Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello have navigated one of pop music’s most closely watched relationships, evolving from musical collaborators to romantic partners and ultimately to lasting friends. Their journey began in 2014 when they first met as rising young artists and continued through chart-topping duets, a public romance, and a mutual decision to preserve their bond beyond romance.
The Early Years of Friendship and First Collaboration
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello first crossed paths in 2014 while both were establishing themselves in the music industry. Mendes had gained recognition through Vine, while Cabello was finding success as a member of Fifth Harmony. Their friendship developed naturally as they moved in similar circles and connected over their shared experiences as young artists navigating fame.
In 2015, the pair released their first collaboration, “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The track was accompanied by a 15-second YouTube teaser that immediately sparked curiosity among their growing fan bases. The duet marked the beginning of their creative partnership and deepened their personal connection, though they remained firmly in the friend zone at that time.
Cabello later reflected on this early period, describing their dynamic as complicated. She told Rolling Stone that while recording their first duet, she “really bonded with him as more than a friend.” She acknowledged that Mendes likely felt the same way, but both were young and unsure how to handle their feelings. “An energy was there from the beginning,” she explained, though they did not act on it romantically until years later.
The Breakthrough Success of Señorita
In June 2019, Mendes and Cabello released “Señorita,” their second duet together. The song quickly became a global phenomenon, debuting at number one on iTunes in 95 countries. It achieved the biggest single-day debut of a male-female duet in Spotify history and reached over 1.4 billion combined streams. The track also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Mendes’ first number one and Cabello’s second.
The song’s music video featured undeniable chemistry between the two, fueling widespread speculation about their relationship status. A source told Us Weekly that Mendes and Cabello had started as friends but that their feelings had deepened over time. What began as a “fun, lighthearted summer fling-type situation” was evolving into something more serious.
The pair officially confirmed their romance in September 2019 at the MTV Video Music Awards, appearing together publicly as a couple. Throughout the summer, they were spotted kissing in multiple locations, including San Francisco, Miami, Montreal, and Mendes’ hometown of Toronto. Cabello even took to social media to dismiss breakup rumors, posting a screenshot of a false story with the caption asking Mendes when he was going to tell her they had split.
Their Public Romance and Life as a Couple
Following their public confirmation, Mendes and Cabello became one of pop music’s most visible couples. They supported each other’s careers, appeared together at events, and shared glimpses of their relationship on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they quarantined together, further strengthening their bond.
Their relationship extended beyond the public eye to include deep friendship. They had known each other for over five years before turning romantic, creating a foundation of trust and shared experience. Cabello addressed the breakup publicly in March 2022, explaining that her priorities had shifted during their time together. She described focusing on becoming a well-rounded person while working on her album Familia.
| Field | Shawn Mendes | Camila Cabello |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Shawn Peter Raul Mendes | Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao |
| Age | 27 (born August 8, 1998) | 28 (born March 3, 1997) |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Havana, Cuba |
| Nationality | Canadian | Cuban-American |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, musician | Singer, songwriter |
| Height | Approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) | Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Education | Attended Pine Ridge Secondary School in Pickering, Ontario; did not complete due to music career | Attended Palmetto High School in Miami, Florida; did not complete due to music career |
| Years Active | 2013–present | 2012–present |
| Notable Works | “Stitches,” “Treat You Better,” “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” “Señorita” (with Cabello), albums Handwritten, Illuminate, Shawn Mendes, Wonder | “Havana,” “Never Be the Same,” “Señorita” (with Mendes), “Bam Bam,” albums Camila, Romance, Familia, C,XOXO |
| Awards | 2 Grammy nominations, 13 SOCAN Awards, 9 MTV Europe Music Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 8 Juno Awards | 2 Grammy nominations, 5 Latin Grammy nominations, 2 MTV Europe Music Awards, 2 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards, 1 BMI Latin Award |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $40 million (as of 2024) | Estimated at $18 million (as of 2024) |
| Spouse or Partner | No publicly confirmed spouse; previously in an on-and-off relationship with Camila Cabello (2019–2021, briefly 2023) | No publicly confirmed spouse; previously in an on-and-off relationship with Shawn Mendes (2019–2021, briefly 2023) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @shawnmendes; Twitter/X: @ShawnMendes | Instagram: @camila_cabello; Twitter/X: @Camila_Cabello |
The First Breakup and Joint Statement
In November 2021, Mendes and Cabello announced their split in a joint statement shared on their Instagram stories. They wrote that they had “decided to end our romantic relationship but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever.” The statement emphasized that they had started as best friends and would continue in that capacity, asking fans for support as they moved forward.
Their last public sighting together before the announcement was on November 3, 2021, during a beach day in Miami. The breakup appeared mutual and amicable, with both artists maintaining respect for one another despite ending their romantic partnership.
The Brief Reconciliation at Coachella
In April 2023, fans were surprised when video surfaced of Mendes and Cabello kissing at the Coachella music festival. The footage showed them embracing while watching a performance, sparking immediate speculation that they had rekindled their romance. Social media quickly filled with reactions, with many fans celebrating what they called the return of “Shawnmila.”
Cabello later reflected on this decision during her March 2024 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She described herself as impulsive when it comes to following her feelings, preferring to act and see what happens rather than wonder “what if.” She acknowledged that their brief reconciliation was heavily documented but called it “a fun time” and “a fun moment.”
Their reunion did not last long, however. Following their Coachella appearance, the pair were seen attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour together and holding hands in New York City, but they ultimately decided that getting back together was not the right path.
Why Their Second Split Was Different
Cabello explained that their second breakup was less of a decision and more of a mutual recognition that the relationship did not feel right. She told Cooper that it took both of them less time to realize they did not need to force the relationship to work. “It’s all good, let’s move on,” she recalled, describing the maturity that came with ending things without resentment.
Throughout the Call Her Daddy interview, Cabello spoke warmly about her ex. She expressed that she will always care about him and love him, noting that some people have terrible exes while she considers herself lucky to have had a kind and good person in Mendes. Her comments reflected a relationship that had evolved beyond romance into genuine friendship and mutual respect.
Maintaining Their Friendship Today
Mendes has also spoken about his ongoing connection with Cabello. In a September 2024 appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, he emphasized that they maintain a deep respect for each other. He described himself as lucky that she is an understanding, thoughtful, and caring person, which makes communication between them easy and natural.
Mendes elaborated on how they protect their friendship despite public scrutiny. He noted that no matter how mentally strong a person is, it is difficult not to be affected when millions of people are commenting on a relationship. Still, he and Cabello have managed to preserve what he called their “private little fire of love for each other.”
In a November 2024 interview with Apple Music 1, Mendes shared that while they have not been as close in recent years, they truly know each other. He explained that they can see through the noise and understand each other’s hearts easily, a comfort that comes from having spent so much time together.
The Mature Conclusion of a High-Profile Relationship
The story of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello stands out in celebrity culture for its relatively drama-free trajectory. They met as teenagers, became friends, worked together professionally, fell in love, and eventually decided that a romantic partnership was not their destiny. Throughout each phase, they have maintained a level of respect and care that is uncommon among former couples in the public eye.
Their ability to prioritize friendship over ego or public perception has allowed them to remain in each other’s lives without the bitterness that often follows high-profile breakups. Cabello confirmed that they are on good terms, and Mendes has expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing that they see through each other clearly.
The pair has demonstrated that relationships can evolve without ending in animosity. Their journey from collaborators to lovers to friends offers a model for navigating personal connections in the spotlight. While the romantic chapter of their relationship has closed, the mutual respect and understanding they cultivated over nearly a decade remains intact.Are Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello still friends?
Yes, they remain close friends. In a 2024 interview, Shawn Mendes stated that Camila Cabello is still one of the most important people in his life and that he would call her first in a crisis . He also emphasized that they have preserved their “private little fire of love for each other” .
When did Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello get back together?
They briefly reconciled in April 2023 after being spotted kissing at the Coachella music festival . The reunion followed their initial breakup in November 2021, which they announced in a joint statement.
Why did Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello break up the second time?
Their second split was mutual and came from a recognition that the relationship did not feel right. Camila Cabello explained on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast that it took them both less time to realize they were forcing something that was not working and that it was better to move on .
What did Shawn Mendes say about his relationship with Camila Cabello?
Shawn Mendes has spoken openly about their enduring bond, describing their relationship as “true love, though confusing and hard” . He has also called her an “amazing person” who is “incredibly understanding and caring” and considers himself lucky to have her in his life .
What happened between Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello?
Their relationship evolved from a friendship and musical collaboration into a public romance that began in 2019 . They broke up in November 2021 , briefly rekindled things in 2023, and then split again for good . Despite the breakups, they have maintained a strong and supportive friendship .
