Entertainment
Bruno Mars Just Signed a Deal That Has the Entire Music Industry Talking and the Japanese Company Behind It Controls Over $1 Billion Annually…
The 16-time Grammy winner is leaving BMG/Warner Chappell behind and stepping into a global publishing partnership that signals exactly where his extraordinary career is headed next.
If you needed any more proof that Bruno Mars is operating at an entirely different altitude right now, this week handed you one. The man who sold 2.1 million concert tickets in a single day — a record in Live Nation‘s entire history — has now made one of the most significant business moves of his career, and it’s pointing East in the most fascinating way.
Avex Music Group has announced a global music publishing administration partnership with 16-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars. PR Newswire The deal, confirmed on March 17, 2026, is the kind of arrangement that says as much about where the music business is going as it does about where Bruno Mars already is.
What the Deal Actually Means — And Why It Matters
Publishing deals can sound like industry jargon until you understand what’s actually at stake. These agreements determine who controls, licenses, and monetizes a songwriter’s work — every sync placement in a film, every streaming royalty, every commercial use of a song. For an artist with Bruno Mars’s catalog, that is an enormous amount of value being placed in someone’s hands.
The deal gives the Tokyo- and Los Angeles-based company exclusive administration rights over songs Mars writes during the term of the agreement. According to a press release, the partnership will commence upon the completion of his current deal with BMG/Warner Chappell. Music Business Worldwide
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In other words, Avex Music Group is not just getting any songwriter. They are getting the next chapter of one of the most commercially and critically successful pen-holders in modern pop history — and they know exactly what that means.
Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex Inc., said: “Bruno Mars is one of the most culturally impactful songwriters of his generation. We are honored to partner with him and support his future works through this global publishing relationship.” Music Business Worldwide
Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group, was equally unambiguous: “We are thrilled to welcome Bruno to Avex and look forward to supporting his incredible songs.” Digital Music News
Ten Number Ones. Sixteen Grammys. A Track Record That Speaks for Itself.
To understand why a company of Avex’s stature moved to secure this deal, you only need to look at the numbers — and they are staggering.
Mars is one of the most successful songwriters in the history of the music business, with 10 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot 100 — including one earlier this year for his single “I Just Might” from his latest album The Romantic, and another last year with global smash duet “Die With A Smile” with Lady Gaga. The Hollywood Reporter
And that’s not all. He was also featured on Rosé‘s “APT.”, which was one of the biggest songs in the world last year and earned Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year. The Hollywood Reporter
The man doesn’t just make hits. He makes cultural moments — the kind that transcend genres, languages, and generations. Variety named him their Hitmakers 2025 Songwriter of the Year, which, given the competition in any given year, is saying something.
‘The Romantic,’ Stadium Records, and a Year Like No Other
The timing of this publishing deal is not coincidental. Bruno Mars is in the middle of what might be the biggest commercial period of his already remarkable career.
In February, Mars released his fourth album, The Romantic, which marked his first solo album since 2016. The record debuted atop the Billboard 200, while lead single “I Just Might” rebounded to No. 1 on the Hot 100 in the same tracking week — the single became Mars’ first to debut atop the chart. Billboard
The Romantic Tour, produced by Live Nation, spans 70 stadium shows across North America and Europe starting April 10 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The run closes October 17 at BC Place in Vancouver. When tickets went on sale, Mars sold 2.1 million in a single day — logging the highest single-day sales figure in Live Nation’s history across North America, Europe, and the UK. Music Business Worldwide

Mars will play six nights at London’s Wembley Stadium in July, four shows each in Toronto, Amsterdam, East Rutherford (NJ) and Los Angeles, and three nights in Paris, Vancouver and Berlin. Music Business Worldwide
Six nights at Wembley Stadium. That is a number reserved for a very short list of artists in the history of live music. Bruno Mars, as of 2026, belongs firmly on that list.
Who Is Avex — And Why Should You Pay Attention?
