AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM RELEASE, SHAWN MENDES TEASES IT AND NEW SINGLE ARE ABOUT SOMEONE HE’S “NOT DATING... THE TIMING ISN’T RIGHT”. OPENS UP THERE’S A “PERFECT GIRL” AND HE “DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT”
TMZ - October 20, 2020
Shawn Mendes has had us tentatively clutching our hearts as his latest single debuted last week, making several appearances on radio stations worldwide and not staying completely tight lipped about a ‘special someone’.
Mr Singer-songwriter split from ‘Senorita’ duet partner, Camila Cabello, last February. Cabello has since been spotted with ex-ex-boyfriend, Matthew Hussey, attending his sister’s wedding, strolling in Malibu and looking loved up in Cabo San Lucas.
Appearances from Mendes since February have been sparse, with one source claiming ‘he was [really] broken up about it. He had to go back home to Toronto. Then he was trying to find his roots in his new home in LA, and he just wanted to be in the studio.’ A second source diverged from this point of view. ‘He wasn’t as torn up as some people thought. He’s young and successful. There was a lot of partying with models and just having a good time while he wasn’t touring.’
Whatever he’s been up to since the Summer, it seems that ‘in the studio’ has been part of it, with his new album ‘Wonder’ set to be released on December 4.
Speaking on air about his latest single of the same name, Mendes opened up about some of the inspiration behind the lead track and record.
“I think it’s about... really growing in the last year, not just as a musician but as a person. It’s really a reflection of that and that whole journey. And it’s about... love. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters and what really unites us as humans. Throughout all of the painful experiences and more. And I think.... when you go through a tough time or heartache or lose something you thought was really meant to be, it can shine a light on who’s always been there for you... who’s always had your best interests at heart... even if, you know, you’re not always texting all the time or texting every single day.”
When asked if he was alluding to having found one special someone who’d inspired the album, Mendes seemed tentative but willing to share.
“There’s... definitely a girl who inspired it. Kind of top to finish, and I wasn’t even expecting that. It was definitely unexpected.”
When UK Heart Radio’s Amanda Holden jokingly apologised to listeners on air the Canadian heartthrob was taken, Mendes was quick to step in. “We’re not dating... unfortunately.”
Co-host Jamie Theakston was baffled, quipping it was one of several albums the mystery lady needed to turn a ‘hard no’ into a ‘maybe’. Mendes joined in on the light-hearted banter, stating “if anyone was that sassy, it’d be her” and that he was “planning on writing fourteen in total to see if she changed her mind”. The ‘Wonder’ singer later rectified, “[it’s] just really bad timing. The timing isn’t right. Sometimes it’s about being patient and waiting it out. Showing someone that you’re always going to be there for them, no matter what. It’s not just about you, and when someone has your best interests at heart, then you’ve got to have their best interests at heart, too. When it’s not the right timing for them, then it’s not the right timing.”
When pressed for further details, the pop singer was evasive.
But trust America’s own Ryan Seacrest to uncover further details with his famed earnest approach. Quoting the above former segments of interview, Seacrest suggested Mendes describe the ‘mystery special someone’ for those who didn’t know her in a few vague sentences that wouldn’t give her away.
“She’s... so special. Kind, warm, caring. A true friend. And I think I didn’t always see that for what it was. Not to the extent that I should’ve, anyway. She’s really the perfect girl... and I kind of messed up, maybe because of that, and I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Mendes was spotted looking close and comfortable with South Korean model HoYeon Jung at a cafe in West Hollywood last month, fuelling the rumor mill.
As for whether the Canadian star is hoping a love album will reunite him with Cabello, Mendes at least seemed to want to lay those rumors to rest. “That’s... a chapter of my life that’s important but just isn’t a part of my present anymore. If that’s what I was hoping for, I’d be in for a sad few years. She’s really happy, and I’m happy for her. We’ll always be friends, and I’m grateful I could learn so much from her.”
If Mendes was trying to get us hyped for this next album, he’s succeeded. We have to admit, there’s nothing we love more than a pining musician and a slowly unfolding love story! Well, so long as it’s not too slow. Hurry up, Shawn, or mystery girl will be taken! Perhaps a public declaration on Jimmy Fallon or in an AMAs acceptance speech is in the stars?