Sizzling Romance Unveiled: A Deep Dive into Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello's Love Journey
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's Relationship Timeline: From collaborators to close friends, their journey has evolved into a whirlwind romance Explore the key moments that shaped their love story
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's friendship blossomed into a passionate relationship in 2019, much to the delight of devoted Shawnmila fans. However, before their eventual breakup, the couple shared numerous heartfelt moments together.
Their story began five years prior when Mendes and Cabello crossed paths while opening for Austin Mahone during a tour. Mendes had recently gained popularity on Vine, while Cabello was still a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony. From their initial meeting, the pair formed a strong bond and supported each other through thick and thin.
The music stars have playfully hinted at their mutual attraction over the years, with one notable moment occurring in 2015. While appearing on The Late Late Show With James Corden in November of that year, Mendes openly shared that he had attempted to make a romantic advance towards Cabello. However, the "Treat You Better" singer humorously revealed that his close friend always manages to dodge his advances.
James Corden, not fully convinced, expressed his disbelief and suggested that there must have been some make-out sessions between the two. Cabello playfully responded by stating that Mendes often puts her in the friend zone and even refers to her as "kid."
The pair, despite their fame as pop stars, choose to keep many aspects of their relationship private. In an interview with Elle in October 2019, the "Havana" singer expressed her indifference towards the opinions of others, stating, "I don't know; people can say whatever they want. They can speculate, but we will continue to live our lives, cherishing our love for each other as if no one is watching. That is the way I want to live. I never want to invite others to feel involved. As I mentioned, I want it to be ours, something we protect."
Scroll down for a look at the pair’s lengthy history — including their 2021 split:
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Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's Relationship Timeline: The Way They Were
The music stars have playfully hinted at their mutual interest for years, and one of the earliest instances of this "will they, won't they" dynamic took place in 2015. During an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden in November of that year, Mendes confessed that he had attempted to make a romantic advance towards Cabello after the show's host inquired about the nature of their relationship. The singer behind "Treat You Better" humorously stated that his close friend "rejects" him every time.
In response to Mendes' admission, James Corden expressed skepticism and suggested that there was no way the two hadn't shared a romantic encounter. Cabello playfully replied, "He sees me only as a friend! He even calls me 'kid!'"
They collaborated on the single "I Know What You Did Last Summer" in 2017, and Mendes expressed his admiration for Cabello in an interview with Beats 1 the next year. Cabello reciprocated the feelings and confessed her love for the singer.
Finally, their relationship took a more official turn when they released the steamy single "Señorita" in June 2019. Shortly after the song's release, Cabello ended her relationship with then-boyfriend Matthew Hussey, and fans started noticing the duo spending a lot of time together. They eventually confirmed their romance the following month.
Despite their fame as pop stars, the couple chooses to maintain a level of privacy regarding their relationship. In an interview with Elle in October 2019, the singer of "Havana" expressed their indifference towards people's opinions and speculations. They emphasized their desire to live their lives authentically, enjoying their connection without the scrutiny of others. The artist values the sanctity of their relationship and intends to safeguard it, which is why they remain tight-lipped about it.
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Mendes and Cabello's paths crossed during their collaboration on Mahone's 2014 tour. In an interview with V magazine in June 2019, the "Havana" singer reminisced about her initial impression of the "Stitches" artist, noting how he was constantly on the tour bus, honing his guitar skills.
Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images for The People's Choice Awards
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November 2015
Months later, Cabello and Mendes joined forces to release a remarkably catchy song that made a splash in the world of modern music: “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” This track not only marked Cabello's first venture as a solo artist outside of Fifth Harmony but also delved into the story of a couple facing a significant obstacle in their relationship, leading them to drift apart.
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April 2018
In a recent interview on "Beats 1," Mendes expressed his deep admiration for Cabello, stating that she is his favorite person in the world. Cabello, visibly touched by his words, took to Twitter to share her emotional response, confessing that she shouldn't be crying at such an early hour and expressing her immense love for him.
