The praise is pouring in for Austin Mahone, 17, who is drawing several comparisons to Justin Bieber.

According to Cosmopolitan, the similarities between the two are beyond having the same teen heartthrob status. Although Mahone is flattered to be in 19-year-old Bieber's class, he doesn't want to live in his shadow. 

"It's cool [to be compared to Justin Bieber,) but I want people to see me as my own artist," the baby-faced Texan said to the Today Show recently. "I want to show them that I'm different."

But that striking out on his own part is going to be quite hard, considering the long list of similiarities between the two singers, starting with both being discovered on YouTube and turning into viral sensations. 

The new-to-the-scene crooner, who stopped by Good Morning America recently, went from singing in his bedroom to singing on iTunes. He was also raised by a single mom.

Bieber's road to stardom from Canada pretty much mirrored that. 

And just like Bieber has "Beliebers," Mahone has "Mahomies," his own large legion of die-hard fans, who he likes to talk to on Twitter a lot like the "Heartbreaker" singer.

From a physical standpoint, Mahone rocks bangs, red leather jackets and flashy sneakers, which are fashion and hair staples for Selena Gomez' ex. 

But Bieber has taken on a bad boy rep lately, reportedly cursing out and stealing cameras from paparazzi to taking pictures of fans' bras. He also has decorated his body with some tattoos and been hanging out with Chris Brown. It's safe to say that Bieber wants everyone to know that he is growing up and living an adult life.

It's clear that the two only want the comparisons to go so far, and want to have their own identities. We can say that Mahone will probably not be dating or dreaming about Gomez ever. 

Check out Mahone's "What About Love" music video below and tell us what you think!