What stage nickname did MidWeek give young Bruno Mars in 1990?

MidWeek called young Bruno Mars “Little Elvis” in 1990.

The nickname reflected Mars’s childhood performances as an Elvis Presley impersonator in Hawaii. Before becoming known for funk-pop hits, he appeared onstage as a remarkably young performer, imitating Presley’s songs, movements and stage presence. MidWeek featured him as “Little Elvis” when he was still a child.

This early identity was more than a casual nickname: it described the act that first made Mars recognizable to local audiences. He performed with his family’s band, the Love Notes, and was already working regularly in Waikiki venues at an age when most performers were only beginning school.

Mars later expanded his repertoire to include impressions of Michael Jackson, but Elvis was the central influence associated with his earliest public image. “Little Bruno” is a tempting distractor because his professional name is Bruno, while “Mini Michael” points to a later influence. Neither was the MidWeek nickname used in 1990.