Bruno Mars’ ‘Die With A Smile’ Hits No. 1 After Years in Limbo

UPDATE: Bruno Mars’ collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile,” has just been confirmed as the most-played song globally on Spotify for 2025. The track, released in the middle of 2024, has captivated audiences worldwide, but it spent years unfinished before finally seeing the light of day.

In a revealing feature by Variety published on December 4, co-writer James Fauntleroy shared that Mars initially drafted the song over three years ago, leaving it in limbo until he recognized its potential as a perfect fit for Lady Gaga’s role in the highly anticipated film, Joker: Folie a Deux. Fauntleroy emphasized the brilliance of Mars, stating, “He was such a genius for pulling that out of the back of his subconscious memory because of the timing of that movie.”

Despite the song’s long wait, the decision to collaborate with Gaga came naturally once Mars learned she would star in the film. Fauntleroy added that the song had been “sitting among other Mars drafts” until the right moment arrived.

Co-writer and co-producer Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II discussed the song’s evolution, explaining, “We had a second version that felt closer to what it ended up being. […] Once we got to it, [Mars] laid the guitar down. I laid the bass down. We just got going.” This collaborative effort ultimately transformed the track into a powerful duet that resonated with fans.

The success of “Die With A Smile” highlights not only the duo’s musical talent but also the impact of strategic timing in the entertainment industry. As audiences continue to embrace the song, it stands as a testament to the creative process and the significance of collaboration in music.

As 2025 progresses, fans are eagerly awaiting potential performances and further collaborations from Mars and Gaga. The success of “Die With A Smile” reinforces the duo’s status as powerhouse artists in the industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we follow the ongoing success of “Die With A Smile.”