UK teen Conor Maynard gets Bieber comparisons

[April 06, 2012]  LONDON (AP) -- British teen Conor Maynard has gone from uploading his cover versions to YouTube to recording his debut album with Pharrell Williams.

The singer was spotted by NeYo, who offered to work with him. Then Chris Brown retweeted his videos. Record company interest followed and now 19-year-old Maynard drops his debut single, "Can't Say No," on April 20 through Polydor.

Comparisons have been made with pop star Justin Bieber -- another teen who was discovered via YouTube and mentored by established rhythm and blues star Usher.

Maynard takes the comparisons in stride.

He claims his music sounds different that Bieber's. But he adds it's "flattering to be compared to one of the biggest artists in the world right now when I haven't even released my first single."

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.