Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shawn Mendes

1989: Opening for Taylor Swift's 1989 World Tour

In 2015, Shawn Mendes opened for Taylor Swift during 1989 World Tour dates for North America.

November 2013: Discovered by Andrew Gertler

In November 2013, artist manager Andrew Gertler discovered Shawn Mendes online.

2013: Gaining Popularity on Vine

In 2013, Shawn Mendes started gaining a following by posting song covers on the video-sharing platform Vine.

January 2014: Introduction to Island Records

In January 2014, Andrew Gertler brought Shawn Mendes to Island Records.

May 2014: Signing to Island Records

In May 2014, Shawn Mendes officially signed to Island Records.

June 26, 2014: Release of "Life of the Party"

On June 26, 2014, Shawn Mendes released his first single "Life of the Party".

July 12, 2014: "Life of the Party" Debut on Billboard Hot 100

On July 12, 2014, Shawn Mendes became the youngest to debut in the top 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Life of the Party".

August 2014: Third Most-Followed Musician on Vine

By August 2014, Shawn Mendes became the third most-followed musician on Vine.

September 5, 2014: "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)" Release

On September 5, 2014, "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)" featuring Shawn Mendes was released as a single from The Vamps' debut album.

November 6, 2014: "Something Big" Release

On November 6, 2014, Shawn Mendes released "Something Big" as his second single.

2014: Launch of "Notes from Shawn" Campaign

In 2014, Shawn Mendes and DoSomething.org launched their campaign called "Notes from Shawn", encouraging fans to write positive notes to address low self-esteem, depression, and awareness of self-harm.

2014: Signing with Island Records and Debut EP

In 2014, Shawn Mendes signed a deal with Island Records after catching the attention of Andrew Gertler and Ziggy Chareton and released his self-titled debut EP.

April 14, 2015: Handwritten Album Release and Debut at Number One

On April 14, 2015, Shawn Mendes released his full-length album 'Handwritten', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

2015: Relaunch of "Notes from Shawn" Campaign

In 2015, Shawn Mendes and DoSomething.org relaunched their campaign called "Notes from Shawn" for the second year in a row, hashtagged online as NotesFromShawn.

2015: Handwritten Album Release

In 2015, Shawn Mendes released his debut studio album 'Handwritten', which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

2015: "I Know What You Did Last Summer" Release with Camila Cabello

In 2015, Shawn Mendes released the song "I Know What You Did Last Summer" with Camila Cabello.

January 21, 2016: Acting Debut on The 100

On January 21, 2016, Shawn Mendes made his acting debut on The CW's The 100 third-season premiere.

March 2016: Shawn Mendes World Tour Announcement

In March 2016, Shawn Mendes announced his second world tour as a headliner, the Shawn Mendes World Tour.

June 2016: "Treat You Better" Release

In June 2016, Shawn Mendes released "Treat You Better", the lead single from his second studio album.

August 18, 2016: "Mercy" Released as Second Single

On August 18, 2016, Shawn Mendes released "Mercy" as the second single from Illuminate.

September 23, 2016: Illuminate Album Release

On September 23, 2016, Shawn Mendes released his album, Illuminate, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

December 2016: Live at Madison Square Garden Album Release

In December 2016, Shawn Mendes released the live album 'Live at Madison Square Garden'.

2016: Relaunch of "Notes from Shawn" Campaign for Third Year

In 2016, Shawn Mendes and DoSomething.org relaunched their campaign called "Notes from Shawn" for a third consecutive year.

2016: Signing with Wilhelmina Models

In 2016, Shawn Mendes signed with Wilhelmina Models, marking a step into the modeling industry.

2016: Illuminate Album Debut

In 2016, Shawn Mendes's second album, 'Illuminate', debuted at number one in the US.

April 2017: Illuminate World Tour

In April 2017, Shawn Mendes embarked on his Illuminate World Tour.

April 20, 2017: "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" Release

On April 20, 2017, Shawn Mendes released the single "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back", which was included on his Illuminate deluxe edition.

June 2017: Runway Walk for Emporio Armani

In June 2017, Shawn Mendes walked the runway during the "Emporio Armani Spring 2018" show in Milan, Italy.

August 2017: Three Number-One Songs on Billboard Adult Pop Songs Chart

In August 2017, Shawn Mendes became the first artist under 20 years old to have three number-one songs on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart.

August 2017: Launch of Shawn Mendes Signature Fragrance

In August 2017, Shawn Mendes launched his first fragrance, Shawn Mendes Signature, designed for both women and men.

