Shawn Mendes Announces His Return to the Stage and a New Album after 2-Year Hiatus

Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes is ready to step back into the spotlight with a headline festival performance and some brand-new music.

The 25-year-old singer took to Instagram on Thursday to share the exciting news, noting: "It's been a really long time since I last played live and I'm so excited to share that I'll be headlining Rock In Rio on Sept 22nd. I’ve missed being on stage and seeing you all in person so much!".

Mendes added, "I’ve also been working on a new album and I can’t wait to play these new songs live for you. See you there. eu te amo!!!!".

The announcement comes a few days after Mendes made a brief return to the stage for a surprise performance with Niall Horan in London.  

Horan, 30, was playing a stop on The Show: Live on Tour, and shocked fans by calling on the "Stitches" singer to join him.

"Welcome to the stage, my little big brother, Shawn Mendes," Horan said as the audience went wild over the unexpected guest.

The duo performed a duet rendition of Mendes' hit single "Treat You Better", and Horan celebrated the appearance with a hearty "That’s my boy!" as Mendes exited after the number.

The news comes nearly two years after Mendes canceled his planned world tour in 2022 to focus on his mental health and well-being. 

In January, the 25-year-old "Wonder" singer took to Instagram to share reflections on his personal growth over the past year.

He posted a video of himself singing along to a harmonium and expressed how this practice helped him cope with anxiety and fear. 

Mendes revealed that allowing himself to sing without the need for perfection became a source of comfort, emphasizing the beauty in the interplay between "right" and "wrong" notes.

"I realized there were only moments of bliss and euphoria from the 'right' notes BECAUSE of the 'wrong' notes," he noted. "The only reason I can sing in key is because I've learned to listen."

Mendes also shared that his most significant lesson in 2023 was to accept and welcome the lows of life as well as not to constantly seek change to regain a sense of high.