2024, he dropped Glad You Came, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to evolve with the times.

Beyond his music career, Mario has ventured into acting, appearing in films like Step Up (2006) and Freedom Writers (2007), as well as starring in the TV series Empire (2018–2020). In 2019, he also featured in the live television production of the musical Rent and was a runner-up on The Masked Singer in 2024.

Known for his openness about his personal life, including his mother’s battle with heroin addiction, Mario has also been involved in charitable work, including supporting PETA’s campaign against fur. With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Mario continues to leave a lasting impact on the R&B genre and remains a prominent figure in the music world.