After releasing his fourth studio album, Wonder, at the end of 2020, Shawn Mendes was ready to head in 2021 living his best life, but with the pandemic still looming, some plans were cancelled. However, Mendes did not stop taking time to reflect on his life and let the world soak in his new album and hear just how in love he is.
Mendes quarantined with his girlfriend, Camila Cabello, and her family, and posted adorable photos of his dog, Tarzan, but he also didn't stop working. Despite not being able to tour this year, he still promoted Wonder, appeared on magazines, celebrated his birthday and worked on new music.
With 2021 being 3/4ths of the way done, Shawn Mendes has a lot to show for this year, including a new song coming out and an upcoming tour. Here's what Shawn Mendes has been up to in 2021 so far.
11 Cut His Hair
After spending some time in quarantine, Shawn Mendes' hair got long, like most of us, and he didn't get a haircut for a long time. When his album, Wonder, came out, it was his first album with long hair. But a few months into the new year, when most haircut places were open again, Mendes went back to his typical short curls. However, we weren't hating the long hair.
10 Spent Time With His Dog
In 2020, many people were lonely and adopted pets. Shawn and Camila were no different. They adopted an adorable golden retriever puppy and they named him Tarzan. Instagram followers of the pair could see the dog grow up right before their eyes. Mendes told People, "I think we’re actually overachievers because we spoke to [Dog Whisperer star] Cesar Millan, and we got a dog trainer. We’re very strict on all the things we have to do. Then when he nips at people we’re like, 'We’re the worst dog parents in the whole world!'"
9 Partnered With Calm
Shawn Mendes has also been a huge advocate for mental health and has said in the past that he struggles with anxiety (see "In My Blood") and uses Calm and other methods to deal with his anxiety. So, to help others with their struggle with anxiety, Mendes partnered with Calm, the #1 app for meditation and sleep, for Mental Health Awareness Month. He was offering free memberships to fans who shared their stories.
8 Got Two New Tattoos
Shawn Mendes is known for getting tattoos for his album, dedicated to his family, and things that are important to him in life. He has wracked up an impressive catalogue of tattoos and even got a new one this year. You cannot see it that well in the photo, but the tattoo says 'Good Boy' in all capital letters. This may be dedicated to his dog or all dogs out there, in fact. Totally swoonworthy! He also got 'Fe' on his right shoulder, which means Faith in Portuguese. We cannot wait to see what he gets next!
7 Hung Out In New York City
In the early summer, Mendes posted many photos of him, Camila and his friends in New York City. No one was really sure what he was there for, but he was there for a bit during this summer. After a day of shopping, he posed on a bench outside of a bakery and captioned it 'sweaty in New York,' which is so relatable because the East Coast has been very hot lately. His girlfriend, friends and fans showered him with compliments on the photos.
6 Celebrated Two Years Of His Relationship
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello broke the internet when photos of them kissing appeared online in July 2019. They have been best friends for a while and after Cabello friendzoned him for years, they finally expressed their feelings for each other and became a couple. About a week before they went public with their relationship, the couple released their smash hit, "Senorita" together, which was the "Song of the Summer." So, this past July 3, they celebrated two years being together, and we can't wait to see their year-three photo.
5 Posed For Magazines
On June 4, Mendes posted three magazine covers that he posed for- Wonderland, which is so fitting for his album, Rollacoaster and Man About Town. Wonderland was a summer edition, but the other two were fall/winter editions. We cannot wait to see the pictures and what he talks about in the article, which is probably new music and touring. You can order any of the issues online on his post.
4 Released 'KESI Remix' With Camilo
A little over six months since his album came out, Shawn Mendes was featured on a new song. He released a remix of the song "KESI," with the original artist Camilo. Mendes had started getting into Latin music with "Senorita," and now got back into it. He sings in Spanish on this song, and many fans were impressed. Camilo wasn't planning on releasing a remix, but after Mendes reached out to him in a DM, it was an immediate yes.
3 Looking Fit In Spain
Mendes has a habit of breaking the internet, and this past summer was no different. He was in Spain with Camila Cabello a few weeks ago, many think because he was filming a music video for his upcoming song, and he posted two photos of him in a bathing suit in Mallorca. The picture currently has 5 million likes and counting. He first broke the internet when he posed in his Calvin Kleins in February 2019. That picture currently has 8.5 million likes.
2 Celebrated His Birthday
Ever since his 21st birthday, it seems like Shawn Mendes has partied it up, and we don't blame him. On August 8, he celebrated his 23rd birthday with Camila Cabello, his friends and family in New York City. Many people shared birthday wishes, including his tour photographer and friend, Connor Brashier and his manager, Andrew Gertler, where they showed videos of him from his past parties.
1 Releasing New Song, 'Summer Of Love'
On his birthday, Shawn Mendes posted about his new song, "Summer of Love," coming out next week. He had teased it before on his Instagram with a small snippet and captions hinting towards the song. The next day, he officially announced the single, which will come out on August 20 with Puerto Rican record producer, Tainy. When you pre-save the single, it takes you to a link for a chance to see Shawn on tour, although he hasn't announced when that will be yet. Will the single be more Latin, or will Mendes stick to his pop roots? We will find out soon enough!