Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter, has taken a step back from the spotlight since the release of his 2020 album Wonder to enjoy life. However, he is now making a comeback with the release of three new singles—“Nobody Knows,” “Why Why Why,” and “Isn’t That Enough”—and a new album titled Shawn set to release in October. Mendes describes the album as a way to heal his wounds surrounding making music by stripping everything back to his core self. He performed “Nobody Knows” with friends Mike Sabath and Eddie Benjamin at the 2024 MTV VMAs, marking his return to the stage.
Returning to a star-studded event like the VMAs was both beautiful and terrifying for Mendes, who admits to feeling nerves about releasing his new music and seeing what people think. For his red carpet appearance at the VMAs, Mendes wore a sleek all-black suit from Dolce & Gabbana with crochet-style trim, inspired by Johnny Cash. On stage, Mendes took off his jacket to reveal a silky shirt and layered necklaces, showcasing a pared-back vibe that suited his raw and acoustic sound. His performance was simple, featuring three humans, three instruments, and three voices, all completely live and raw, bringing a bit of rock and roll energy to the stage.
Mendes expresses pride in being able to collaborate with his friends and create music that came from the soul, especially after taking time for himself to reflect and heal. He views this new era as a return to his true self and a chance to share his music and emotions with his fans. The singer-songwriter’s main goal with this new album is to connect with his audience on a deeper level and share the experiences and emotions that have shaped his life in recent years.
Mendes’s performance at the VMAs was met with praise for its authenticity and stripped-back simplicity, highlighting his talent as a musician and performer. The singer’s ability to connect with his audience and convey raw emotion through his music was evident on stage, showcasing his growth and maturity as an artist. Mendes’s return to the spotlight with his new music and album marks a significant milestone in his career, as he continues to evolve and explore new aspects of his artistry.
Overall, Mendes’s VMAs night was a triumphant return to the stage, showcasing his authentic and heartfelt performances in front of a live audience. The singer’s focus on healing and self-reflection during his time away from the spotlight has led to a new era of music that is deeply personal and meaningful to both him and his fans. With the release of his new album, Shawn, Mendes is poised to captivate audiences once again with his raw talent and emotional depth.
