Shawn Peter Raul Mendes was born on August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Karen Mendes, is a real estate agent of English descent, and his father, Manuel Mendes, is a businessman originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Growing up with his younger sister, Aaliyah, Mendes was actively involved in sports like soccer and ice hockey and participated in his high school glee club and acting classes, famously playing Prince Charming in a school production. He graduated from Pine Ridge Secondary School in June 2016.
Mendes’s journey to stardom began in 2012 when he taught himself to play guitar by watching YouTube tutorial videos. In 2013, he started posting cover versions of popular songs on Vine, a now-defunct social media platform. His cover of Justin Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me" went viral, earning him a massive following overnight. By 2014, Mendes was the third most-followed musician on Vine, attracting the attention of artist manager Andrew Gertler and Island Records A&R Ziggy Chareton.
In June 2014, Mendes released his debut single "Life of the Party," which made him the youngest artist to debut in the top 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Following this, he joined the Magcon Tour alongside other young social media stars and opened for Austin Mahone on a nationwide tour.
In July 2014, Mendes released his debut EP, "The Shawn Mendes EP," which debuted at number one on iTunes. This success was followed by his first full-length album, "Handwritten," released on April 14, 2015. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making Mendes one of the youngest artists to achieve this feat. The single "Stitches" became a massive hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and number one in the UK.
Mendes's second studio album, "Illuminate," was released in September 2016 and also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The singles "Treat You Better" and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his status as a leading pop star. Mendes embarked on his first arena tour in 2017, performing in major venues across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
In May 2018, Mendes released his third studio album, "Shawn Mendes," which debuted at number one in Canada and the US. The hits "In My Blood" and "Lost in Japan" showcased his evolving pop-rock style and songwriting prowess. Mendes's world tour to support the album included over 100 shows, further solidifying his global fanbase. The duet "Señorita" with Camila Cabello became one of the biggest hits of 2019, adding to his list of chart-topping singles.
Mendes released his fourth studio album, "Wonder," in December 2020. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his fourth consecutive number one album. The singles "Wonder" and "Monster" (featuring Justin Bieber) demonstrated a more mature and introspective side of his music. Mendes described "Wonder" as his most personal and vulnerable work to date.
In 2021, Mendes released "Summer of Love" with Tainy and the solo track "It'll Be Okay." He also voiced the titular character in the animated film "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" and contributed several songs to its soundtrack in 2022. In June 2023, Mendes issued the track "What the Hell Are We Dying For?" inspired by the effects of climate change, with its cover depicting the New York skyline through the orange haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires.
After taking a break to focus on his mental health and canceling his Wonder world tour in 2022, Mendes announced his return to the stage and the music scene in 2024. He is set to headline the Rock in Rio festival on September 22, 2024, and has teased the release of his upcoming fifth studio album. Mendes expressed his excitement about performing live again and sharing his new music with fans.
Mendes has been open about his struggles with anxiety and has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness. In 2019, he began a high-profile relationship with singer Camila Cabello, and their collaboration "Señorita" sparked widespread media interest. Despite their breakup in 2021, they have remained close friends.
Throughout his career, Mendes has received numerous accolades, including 13 SOCAN awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, eight Juno Awards, and two American Music Awards. He has also been nominated for three Grammy Awards and one Brit Award. In 2018, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
As of 2024, Mendes has sold over 27 million albums worldwide and continues to inspire young artists globally. His influence extends beyond music, with ventures into modeling and acting, including voice roles in animated films and a live-action appearance on "The 100." Mendes's Netflix documentary "Shawn Mendes: In Wonder" offers fans an intimate look at his life and career.
Mendes is currently working on new music and film projects while preparing for future tours, continuing to captivate audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic performances.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
Jung Kook's solo debut, "Golden," released on November 3, 2023, marks a bold step into the spotlight, diverging from his BTS roots. This 11-track album, spanning just over 31 minutes, weaves a rich musical narrative, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Jack Harlow, Latto, Major Lazer, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, and DJ Snake. But the question remains: is it worth the hype?
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