For those unfamiliar with Avex Inc., the Tokyo-listed entertainment powerhouse is far larger and more influential than its relatively low Western media profile might suggest.
Avex Inc. operates globally across music, animation, live entertainment, merchandise, and more, employing over 1,500 people and generating $1 billion+ annually. The company represents 150+ groups, manages over 500 artists, and produces tours in Japan and Asia for global superstars like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. PR Newswire
This is not a boutique label testing the waters of Western pop. This is a billion-dollar entertainment infrastructure making a very deliberate, very significant play for one of music’s most valuable creative minds.
For Avex Music Group, the Mars deal comes over a month after it entered into a distribution deal with The Orchard for all future releases — covering distribution in territories worldwide, excluding Japan, China, and Korea. Music Business Worldwide Piece by piece, Avex is building a genuinely global music operation. Landing Bruno Mars as a publishing partner is perhaps the boldest piece yet.
A Career That Keeps Redefining Its Own Ceiling
There’s a quiet kind of genius in how Bruno Mars has managed his career. He disappeared for nearly a decade between 24K Magic and The Romantic, and returned not just relevant but dominant — bigger than he’d ever been, somehow. He collaborated across genres with Anderson .Paak through their Silk Sonic project. He helped make Rosé’s “APT.” a global phenomenon. He and Lady Gaga turned “Die With A Smile” into one of the most-streamed songs on the planet.
And now, with a new album, a record-breaking tour, and a fresh global publishing deal in hand, he’s stepping into the next era of his career with the same understated confidence that has defined everything he’s done.
The music business would do well to keep watching. When Bruno Mars makes a move, it tends to matter.
Entertainment
‘Elle’ Season 2: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Promises Her Most Challenging Role Yet
The rising star teases fresh creative opportunities and a performance that steps well beyond her comfort zone.
After winning audiences over with her breakout performance in Never Have I Ever, actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is preparing for a new challenge—one she says is unlike anything she has tackled before.
The Canadian actress recently offered an intriguing glimpse into her role in Elle Season 2, revealing that the character will allow her to explore completely new creative territory.
Without revealing specific plot details, Ramakrishnan described the experience as something she had never done in her acting career. Her comments have immediately sparked curiosity among fans eager to see how the actress continues to expand beyond the role that first made her an international star.
“It’s not something I’ve done before,” she hinted, suggesting that audiences should expect a performance that differs significantly from her previous work.
Since leading Never Have I Ever, Ramakrishnan has steadily built a reputation for choosing projects that challenge expectations rather than repeating familiar character types. Her willingness to experiment has made her one of Hollywood’s most promising young performers.
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Although details surrounding Elle Season 2 remain largely under wraps, the actress’s latest remarks indicate that viewers can expect both fresh storytelling and new dimensions to her screen presence.
The original Elle series has attracted attention for its unique characters and evolving narrative, and the addition of Ramakrishnan has only increased anticipation for the upcoming season. Industry observers believe the role could mark another significant milestone in the actress’s rapidly growing career.

Ramakrishnan has frequently spoken about the importance of taking creative risks and embracing roles that allow her to grow as a performer. That philosophy appears to have guided her latest career move, with the actress deliberately stepping outside her comfort zone.
Her transition from teen comedy to more varied and layered projects reflects a broader trend among young actors seeking longevity in Hollywood. Instead of becoming defined by a single breakout role, Ramakrishnan continues to diversify her portfolio with carefully selected performances.
While fans may have to wait for more details about her character, the early tease has already succeeded in generating excitement. With expectations building around Elle Season 2, audiences will be watching closely to see what new side of the actress emerges on screen.
As her career continues to evolve, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s latest project serves as another reminder that some of the most memorable performances come from actors willing to embrace the unfamiliar.
Entertainment
Vincent Mason Opens Up About New Song “What You Want” and Morgan Wallen’s Influence
The country singer reveals the inspiration behind his latest single and how Morgan Wallen helped shape his musical style.
