Shawn Mendes: The Complete Biography
Early Life and Discovery
Shawn Mendes was born on August 8, 1998, in Toronto, Canada. He first gained attention in 2013 by posting song covers on Vine, where his six-second videos went viral. Within months, he amassed millions of followers, catching the eye of artist manager Andrew Gertler and Island Records.
Breakthrough and Musical Success
Mendes released his debut single 'Life of the Party' in 2014, making him the youngest artist to debut in the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. His first studio album 'Handwritten' (2015) featured the multi-platinum hit 'Stitches.' Subsequent albums 'Illuminate' (2016) and 'Shawn Mendes' (2018) solidified his status with global smashes like 'Treat You Better,' 'There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,' and 'In My Blood.' His fourth album 'Wonder' (2020) debuted at No. 1 in over 20 countries.
Tours and Live Performances
Mendes has headlined multiple world tours, including the 'Illuminate World Tour' (2017) and 'Shawn Mendes: The Tour' (2019). For his 2022 'Wonder: The World Tour,' opening acts included Tate McRae and King Princess. As of 2025, no new tours have been announced. His energetic live shows consistently sell out stadiums worldwide.
Personal Life and Relationships
Mendes dated Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello from 2019 to 2021. Their collaboration 'Señorita' became one of 2019’s biggest hits. Since their breakup, Mendes has kept his romantic life private. He is managed by Andrew Gertler and has been open about his mental health journey, canceling tour dates in 2022 to prioritize well-being.
Artistry and Legacy
Mendes blends pop, folk, and R&B influences while playing guitar and piano. His lyrics often explore vulnerability, love, and self-discovery. He’s won 13 SOCAN Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, and received three Grammy nominations. His music resonates particularly with Gen Z audiences.
- Mendes and Camila Cabello's chemistry during their 2019 'Señorita' performance at the VMAs sparked intense dating rumors, though they initially denied the relationship.
- In July 2022, Mendes canceled his 'Wonder' tour to address anxiety issues, stating: 'After speaking with my team and health professionals, I need time to ground myself.'
- He starred in a 2018 Calvin Klein campaign and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, partnering with PFLAG and the It Gets Better Project.
