As the world readies itself for Bruno Mars' first ever TV special 'Live At The Apollo Theater' this week, the singer himself has opened up about what the new venture means to him in his latest interview. It marks his first time playing the venue, and it's a lot to take in.

Bruno Mars performing at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2016Bruno Mars performing at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2016

The 32-year-old singer remembers watching James Brown's 'Live at the Apollo' album with his father when he was a kid, so it's always been a dream of his to hit up that particular New York City venue. And with '24K Magic', it was sure to be a nationwide hit.

'I have always wanted to play at the Apollo and I said before that I wanted this album to be a movie', he told Complex. 'I kept thinking in my head that I wanted to create some kind of dialogue with this album and then I got approached to do a special and thought maybe I can't do a movie with it, but maybe this is what I'm supposed to do. So I'll go ahead and finish the year off and maybe I can show my vision on the TV special.'

Of course, there was always going to be something to be nervous about. The Apollo isn't just any old theatre, and he recognises that there's a certain quality that always has to be there for a performance to thrive.

'I remember growing up watching the Apollo, it's pretty cutthroat', he adds. 'It's either you got it and they will cheer you on or you will blow it and they gon' boo you off the stage. So I always live by that motto; make sure you got it.'

'Bruno Mars Live At The Apollo Theater' isn't just a live concert special either. He has teamed up with his band the Hooligans, and together they hit the streets to mingle with fans and show off a bit of there non-showbiz side.

'That's the cool part about this special, it's intertwined with us being able to walk around Harlem and meet the people and give out tickets', Bruno says. 'I think you are going to see a lot of myself and the band's personality with this special; it's not just us singing a handful of songs and that's it. We really wanted to show another side and make it fun.'

More: Bruno Mars shares first look at 'Live At The Apollo Theater'

'Bruno Mars Live At The Apollo Theater' will air on CBS tonight (November 29th 2017).