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Shawn Mendes enjoyed a summer that left a lasting impression on his career. After releasing his debut EP, The Shawn Mendes EP, the collection rocketed to the top of iTunes Top Album chart within 37 minutes. His lead single Life Of The Party followed, helping Mendes become the youngest artist to debut in the Top 25 of the Billboard Top 100. The season also highlighted a growing global fan base and a return to Canada to perform at The Next Star Finale.
With millions of followers on Vine, Mendes built fans all around the world. He returned to Canada to perform at The Next Star Finale, reminding fans that his roots stay close to home even as he climbs higher.
A candid interview covered preshow rituals, advice for the winner, and the moment of being surprised by Ellen.
How did Mendes prepare for tonight’s performance?
Mendes explained that when big moments arrive, he tries not to overthink them. The more relaxed he enters the stage, the better the performance. He did not sing the song countless times. Although the summer on tour kept him busy and he practiced daily for months, he stays calm and avoids letting stress win.
What advice would he offer the winner of The Next Star?
His message centers on staying true to oneself and remaining humble. He emphasizes never forgetting the people who helped him become who he is and reach his goals because that support matters most.
How did he start performing on stage after posting covers on Vine?
It began almost unexpectedly. He joined a venture called Magcon, where he would perform two songs on a stage now and then, and meet-and-greets followed. As months passed, he did more and more performances, and the pace only grew.
You have an EP that came out this summer. You wrote three of the songs on the album; is there a particular track you connect with most?
Show You stands out for Mendes. The meaning behind it is that there will always be someone who tries to tell you that you cannot do this. Many doubted his ability to handle the stress because he is young, or because others thought he was not the right person to lead certain teams. The song is empowering and uplifting when he sings it, and it makes him proud to perform.
The unique thing about you is it is just you and your guitar on stage. As you continue to grow as an artist, do you hope to keep this format?
One hundred percent. He would love to have a band in the future, but the stripped-down version with just him and the guitar feels incredibly real and authentic all the time.
You have a Life On The Road series on YouTube, what can fans expect from that?
It offers backstage footage and a real look at the work behind the scenes. It’s not just about touring; it’s about sharing the grind and the progress that goes into every show, so fans know what has actually happened behind the curtain.
You were recently on Ellen, how was that experience?
Going on Ellen was a dream come true, a moment of inspiration that fueled his ambition. Meeting the host and stepping onto the show felt incredibly meaningful and unforgettable in his career.
Ellen also did her famous scare prank on you. What was it like getting scared by Ellen?
The setup involved a quick Vine tease and a camera moment. She jumped out while he was talking to fans, creating a surprise that felt planned but was still genuinely startling in the moment. It was memorable and a bit shocking, in the best way possible.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Before every show, Mendes touches the head of his tour manager for luck, joking about the latter’s receding hairline and hoping for a smooth performance.
You have over 3 million followers on Vine, so you must be doing something right! What goes into making a great Vine?
Be yourself on Vine. There is no room for pretending to be someone else. If what you post is truly funny or reflects what you love to sing, people will connect. When the content is real, it resonates more deeply. Be yourself, because that is the best approach.
Earlier in the summer you were on tour with Austin Mahone. We were there at the Toronto show, and the energy from the fans was wild. What was that experience like?
It felt surreal. Each time he stepped onto the stage, the vibe was hard to describe and impossible to explain in words. The energy was electric and unforgettable.
What’s next for you?
The focus is on the album. He is actively working on a full LP, aiming to deliver a project close to the EP in spirit but with bigger, bolder tracks. Something substantial is on the horizon.
Message for Canadian fans?
He sends a heartfelt thank you for all the support and love from home. It means everything to him to have loyal fans in Canada.
End of interview.
Shawn announced a headline tour that year, with a Canadian stop in Toronto. Ticket details were released and fans could secure a meet-and-greet with Shawn through early-bird options.
Ticket information was shared through official channels.