Bruno Mars is one of 2011 greatest stars, but it wasn't always like this.

Mars tells tomorrow's LA Times that on moving to Los Angeles at 18, he quickly scored a solo deal with Motown; within a couple years, however, that deal soured.

Mars said: "You wouldn't believe how many label presidents I've heard say, 'Bruno doesn't have what it takes, we don't know how to market him, we don't know what kind of music he does,' You know, 'Who's this beige-looking kid with curly hair? We can't figure him out.' It was devastating."

Mars has since had resounding success around the world with hits such as 'Just The Way You Are' and 'Grenade', 

Watch the official video for 'Grenade' below: