Shawn Peter Raul Mendes (born August 8, 1998) is a Canadian pop singer. He gained a following in 2013, when he posted song covers on the video sharing platform Vine. The following year, he caught the attention of artist manager Andrew Gertler and Island Records A&R Ziggy Chareton, which led to him signing a deal with the record label. Mendes' self-titled debut EP was released in 2014, followed by his debut studio album Handwritten in 2015. Handwritten debuted atop the US Billboard 200, making Mendes one of five artists ever to debut at number one before the age of 18. The single "Stitches" reached number one in the UK and the top 10 in the US and Canada.[1]
Friendship with Taylor Swift[]
In 2015, Mendes opened for Taylor Swift during the 1989 World Tour dates for North America.[1] He was a surprise guest during the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018, performing "There's Nothing Holding Me Back".
On November 13, 2019, Taylor Swift released a remix of her single "Lover" featuring Shawn Mendes.
Taylor teased the release on social media by saying:
| “ | There is a new version of "Lover" coming: a remix featuring someone who I'm such a huge fan of, who I've known for a really long time, and someone that I've really been dying to collaborate with. So... drum roll please. It is featuring Shawn Mendes. And he has taken "Lover," re-written parts of it, which I think is so important because I love him as a writer. And I also think that everybody would write a different love letter to their lover. And I think, his take on it is so beautiful. I can't wait for you to hear it. | ” |
The part of the remix that featured Mendes was written by Mendes and Scott Harris.
For the April 29 / May 6, 2019 edition of TIME, Swift was named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People". Mendes wrote her section in the magazine.
Article: Taylor Swift by Shawn Mendes
| “ | I’ve been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. But it wasn’t until I met and got to know her that I understood how wonderful a person she truly is.
Taylor makes the job of creating music for millions of people look easy. It all comes from her—her belief in magic and love, and her ability to be as honest and raw as possible. She’s the master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking, and that’s why her music connects so well. I was so lucky to be able to open for a handful of her stadium shows on the 1989 World Tour. And I quickly learned that the magic of Taylor Swift doesn’t come from the lights, dancers or fireworks (although all of that is incredible) but from the electrifying connection that she has with the people who are there to see her. There’s an overwhelming feeling in the air. The feeling of your heart racing in your chest with excitement—so much so that by the time you get to “Love Story,” all you want to do is pick up your phone and text every person you know to say how much you love them. The feeling is so thick, you feel like you could reach out and grab it to keep forever. Taylor makes anyone older feel young again and anyone young feel they can do anything. It’s so rare and so special. If there is one thing I want to achieve in my career and life, it’s that. |
” |
Discography[]
- Handwritten (2015)
- Illuminate (2016)
- Shawn Mendes (2018)
- Wonder (2020)
- Shawn (2024)
