Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he gained initial recognition performing covers of pop songs on YouTube.

[6] His 2014 single, "Mmm Yeah" (featuring Pitbull) received platinum certification by the RIAA and became his highest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100—at number 49.

Preceded by a number of follow-up mixtapes and EPs, his second album, A Lone Star Story (2023) marked a full departure from pop in favor of country music.

[11] He attended Lady Bird Johnson High School in San Antonio but left after his freshman year and was homeschooled at his grandmother's house.

[20] In November 2012, Mahone signed a deal to become the new "Teen Ambassador" for Lil Wayne's Trukfit fashion clothing line.

[23] On December 3, 2012, Mahone released a song titled "Say You're Just a Friend" featuring rapper Flo Rida as a digital download.

[30] In December 2013, Mahone was named a "Digital and Brand Strategist" for Aquafina's FlavorSplash, a new line of flavored sparkling water targeted towards teens.

Five new songs titled "Say My Name", "Places", "Waiting For This Love", "Someone Like You" and "Torture" were released for free download through his official SoundCloud page.

[35] Mahone starred in Becky G's music video for her song "Lovin' So Hard", whom he dated that time for five months.

and Pia Mia in support of Jason Derulo on his Australian tour for three dates beginning on November 20.

[39] In August 2015, he was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month and was featured on NBC's Today show broadcast nationally in the United States where he performed live his single "Dirty Work" after an interview with Hoda Kotb and temporary host Jenna Bush Hager.

[35] In an interview with Teen Vogue on November 13, 2015, Mahone announced that he would be releasing a free mixtape before the end of the year.

Mahone will be kicking off his A Tour For Me+You on Wednesday, May 31, starting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, going through Thursday, June 30, ending in Los Angeles, California.

On Friday, April 12, Mahone released a new song, "Creatures of the Night", with DJ and record producer Hardwell.

Since 2017, Japanese comedian Blouson Chiemi started to use "Dirty Work" as the background music of her popular comedy routine, which led the song to peak number 4 on the Japan Hot 100 Chart,[45] also ending up being certified gold in the country.

It also included his collaborations "Lady" with Pitbull and "Creatures of the Night" with Hardwell which reached the number 1 position on Billboard's US Dance Club Songs chart.

[51] The album's release day, Mahone put out on digital platforms and streaming services two countdown songs internationally: "I Don't Believe You" and "Found You".

[53][54] On February 4, 2019, Mahone released the single "Why Don't We",[55] which is penned by Charlie Puth[56] and categorized as a fusion of modern pop and old school R&B under the 90s' influences.