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Austin Mahone is over the Justin Bieber comparisons.
Like Bieber, Mahone got his start on YouTube and catapulted to teen heartthrob status with his female-centric pop sound and dance moves.
But the 18-year-old says enough is enough.
"I can kind of see where they're coming from, but at the same time, it's kind of obnoxious," he said of the comparisons. "They see a young kid who sings and dances and … they're like, 'Oh another Justin Bieber.' Like, you don't even know. You don't know me. You don't know my music. You're just making assumptions."
Mahone said he wants people to listen to his music before linking him to Bieber, who has turned into a headline regular for bad behavior after reaching multiplatinum international stardom.
Mahone is hoping to grab some new fans with his U.S. debut EP, "The Secret," which came in at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 albums chart on its release in May. He performed the national anthem during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in his hometown of San Antonio. His summer concert tour makes an Aug. 6 stop at the Maverik Center in West Valley City.
"I may not be the best dancer or the best performer right now, but I'm always getting better," he said. —
When • Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.
Where • Maverik Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City
Tickets • $26.50, $46.50 and $62, Ticketmaster
Openers • The Vamps and Fifth Harmony