Mario is an American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, best known for the chart topping hit Let Me Love You. Fans often search for him as Mario Singer, so here is the quick answer.
His real name is Mario Dewar Barrett, he was born on August 27, 1986, he is 40 years old, and his net worth is estimated at $14 million to $15 million. This guide covers his bio, family, height, weight, career, and latest news for 2026.
Mario Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Mario Dewar Barrett |
| Known As | Mario |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1986 |
| Age | 40 years (2026) |
| Birthplace | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, dancer, actor |
| Height | About 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | About 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Genre | R&B |
| Years Active | 2001 to present |
| Partner | Esmeralda Rios |
| Children | One son (born January 2026) |
| Net Worth | $14 million to $15 million (estimate) |
Mario Real Name
His real name is Mario Dewar Barrett. On stage he uses the single name Mario. Many fans also call him Mario Barrett.
Mario Early Life and Education
Mario grew up in west Baltimore and in working class areas of Baltimore County. His grandmother raised him for much of his childhood.
At age four, he told people he wanted to be a singer, and his mother bought him a karaoke machine to support the dream.He learned piano and used it to shape his melodies.
Mario attended Milford Mill Academy until the tenth grade. A music teacher there inspired him during his early teens, right before his record deal.
Mario Parents and Siblings
- Mother: Shawntia Hardaway
- Father: Derryl Barrett Sr., a singer in a gospel group called Reformation
- Half brother: Derryl “D.J.” Barrett Jr., a professional drummer
Mario has spoken openly about his mother’s struggle with addiction. In 2007, MTV aired a special about their story. He also wrote the song Do Right for her.
Mario Partner – Esmeralda Rios
Mario’s partner is Esmeralda Rios. On August 27, 2025, his birthday, he shared an Instagram Story showing his hand on her baby bump.
The couple welcomed a baby boy on January 26, 2026. Mario posted a hospital photo in scrubs and joked that he was “Doctor Barrett.” His son’s name had not been shared at that time.
Mario said in a 2023 interview that he does not take having kids lightly. He grew up without his father and wanted to do fatherhood right.
Mario Age
Mario is 40 years old as of October 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Birthday | August 27 |
| Birth Year | 1986 |
| Current Age | 40 |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Mario Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Mario stands about 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) and weighs about 85 kg (187 lbs). These numbers come from fan sites and are estimates, because he has not published official body stats.
He has a fit, athletic build that suits his dance skills. Mario is also known for his stylish look, neat hair, and a calm stage presence.
Mario Before Fame
Mario was discovered at age 11. Producer Troy Patterson spotted him singing “I’ll Make Love to You” at a talent show at Coppin State College.
His first music industry credit came in 2001 on the Dr. Dolittle 2 soundtrack. In 2002, he sang a Stevie Wonder cover at a Grammy party hosted by music executive Clive Davis. That performance helped him land his deal.
Mario Career
Here is a simple timeline of his work:
- 2002: Debut album Mario sold over 700,000 copies.
- 2004: Turning Point arrived with Let Me Love You, written by fellow R&B star Ne Yo. The album went platinum.
- 2007: Go produced How Do I Breathe and Crying Out for Me, which went gold.
- 2009: D.N.A. featured Break Up, a top 20 hit that went platinum.
- 2016: He launched his own label, New Citizen LLC.
- 2018: Dancing Shadows became his first independent album.
- 2020: He released the EP Closer to Mars.
- 2024 and 2025: He released Glad You Came and Mood Swings.
Acting and TV: He starred in Step Up (2006) and Freedom Writers (2007). He competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2008, played Devon on Empire from 2018 to 2020, and appeared in Rent: Live in 2019. In 2024, he finished as runner up on The Masked Singer as “Wasp.”
Mario Social Media Presence
Mario is active on Instagram and X. He shares studio clips, tour moments, and family news there. His baby announcements first appeared on Instagram Stories. Fans follow his pages for new music drops and tour dates.
