Austin Mahone
30 years old
Who Is Austin Mahone?
Austin Harris Mahone (pronounced /məˈhoʊn/) was born on April 4, 1996, in San Antonio, Texas. He is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-platinum recording artist who has released two studio albums, five EPs, and two mixtapes across a career spanning 14 years.
He has topped the charts for over a decade with more than 38 million followers combined across social media, over 5 million monthly listeners across all streaming platforms, and nearly five million YouTube subscribers.
His many awards and honors include an MTV Video Music Award and wins at the MTV EMAs, iHeartRadio Music Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and the Young Hollywood Awards.
Early Life: San Antonio, a Single Mother, and a Catholic Upbringing
Austin Harris Mahone was born in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Michele Lee (née Demyanovich) and Charles Edgar Mahone. His father died when he was a year and a half old. He was raised as a Catholic by his single mother. Mahone is of English, French, German, and Slovak descent.
His mother, who was an alcoholic, passed away when he was 15. His father, Michele Mahone, raised him and played a crucial role in nurturing his love for music.
As a San Antonio, Texas native, Austin grew up listening to and loving country music as a fan of George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Toby Keith. In his teens, he branched out, exploring other genres and was quickly influenced by Pop and R&B stars like T-Pain, Usher, and Lil Wayne.
School and Homeschooling
He attended Lady Bird Johnson High School in San Antonio but left after his freshman year and was homeschooled at his grandmother’s house.
First Hit Produced in Nashville
His career is now coming full circle; Austin produced his very first hit single “11:11” in Nashville. The city he would return to decades later was where his story quietly began.
Career: 2010–2012 — YouTube, Discovery, and a Record Deal
Mahone began his career by posting videos on YouTube in June 2010. More music videos followed, and by January 2011 he began to build an online following. In October 2011, Mahone posted a video covering Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe.” Mahone has cited Bieber as his inspiration.
He was discovered by record producers Rocco Did It Again! and Mike Blumstein in 2012 and signed with their label, Chase Records, in a joint venture with Republic Records in June of that year.
His 2012 debut single, “Say Somethin’” and its follow-up, “Say You’re Just a Friend” (featuring Flo Rida), both received gold certifications from the RIAA.
On February 14, 2012, Mahone independently released a single to iTunes. On June 5, 2012, Mahone independently released his second single, “Say Somethin’”, his first release under the management of Chase Entertainment. On August 28, 2012, Mahone announced that he had been signed to Chase/Universal Republic Records.
Career: 2013–2014 — Taylor Swift, Billboard, and The Secret
“What About Love” and the Red Tour
In June 2013, Mahone released “What About Love.” The music video won MTV’s Artists to Watch at the MTV Video Music Awards, and he was chosen as one of the opening acts of Taylor Swift’s Red Tour.
“What About Love” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 74 the week of June 29, 2013. His 2013 single “What About Love” received gold certification by the RIAA and marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
On October 17, 2013, he kicked off his first-ever headlining tour, MTV’s Artist to Watch Tour.
“Mmm Yeah” — His Highest-Charting Single
“Mmm Yeah” was released as the second and final single on January 26, 2014, and features rapper Pitbull. The 2014 single “Mmm Yeah” featuring Pitbull received platinum certification by the RIAA and became his highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 — at number 49.
The Secret is currently Mahone’s highest-charting project to date. The music videos for the two singles were nominated for MTV Video Music Awards, with “What About Love” winning.
On July 25, 2014, Mahone kicked off his second headlining tour, Austin Mahone: Live on Tour.
Brand Deals and Television
In December 2013, Mahone was named a “Digital and Brand Strategist” for Aquafina’s FlavorSplash, a new line of flavored sparkling water targeted towards teens.
He appeared as himself in Season Four of Big Time Rush in 2013 and had a small role in an episode of The Millers in 2014.
Career: 2015–2018 — Dirty Work and the Japan Breakthrough
On July 1, 2015, Mahone released “Dirty Work”, the lead single from his upcoming debut album.
In May 2016, Mahone became one of the faces of Macy’s American Icons campaign.
Since 2017, Japanese comedian Blouson Chiemi has used “Dirty Work” as the background music of her popular comedy routine, which led the song to peak at number 4 on the Japan Hot 100 Chart, also ending up being certified gold in the country. This led his debut studio album, Dirty Work – The Album (2017), to be released exclusively in the country — where it entered the Oricon Albums Chart.
