Bruno Mars Announced as 2026 Record Store Day Ambassador

Lucky for the world, Bruno Mars has officially been named the 2026 Record Store Day ambassador. The news comes as the star is plotting a jam-packed year. Mars kicked off 2026 by announcing his highly-anticipated fourth album The Romantic, his first in a decade. The singer is also heading out on the road for an accompanying world tour.

As Record Store Day ambassador, Mars emphasized his special connection to record stores in a video shot at Las Vegas’ Moondog Records shop. “You get the chance to immerse yourself, surround yourself with music,” the star said. “I love being able to physically be surrounded by music. Not just staring at your phone and downloading something or listening to something on your phone, but to actually see all of this beautiful art around you. It inspires me.”

This year, Record Store Day falls on April 18. As a part of the day’s special releases at participating record shops, Mars will release The Collaborations, a compilation album which showcases the singer’s standout joint efforts. Songs like “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson, “Die With A Smile” with Lady Gaga, and the Grammy-nominated “Apt.” with Rosé, will be featured on the LP.

Before Record Store Day, Mars will be partnering with over 200 record stores across the U.S. for the rollout of The Romantic by hosting listening parties on Feb. 25, prior to when his album arrives on Feb. 27. It’s bound to be one romantic event — fans can find a list of participating stores at recordstoreday.com.

“We’re thrilled to have Bruno Mars as our 2026 Ambassador,” Record Store Day co-founder Michael Kurtz said in a statement. “The world of record stores brings together so many different musical styles, so many people with different musical tastes,” he added, before continuing: “Bruno has done a similar thing throughout his life and career, working across different genres, with his wide range of projects and collaborators, all for the love of music and the emotions it brings up.”