Country music’s next generation is finding its voice, and Vincent Mason is making sure his sound comes from a place of honesty. The rising singer-songwriter has opened up about his latest single “What You Want” and the lessons he has picked up while watching the journey of one of country music’s biggest names, Morgan Wallen.
With his newest release, Mason is focusing on creating music that feels personal rather than simply chasing trends. The artist explained that he wants every song he puts out to represent a real part of his story.
“I want every release to feel like it’s coming straight from me,” Mason said while discussing his approach to new music.
The single “What You Want” reflects Mason’s growing confidence as a songwriter. The track highlights his ability to blend traditional country emotions with a modern sound, creating music that connects with listeners who appreciate genuine storytelling.
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Mason’s rise comes at a time when country music continues to expand globally, with young artists bringing fresh perspectives while still respecting the roots of the genre. Watching artists like Morgan Wallen build a massive audience has helped Mason understand the importance of consistency, connection, and staying true to an artist’s identity.

Wallen’s success has been built around relatable lyrics and a strong connection with fans, something Mason believes is essential for long-term growth in the music industry.
Rather than trying to copy the biggest names in country music, Mason appears focused on developing his own lane. His goal is to create songs that listeners can connect with emotionally and remember beyond just the moment of release.
The singer-songwriter’s journey represents the changing landscape of country music, where authenticity has become one of the most valuable qualities for emerging artists. As more new voices enter the scene, Mason hopes his music will stand out because of its honesty and personal meaning.
With “What You Want” marking another important step in his career, Vincent Mason is proving that a strong story and genuine emotion can still be the foundation of a successful country music journey.
Fans can expect more new music from Mason as he continues building his identity and sharing songs that reflect his experiences, inspirations, and growth as an artist.
Entertainment
‘Onwards and Sideways’ Unveils First Images of Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans’ Powerful New Drama
The emotional film follows two lives transformed by unexpected diagnoses and is set to make its world premiere at TIFF.
A moving new drama is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and its first official images are already drawing attention for their emotional depth.
Titled Onwards and Sideways, the film stars Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans as two individuals whose lives are transformed after receiving diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease. Rather than focusing solely on grief, the story promises to balance heartfelt moments with humor, resilience and hope.
Helming the project is acclaimed filmmaker John Madden, best known for directing the Academy Award-winning classic Shakespeare in Love. The screenplay comes from Paul Mayhew-Archer, a celebrated British writer whose own experiences with Parkinson’s have brought authenticity to the script.
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According to the filmmakers, Onwards and Sideways is designed to explore how life can continue with meaning even after a difficult diagnosis. Instead of presenting a conventional medical drama, the film examines friendship, resilience, vulnerability and the unexpected connections that emerge during life’s most challenging moments.
Joining Linney and Ifans is an accomplished supporting cast featuring Monica Dolan and Rory Kinnear, both known for delivering nuanced performances across film, television and theatre.

The newly released images offer an early glimpse into the film’s intimate storytelling, capturing quiet moments between characters as they navigate uncertainty with compassion and humor. While the subject matter is undeniably serious, the visuals suggest a story that celebrates humanity rather than focusing exclusively on illness.
For Laura Linney, the project marks another emotionally rich role in a career filled with acclaimed performances in films and television. Rhys Ifans, meanwhile, continues to showcase his remarkable versatility by stepping into a character facing profound personal change.
With John Madden behind the camera, expectations are naturally high. His previous work has demonstrated a remarkable ability to combine emotional storytelling with memorable performances, making Onwards and Sideways one of the more anticipated premieres at this year’s festival.
As conversations surrounding Parkinson’s disease continue to grow globally, the film arrives with the potential to spark meaningful dialogue while reminding audiences that compassion, laughter and human connection remain powerful forces in the face of adversity.
Whether it emerges as an awards-season contender remains to be seen, but Onwards and Sideways is already positioning itself as one of the Toronto International Film Festival’s most emotionally compelling premieres.
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