Mario Net Worth and Achievements
Mario’s net worth is estimated at $14 million to $15 million. Different websites list different numbers, so treat any single figure as an estimate.
| Income Source | Details |
| Music Sales | Platinum albums and singles since 2002 |
| Touring | The Millennium Tour: Turned Up! (2022) and Champagne and Roses Tour (2023 to 2024) |
| Acting and TV | Films, series, and reality competitions |
| Own Label | New Citizen LLC, founded in 2016 |
| Brand Work | Fashion campaigns, including Pelle Pelle in 2009 |
Key achievements:
- Let Me Love You topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks.
- Billboard ranked him No. 98 on its Artist of the Decade list for the 2000s.
- He built a successful independent career after leaving major labels.
Mario Awards and Recognitions
- Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (Let Me Love You)
- Two Billboard Music Awards for Let Me Love You
- 2008 Prism Award for the MTV documentary about his mother
- MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for Best R&B (2005)
- Teen Choice Awards nominations (2005)
- Runner up on The Masked Singer season 12 (2024)
Mario Legacy and Impact
Let Me Love You remains a modern R&B classic and a fan favorite at weddings and parties. Mario also proved that an artist can grow from teen star to independent label owner.
Off stage, he started the Do Right Foundation in March 2008. The group supports children affected by their parents’ addictions. In 2009, he also joined the PETA “Ink, Not Mink” campaign.
Mario Nationality and Religion
Mario is American and was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He has homes in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
His religion has not been publicly detailed. His father sang in a gospel group, so faith based music was part of his early world.
Mario Future Plans and Goals
Mario has not shared a full public roadmap, but a few goals stand out:
- Release more music through his own label
- Keep touring and performing live
- Focus on life as a new father
- Grow into directing and film production, a goal he shared in earlier interviews
Mario Songs List
| No. | Song | Album or Release |
| 1 | Just a Friend 2002 | Mario |
| 2 | Braid My Hair | Mario |
| 3 | C’mon | Mario |
| 4 | Let Me Love You | Turning Point |
| 5 | How Could You | Turning Point |
| 6 | Here I Go Again | Turning Point |
| 7 | Boom | Turning Point |
| 8 | How Do I Breathe | Go |
| 9 | Crying Out for Me | Go |
| 10 | Music for Love | Go |
| 11 | Do Right | Go |
| 12 | Break Up | D.N.A. |
| 13 | Thinkin’ About You | D.N.A. |
| 14 | Ooh Baby | D.N.A. |
| 15 | Somebody Else | Single (2013) |
| 16 | Fatal Distraction | Single (2013) |
| 17 | Let Me Help You | Single (2016) |
| 18 | Pain Is the New Pleasure | Single (2017) |
| 19 | Drowning | Dancing Shadows era |
| 20 | Closer | Closer to Mars |
Mario Lesser Known Facts about Mario
Mario Hobbies
- Dancing: He is a trained, confident dancer and has performed on major TV stages.
- Playing piano: He used piano to build his early melodies.
- Acting and directing: He enjoys screen work and has talked about directing.
- Charity work: He gives time to children’s causes through his foundation.
Mario Favorite Things
- Music heroes: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Usher
- Sound: Old school R&B mixed with modern pop
- Cities: He keeps homes in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Los Angeles
Mario Interesting Facts
- He signed his first major record deal at age 14.
- Fellow R&B star Ne Yo wrote Let Me Love You.
- He was part of the production team Knightwritaz in the mid 2000s.
- He appeared on the TV show Last Week Tonight in 2025.
- He became a father for the first time in January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Mario?
Mario is 40 years old. He was born on August 27, 1986.
What is Mario’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $14 million to $15 million. Exact figures vary by source.
Who is Mario’s girlfriend?
Mario’s girlfriend is Esmeralda Rios. They welcomed a baby boy on January 26, 2026.
How tall is Mario?
Mario is about 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) tall, based on commonly reported figures.
What is Mario’s biggest hit?
His biggest hit is Let Me Love You. It spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Conclusion
Mario Dewar Barrett has gone from a Baltimore kid with a karaoke machine to one of R&B’s most trusted voices. His music, acting, and charity work have kept him relevant for over two decades.
Today he is a proud father, an independent label owner, and a 40 year old artist still making new music. Stay tuned, because his next chapter looks just as bright.
