Watch: Gayle King’s Final Interview with Bruno Mars — A Celebration of Joy, Artistry, and Connection

In a warm and heartfelt farewell moment, Gayle King — the longtime co-host of CBS Mornings — sat down for one of her final interviews in the role, sharing an intimate conversation with global superstar Bruno Mars. The exchange was a reflection of King’s signature interviewing style: authentic, insightful, and brimming with mutual respect. For Mars, it was an opportunity to speak candidly about his passion for performance, his creative philosophy, and the musical roots that continue to shape his extraordinary career.

🎶 A Shared Energy: The Power of Performance

King opened the interview by recounting her own experience at one of Mars’ 24K Magic tour concerts — an evening she described as pure, unfiltered joy.

“I’ve been to many concerts,” King recalled with a laugh, “but there’s something about what you do on stage that I was literally — and this is no joke — dancing out with complete strangers.”

Mars, ever humble and good-humored, responded with gratitude and purpose.

“I know that people wanna go out and have a good time,” he said. “They spent their hard-earned money for that ticket, and I just wanna make sure they leave feeling something.”

It was a quintessential Bruno Mars moment — charming, grounded, and centered on connection. His performances, renowned for their precision and exuberance, are designed not only to entertain but to bring audiences together, even if only for a night.

💿 Behind the Groove: Crafting “24K Magic”

The conversation turned to Mars’ creative process, particularly his approach to the hit album 24K Magic, a record that has since surpassed a billion streams and defined an era of modern funk-infused R&B.

“I really wanted to hone in on one feeling, one emotion,” Mars explained. “The energy of fun, confidence, and letting go. It’s all about that one good feeling.”

King noted the playful swagger of songs like “24K Magic” and “Uptown Funk,” to which Mars quipped, “It’s one thing for me to sound arrogant, but it’s the people singing, ‘I’m too hot! Hot damn!’ They’re feelin’ too hot!”

The exchange showcased the performer’s balance between confidence and humility — a performer who can laugh at the theatrics of pop stardom while understanding the universal emotions that make his music timeless.

🎤 Stage Nerves and Star Encounters

Even for an artist with sold-out world tours and Grammy Awards, Mars admitted that some performances still make him nervous.

When asked by King if there are moments that intimidate him, he didn’t hesitate to answer:

“Oh, definitely. When I see my heroes in the audience — Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz — that’s when it hits different. You just hope you can make them proud.”

The confession added a rare glimpse of vulnerability to the artist who often exudes total command on stage. It was a reminder that even global icons can feel the weight of living up to their idols’ legacy.

🌺 The Roots of a Showman

Mars also reflected on his beginnings in Hawaii, where his musical upbringing shaped the performer he is today. He fondly credited his late father as “the man who taught me everything I know.”

From performing as a child Elvis impersonator in Waikiki to blending R&B, soul, funk, and pop into his chart-topping hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Treasure,” Mars has remained deeply connected to the joy of performance that first inspired him as a child.

“My dad showed me what it means to put your heart into every note,” he said. “That’s what I carry with me every time I walk on stage.”

💫 A Fitting Farewell for Gayle King

As Gayle King prepares to leave CBS Mornings after a 15-year tenure, this conversation with Bruno Mars felt symbolic — a meeting between two professionals who share a deep respect for craft, emotion, and authenticity.

King’s ability to make her guests feel seen and heard was on full display, while Mars’ sincerity offered a perfect parting note for her legacy as a journalist who leads with empathy and curiosity.

Their exchange — filled with laughter, reflection, and mutual admiration — served as a beautiful send-off for King’s era on morning television.

🕊️ Music, Meaning, and Moving Forward

In the end, the interview wasn’t just about a singer or a journalist — it was about connection. Mars reminded viewers why music matters: because it unites people, if only for a few minutes on a dance floor. And King reminded audiences why great conversations endure: because they help us understand the heart behind the art.

For both icons, this final interview was less a goodbye and more a celebration — of passion, of purpose, and of the joy that comes when words and music meet.