By Jessica Goodman, 23, reporting from Los Angeles on why Mahone may be the next Bieber
When it comes to the next big thing, I tend to be more than a little behind on the trends. I didn’t start watching Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives until they were off the air. Music is a similar story. I didn’t start listening to some artists until they already had a huge following a big a hit, like Asher Roth’s “I Love College” or Kesha’s “Tik Tok.”
Same with Justin Bieber. The first song of his I really paid attention to was “Boyfriend,” and that wasn’t so long ago, years after he released “Baby.” I mean, the guy practically already had a pet monkey by then.
However, regarding one particular emerging 17-year-old artist—perhaps a Bieber-to-be—I like to think I found gold a little ahead of the game.
OK, I admit Austin Mahone isn’t exactly an unknown. A couple of his performance videos went viral, and he has 2.8 million Twitter followers. But if you’re not already a Mahomie, now’s the time: His “What About Love” video, the first single off his forthcoming album, came out this week and showed off his most impressive dance moves yet, with a sound that conjures the best of both Bieber and N’ Sync.
The boy in the beanie is destined to be an international star, here to stay. Yes, you heard it here (even if perhaps you didn’t hear it here first).
Just like Justin, Austin was discovered through YouTube and has a fanbase of tween girls who have fallen hard for his pop idol charms. He even comes with memorable hair and rumored ties to Bieber’s ex, Selena Gomez, who he looked pretty friendly with at the 2013 Billboard Awards a few weeks ago.
Austin Mahone is currently on tour, opening for Taylor Swift and performing some of his irresistibly catchy early songs, like “Say Somethin.” MTV has named him one of their 13 Artists to Watch in 2013. I sure will, while I’m catching up on Carrie and Big. Don’t tell me how it ends.