September 2017: Creation of Mexico Earthquake Relief Fund

In September 2017, after witnessing the earthquake in Mexico City, Shawn Mendes created the Mexico Earthquake Relief Fund and donated $100,000 towards relief efforts.

November 2017: Three Number-One Songs on Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart

In November 2017, Shawn Mendes became the first artist to have three number-one songs on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart before turning 20 years old.

March 22, 2018: "In My Blood" Release

On March 22, 2018, Shawn Mendes released "In My Blood" as the lead single from his upcoming third studio album.

April 21, 2018: Performance for Queen Elizabeth II

On April 21, 2018, Shawn Mendes performed at a televised concert honouring the 92nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

May 25, 2018: Self-Titled Studio Album Release

On May 25, 2018, Shawn Mendes's self-titled studio album was released, debuting at number one in both Canada and the US.

June 6, 2018: Named Ambassador for Emporio Armani Watch Collection

On June 6, 2018, Shawn Mendes was announced as the ambassador for Emporio Armani's entire "Fall Winter 2018-2019" watch collection.

July 2018: Publication of Mendes Wearing EA Connected Smartwatches

In July 2018, photographs of Shawn Mendes wearing the new EA Connected smartwatches were published on social media.

August 2018: Launch of Shawn Signature II Fragrance

In August 2018, Shawn Mendes launched his second fragrance, Shawn Signature II, also made for both men and women.

September 2018: Participation in Global Citizen Festival

In September 2018, Shawn Mendes took part in the annual Global Citizen Festival held at Central Park, New York City, raising awareness regarding education and children's access to education.

October 2018: Release of "Under Pressure" Cover for Charity

In October 2018, Shawn Mendes, with Teddy Geiger, released a cover of Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure", with proceeds donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust to fight HIV/AIDS.

October 20, 2018: Performance at "We Can Survive" Event

On October 20, 2018, Shawn Mendes performed at The Hollywood Bowl for the "We Can Survive" event, raising funds for Young Survival Coalition to support young women diagnosed with breast cancer.

2018: Self-Titled Album Release

In 2018, Shawn Mendes released his self-titled third studio album, supported by the single 'In My Blood', achieving his third number-one album in the US.

2018: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Performance

In 2018, Shawn Mendes was announced as one of the musical performers for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

2018: Partnership with Omaze to Support WE Schools Program

In 2018, Shawn Mendes worked with Omaze to raise funds through donations to support the WE Schools program, aiming to support youth through educational services and mentorship.

February 16, 2019: Announcement as Calvin Klein Brand Ambassador

On February 16, 2019, Shawn Mendes announced that he was the latest brand ambassador for Calvin Klein's #MyCalvins campaign.

May 3, 2019: "If I Can't Have You" Release

On May 3, 2019, Shawn Mendes released the single "If I Can't Have You" along with its music video.

June 21, 2019: "Señorita" Release with Camila Cabello

On June 21, 2019, Shawn Mendes released "Señorita" with Camila Cabello, marking their second collaboration.

July 27, 2019: Deluxe Edition of Shawn Mendes Album Released

On July 27, 2019, the deluxe edition of Shawn Mendes was released, including the songs "If I Can't Have You" and "Señorita".

August 2019: Partnership with Tim Hortons

In August 2019, Shawn Mendes announced a partnership with Canadian-based food chain Tim Hortons, featuring in a commercial and on beverage cups.

August 2019: Launch of the Shawn Mendes Foundation

In August 2019, Shawn Mendes announced the launch of the Shawn Mendes Foundation, aiming to empower youth to bring about positive change.

August 26, 2019: "Señorita" Peaked at Number One

On August 26, 2019, "Señorita" peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Mendes's first chart-topping single.

September 6, 2019: First Performance at Rogers Centre

On September 6, 2019, Shawn Mendes had his first performance at the Rogers Centre.

2019: Self-Titled World Tour

In 2019, Shawn Mendes embarked on his self-titled world tour, performing at music festivals across Europe, North America, and South America.

2019: "Señorita" Release and Chart Success

In 2019, Shawn Mendes released the hit singles "If I Can't Have You" and "Señorita", with "Señorita" peaking atop the US Billboard Hot 100.

January 8, 2020: Donation to Australian Fire Relief

On January 8, 2020, Shawn Mendes and his Shawn Mendes Foundation donated to causes helping those impacted by the Australian fires.

March 2020: Donation to Toronto's SickKids Foundation

In March 2020, Shawn Mendes and The Shawn Mendes Foundation donated $175,000 to Toronto's SickKids Foundation for COVID-19 relief.

March 2020: Participation in iHeart Media's Living Room Concert

In March 2020, Shawn Mendes participated in iHeart Media's Living Room Concert for America to raise awareness and funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Participation in Global Citizen Festival's Together at Home

In April 2020, Shawn Mendes participated in Global Citizen Festival's Together at Home virtual concert to raise funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Participation in Black Lives Matter Protests

In May 2020, Shawn Mendes, alongside Camila Cabello, joined protests in Miami for racial justice after the murder of George Floyd.

September 30, 2020: Wonder Album Announcement

On September 30, 2020, Shawn Mendes announced that his fourth studio album, Wonder, would be released on December 4.

November 16, 2020: Announcement of "Monster" Collaboration

On November 16, 2020, Shawn Mendes announced his collaboration with Justin Bieber on the track "Monster", which would be the second single from his album Wonder.

November 20, 2020: Release of "Monster" and Music Video

On November 20, 2020, Shawn Mendes released the single "Monster", a collaboration with Justin Bieber, along with its music video. The song would later peak at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100.

December 2020: Announcement of Wonder Grants

In December 2020, Shawn Mendes and the Shawn Mendes Foundation announced Wonder Grants in partnership with Google, awarding them to young changemakers.

2020: Wonder Album Release

In 2020, Shawn Mendes released his fourth studio album, 'Wonder', making him the youngest male artist to top the Billboard 200 with four studio albums.

January 2021: Partnership with Chipotle for "Wonder Grants"

In January 2021, Chipotle partnered with Shawn Mendes and his foundation to launch "Wonder Grants" supporting young innovators, as well as a "Shawn Mendes Bowl".

May 2021: Donation to COVID-19 Relief in India

In May 2021, Shawn Mendes donated $50,000 through the organization Give India to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

June 2021: Signed Open Letter to United States Congress Urging Passage of the Equality Act

In June 2021, Shawn Mendes signed an open letter to the United States Congress, urging lawmakers to pass the Equality Act to protect marginalized communities.

August 20, 2021: Release of "Summer of Love"

On August 20, 2021, Shawn Mendes released "Summer of Love" with Tainy.

September 23, 2021: Announcement of Wonder: The World Tour

On September 23, 2021, Shawn Mendes announced his Wonder: The World Tour, spanning North America, the United Kingdom, and Europe with 64 dates.

November 30, 2021: Announcement of "It'll Be Okay" Release

On November 30, 2021, Shawn Mendes announced the release of his new single, "It'll Be Okay", for the next day.

March 14, 2022: Start of Wonder: The World Tour

On March 14, 2022, Shawn Mendes started his Wonder: The World Tour at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.

March 20, 2022: Premiere of "When You're Gone" at SXSW

On March 20, 2022, Shawn Mendes premiered his new song "When You're Gone" during his performance at SXSW 2022.

October 7, 2022: Release of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

On October 7, 2022, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, in which Shawn Mendes voiced the title character, was released in the United States.

February 2023: Named Brand Ambassador for David Yurman

In February 2023, Shawn Mendes was unveiled as the latest brand ambassador for luxury jewelry brand David Yurman, appearing in the brand's 2023 campaign.

June 9, 2023: Release of "What the Hell Are We Dying For?"

On June 9, 2023, Shawn Mendes released "What the Hell Are We Dying For?" as a charity single.

June 2023: Collaboration with David Yurman for Foundation

In June 2023, Shawn Mendes announced his collaboration with David Yurman to design a woven hemp bracelet, with proceeds benefiting his foundation.

March 2024: Announcement of Return to Solo Live Performance

In March 2024, Shawn Mendes announced his first solo live performance since canceling his world tour, headlining the Rock in Rio festival in September. He also announced he was working on his fifth studio album.

August 8, 2024: Start of Intimate Concert Tour and Release of Singles

On August 8, 2024, Shawn Mendes started an intimate concert tour and released two singles from his new album.

October 18, 2024: Original Release Date for "Shawn" album

Shawn Mendes originally scheduled his self-titled album, "Shawn" for release on October 18, 2024.

October 24, 2024: Conclusion of Intimate Concert Tour

On October 24, 2024, Shawn Mendes concluded his intimate concert tour in Seattle.

November 2024: Fifth Studio Album Release

In November 2024, Shawn Mendes released his eponymous fifth studio album, which explored the folk genre and received positive reception but lesser commercial success than its predecessors.