PHOENIX, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colossal, the nation's leading professional fundraiser, is thrilled to announce that Mars Rodriguez (@marsrodriguez_), a visionary one-person band, producer, and visual artist originally from Nicaragua and now based in New York City, has been named the 2025 America's Next Top Hitmaker!

Known for blending industrial rock, noise pop, Latin rock, and electronic influences, Mars creates an unmistakable sound that is daring and unforgettable. After competing alongside thousands of incredibly talented artists, Mars took home the title, a $50,000 cash prize, an appearance in Rolling Stone, and a coveted spot on the Global Citizen Festival stage on September 27 sharing the lineup with The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla, Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist, fans won't have to wait long to see Mars' star power shine—she'll be opening the festival and joining the movement to end extreme poverty.

Through the 2025 America's Next Top Hitmaker competition, Colossal raised over $2 million benefiting Global Citizen, the world's leading international advocacy organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty and defending the planet. Mobilizing millions of people worldwide, Global Citizen works across sectors—music, entertainment, policy, business, media, and philanthropy—to drive real change, and has positively impacted the lives of 1.3 billion people to date. The funds raised by the competition will support Global Citizen's campaigning efforts to provide access to education for 30,000 children, protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and expand energy access for 1 million people in Africa.

Adding to the excitement, competition partner SoundCloud is celebrating Mars' win with her very own billboard in Times Square.

"Mars represents the future of music—bold, original, and unafraid to push boundaries," said Mary Hagen, Colossal CEO. "We can't wait to watch her light up the Global Citizen Festival stage."

Also watch out for Mars in an upcoming issue of Rolling Stone magazine.

Sponsored by SoundCloud

SoundCloud is an artist-first platform powered by a global community of artists and listeners at the pulse of what's now and next in music culture, empowering independent artists to build and grow their careers. With 400+ million tracks from 40+ million artists from 193 countries on SoundCloud, it is the largest audio discovery platform in the world.

Sponsored by Fender

Fender has shaped the sound of music for nearly 70 years. From its legendary electric guitars and accessories to amps and innovative digital experiences, Fender has been the go-to brand for musicians of all levels. Whether on stage or in the studio, Fender continues to inspire artists around the world.

To learn more, visit tophitmaker.org.

ABOUT COLOSSAL

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America's Next Top Hitmaker, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org. Who's Next?

About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world's leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, $49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen's team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Anne-Marie Pritchett
pr@colossal.org

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SOURCE COLOSSAL