SHAWN MENDES BIOGRAPHY: AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

Shawn Mendes is one of the biggest pop stars of his generation, a Canadian singer-songwriter whose journey began with six-second cover videos and led to sold-out arenas around the world. Born on August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario, Shawn Mendes turned internet fame into a record-breaking music career built on heartfelt songwriting and a guitar-driven pop sound.

From his breakout single "Life of the Party" to global smashes like "Stitches," "Treat You Better," and the Grammy-nominated "Señorita" with Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes has collected dozens of major awards, topped the Billboard 200 with four consecutive albums, and become a defining voice of 2010s pop. Here is his full biography — his age, early life, career, hit songs, albums, and the key facts that made him a star.

Early Life

Shawn Peter Raul Mendes was born on August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, and is of Portuguese and English descent. He is 28 years old. He was raised by his mother Karen, who works in real estate, and his father Manuel Mendes, a businessman, alongside his younger sister Aaliyah.

As a teenager, Mendes began posting short cover videos on the video-sharing app Vine in 2013, where his renditions of popular songs quickly earned him millions of followers. His online popularity caught the attention of the music industry, and in 2014 he signed a record deal with Island Records.

Career

Mendes released his debut single "Life of the Party" in 2014, becoming the youngest artist to debut in the top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100. His debut EP followed, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200. His first full-length album, Handwritten (2015), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, powered by the international hit "Stitches," which reached number one in the United Kingdom.

He followed it with Illuminate (2016), featuring the hit singles "Treat You Better" and "Mercy," and his self-titled third album Shawn Mendes (2018), home to "In My Blood," "There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back," and "If I Can’t Have You." Each of his first four studio albums — Handwritten, Illuminate, Shawn Mendes, and Wonder (2020) — debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. His collaboration with Camila Cabello, "Señorita," became a worldwide chart-topper and earned a Grammy nomination, while "Monster," his duet with Justin Bieber, also became a major hit.

Over his career, Mendes has won 13 SOCAN Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, 8 Juno Awards, 8 iHeartRadio MMVAs, and 2 American Music Awards, along with three Grammy nominations, one Brit Award nomination, and a place on the Time 100 list in 2018. If you enjoy reading about pop hitmakers, check out the Tate McRae biography for another Canadian pop success story.

In 2022, Mendes cut his Wonder world tour short after just seven shows, stepping back to focus on his mental health. He returned in 2024 with a series of intimate For Friends and Family Only concerts and released his fifth studio album, Shawn, in November 2024 — a folk-leaning record reflecting that quieter chapter. He followed it with the On The Road Again tour in 2025. In 2026, he released Illuminate (10th Anniversary Edition) on September 25, 2026, featuring unreleased 2016 demos and 2025 live recordings, and was named a Gucci brand ambassador. No sixth studio album has been announced. Fans of pop comebacks may also like the Britney Spears biography, and for the latest pop releases, see Tate McRae announces new single ‘Housewife’.

Personal Life

Mendes dated fellow singer Camila Cabello from 2019 until their split in November 2021. He lives in Toronto, Canada. Beyond music, he voiced the character Lyle in the animated film Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022) and was the subject of two Netflix documentaries released in 2020. For more young stars making waves in music and film, read the Freya Skye biography.

Watch the Official Video

Watch the official music video for "Stitches," the breakout hit that made Shawn Mendes a global star:

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Shawn Mendes?

Shawn Mendes was born on August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, which makes him 28 years old.

What is his biggest song?

"Stitches" was his international breakthrough and reached number one in the UK, while "Señorita," his collaboration with Camila Cabello, became his biggest global hit and earned a Grammy nomination.

How many albums does he have?

He has released five studio albums: Handwritten (2015), Illuminate (2016), Shawn Mendes (2018), Wonder (2020), and Shawn (2024). His first four albums all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

Did he take a break from touring?

Yes. In 2022, he cut the Wonder world tour short after seven shows to focus on his mental health. He returned to the stage in 2024 with intimate For Friends and Family Only concerts and launched the On The Road Again tour in 2025.