The annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day kicked off the U.S. Open on Saturday with family-friendly fun and celebrity performances at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. After demonstrations from Net Generation and National Junior Tennis League participants, the Radio Disney-hosted musical acts began, with leading talent like Ava Max, MAX, and Quinn XCII performing to a cheering audience.
Teen heartthrob Austin Mahone stole the show with his hit summer single, “Dancing with Nobody.” The 23-year-old crooner spoke exclusively with The Knockturnal about his upcoming tour, inspirations, and his advice for fans.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to come out here today and celebrate the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day?
Austin Mahone: I love the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. I’ve been here once before back in 2013 so I’m just excited to be here again. I’m lucky they invited me back. I have a new single I’ll be performing here today for the first time, so looking forward to that. I think it’s going to get a great reaction.
Austin Mahone performs at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
The Knockturnal: What was the inspiration behind your new song, “Dancing with Nobody?”
Austin Mahone: The inspiration was just to deliver something that was fun, energetic, high energy. The song is about finding that one person you can just be 100% yourself with.
The Knockturnal: It’s perfect for summer, that summer love.
Austin Mahone: Exactly, exactly!
The Knockturnal: I know you’re about to go to Japan again for your upcoming tour. What is one of your favorite cities to perform in?
Austin Mahone: Definitely Tokyo for sure. I’m doing two back-to-back arena shows in Tokyo which is going to be incredible. I’ve got a show in Osaka after that, and then I’m doing five shows in China.
The Knockturnal: Wow, super busy! What would you say to the kids in the audience today who are aspiring singers and posting their own songs on YouTube like how you began?
Austin Mahone: I would just say, keep posting, keep finding new covers to sing and keep working on yourself: work on your voice, work on your craft, whatever it is. Maybe you’re a dancer or an actor, whatever it is, just work every day and enjoy it.