His collaborations “Lady” with Pitbull and “Creatures of the Night” with Hardwell reached the number 1 position on Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs chart.
On May 16, 2018, Mahone released the extended play, Oxygen, exclusively in Japan.
Career: 2023–2026 — Nashville, Country Music, and A Lone Star Story
A Lone Star Story (June 2023)
In January 2023, Mahone collaborated with Fueled by 808, Kid Rock, and Jimmie Allen on the single “No Limits.” In February 2023, Mahone released the single “Withdrawal,” which was produced by Jim Jonsin. On June 5, 2023, Mahone announced his new album, A Lone Star Story, which was released on June 23, 2023.
His second album, A Lone Star Story (2023), marked a full departure from pop in favor of country music. The album’s three lead singles were “Sundress,” “Withdrawal,” and “Kuntry.”
“Sooner or Later,” “Rearview,” “Both Ways,” and “Girl’s Gone Cold” (2024–2025)
Another country-infused anthem, “Sooner or Later,” arrived in September 2024 as a stand-alone single. With the success of his recent single releases “Sooner or Later,” “Rearview,” “Both Ways,” and “Girl’s Gone Cold,” the young and versatile artist is making a name for himself in the hot landscape of Pop/Country music.
His latest single “Girl’s Gone Cold” was released in December 2025.
The Move to Nashville
A resident of Nashville now for two years, Mahone shared: “I love it here in Nashville, to be able to walk around, and to be a part of the community. I want to be around more musicians and songwriters in a city known for music — in the country capital of the world.”
Mahone closed out 2025 with the launch of the American Monarch Foundation, as a philanthropic desire for purpose-driven impact beyond the stage.
When asked what he’d like to manifest for his career going forward, the list involves: the release of at least three country albums, performing at the Grand Ole Opry, and for his name to be included in the list of artists mentioned whenever there’s talk about country music.
Personal Life
Family
Austin was raised by his mother, Michele Mahone, after his father, Charles Edgar Mahone, died when Austin was one and a half years old. He has a cat named Moon.
Camila Cabello (2014)
In 2014, Mahone dated Camila Cabello, then a member of Fifth Harmony. Camila confirmed the split in an interview with Pittsburgh’s KISS 96.1: “We’re actually not together anymore.” The relationship had begun during their shared touring schedule.
Faith and Interests
Austin identifies as Catholic and has spoken openly about his faith. Outside of music, he enjoys basketball and fashion.
Discography
Studio Albums
| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dirty Work — The Album | Chase / Republic | Released exclusively in Japan; entered Oricon Albums Chart |
| 2023 | A Lone Star Story | A.M. Music | Full country pivot; singles: “Sundress,” “Withdrawal,” “Kuntry” |
EPs
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Extended Play | Japan-exclusive |
| 2014 | The Secret | Highest-charting project; “Mmm Yeah” peaked at #49 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| 2015 | This Is Not the Album | Mixtape |
| 2016 | ForMe+You | Mixtape |
| 2018 | Oxygen | Japan-exclusive |
Selected Singles
| Year | Single | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | “11:11” | Debut single; originally produced in Nashville |
| 2012 | “Say Somethin’” | RIAA Gold |
| 2012 | “Say You’re Just a Friend” (feat. Flo Rida) | RIAA Gold |
| 2013 | “What About Love” | RIAA Gold; Billboard Hot 100 #66; MTV VMA winner |
| 2014 | “Mmm Yeah” (feat. Pitbull) | RIAA Platinum; Billboard Hot 100 #49 |
| 2016 | “Lady” (with Pitbull) | #1 Billboard US Dance Club Songs |
| 2023 | “Withdrawal” | Lead single, A Lone Star Story |
| 2023 | “No Limits” (with Kid Rock & Jimmie Allen) | — |
| 2024 | “Sooner or Later” | September 2024 country single |
| 2025 | “Rearview” | March 2025 |
| 2025 | “Both Ways” | July 2025 |
| 2025 | “Girl’s Gone Cold” | December 2025 |
Awards and Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | MTV Video Music Awards | Artists to Watch (“What About Love”) | Won |
| 2013 | Bravo Otto Awards | Breakout | Nominated |
| Various | MTV European Music Awards | Multiple | Won |
| Various | iHeartRadio Music Awards | Multiple | Won |
| Various | Radio Disney Music Awards | Multiple | Won |
| Various | Teen Choice Awards | Multiple | Won |
| Various | Young Hollywood Awards | Multiple | Won |
