In a surprising turn of events, our cherished heartthrob Shawn Mendes has disclosed an astounding secret in his brand-new single, “Why Why Why”—the 26-year-old sensation thought he was about to become a father! As he prepares to release his highly anticipated self-titled album, Mendes has offered an intimate glimpse into his personal life and a moment that has him “shook to the core.” The stuff of classic male pop star fantasies and nightmarish tabloid fodder becomes lyrical fodder for Mendes, who opens up about a life-altering moment with uncharacteristic candor. In the song, he seems to wrestle with the prospect of impending fatherhood, his true feelings about the situation, and what it would have meant for his life, all of which he’s allowed us to interpret in our own way by placing the words on a page.
The track gets into the simmering specifics of his past romances, too. Shawn, who has been romantically linked to superstars like Camila Cabello, Joseline Miranda, and Sabrina Carpenter, doesn’t just scratch the surface of his emotional experience with former loves; he gets right up close and personal. “Sweating through the sheets shaken in bed visions of her naked in my head but I went off and chose myself instead” is one of the more telling lines from his recent single “Choose.” I asked E! to reach out to Shawn’s rep for comment on what may be an unfinished narrative. They did. I still have no clue what Shawn’s story is really about.
Mendes has found the process of making his new album utterly therapeutic, and he has discussed the reasons why. Mendes said that two years ago, he didn’t even know who he was. Just a year ago, the thought of walking into a recording studio sent him into a panic. He described the experience of making this album, and its almost miraculous result of being finished, as “a gift.” He said he could not have done it without the support of his friends and family. Mendes is reflecting on the brutal nature of life and the importance of his small circle as he moves forward. “Trusting a few makes it so much better,” he said. “Plenty of love on this side.”
Shawn’s message to his fans is one of gratitude and warmth, coming straight from the heart. He has always been the type of artist who enjoys a genuine connection with those who support him. That’s what makes his recent revelation all the more surprising. In a new Billboard cover story, the pop star shared that he has been coping with serious issues related to his mental health over the past year, which has profoundly impacted his ability to create. “It’s hard to give your life to something when you’re like, ‘Am I even… do I even love this thing?'” Mendes explained during the interview.