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June 2019
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello released their second collaboration, "Señoríta," on June 21. The music video for the song was incredibly sensual and passionate, driving fans of the duo into a frenzy. The seductive lyrics of the track include the lines: "You say we're just friends, but friends don't know the way you taste. It's been a long time coming, so please don't let me fall."
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July 2019
The dynamic between the two seemed to have shifted, as they were initially seen holding hands in West Hollywood and celebrating together on the 4th of July just a day later. This was followed by their joint trip to San Francisco for two upcoming dates on Mendes' tour. During their time there, they were caught on camera sharing a kiss in a local cafe. An observer at the cafe remarked, "They seemed very engrossed in each other. Shawn and Camila were even sharing pancakes."
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July 2019
During an interview with Clash magazine, Cabello expressed her admiration for Mendes on July 12. She revealed that she has always been selective when it comes to forming close friendships, preferring to have only a small number of trusted individuals in her life. Cabello emphasized that it is incredibly rare to meet someone of Mendes' caliber in the entertainment industry, and she believes that he is the person who embodies these qualities for her.
July 2019
The “Never Be the Same” singer was spotted attending Mendes’ Miami tour date on July 28 where a fan filmed her dancing up a storm.
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Mendes and Cabello created a buzz when they were caught cuddling in the ocean in Miami on July 29. Close-up photographs were captured by paparazzi, capturing the couple basking in their summer romance.
July 2019
August 2019
Adding fuel to the romance speculation, Cabello shared a sizzling photograph of herself in a bathtub on Instagram on August 2nd. Accompanying the image, she quoted lyrics from Macy Gray, expressing, "Though I may seem liberated... I am merely captivated by your love."
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August 2019
Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes made headlines when they were caught on camera sharing a passionate kiss at Mendes' 21st birthday bash in Brooklyn, New York, in August 2019. Shortly after the event, Cabello took to Instagram to express her adoration for her beau, posting, “Happy birthday to this incredible person, I adore you!!!!”
Mendes and Cabello nearly locked lips while delivering a mesmerizing performance of their hit song "Señorita" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. The duo went on to graciously accept the esteemed Best Collaboration award.
August 2019
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August 2019
During a backstage Q&A in Connecticut, the singer behind the hit song "If I Can't Have You" gave a glimpse into his relationship. When asked about it, he expressed his reluctance to discuss it openly. He explained that it's not solely his decision to share details as there is another person involved. He emphasized the importance of considering the feelings and wishes of both individuals in the relationship.
September 2019
In an effort to dismiss the speculation surrounding their relationship, the pair decided to embrace the gossip head-on, sharing an Instagram video of their playful and slightly messy make-out session. Mendes playfully quipped, "We simply want to demonstrate our genuine kissing style."
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October 2019
Cabello admitted during an interview with The U.K.’s Capital Breakfast radio show that her feelings for Mendes are strong. “I really, really love him a lot,” she said.
The lovebirds delivered a scorching performance of their provocative single, "Señorita," at the 2019 American Music Awards on November 24. Their undeniable chemistry set the stage ablaze, leaving Taylor Swift and fans everywhere in awe as they came close to sharing a kiss. Later, they were honored with the Collaboration of the Year award for the song. Mendes took to Instagram to express his gratitude, saying, "@amas thank you everyone thank you so much!️ also @camila_cabello i admire you so much you unbelievable human being thank you for being you️️ we love u guys." Cabello also expressed her appreciation, writing, "I love u @shawnmendes thank u for being so there for me yesterday and every other day, u have the most caring and beautiful heart in the world." She also thanked their fans for their support, saying, "Thanks to all our fans for voting, we love and appreciate you guys so much and are so thankful for you️."
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Cabello shared the reasons behind her decision to keep the details of her romance a secret in her October 2019 cover story for Elle. She expressed, "I don't know; people can say whatever they want. They can speculate, but at the same time, we are going to live our own lives, enjoy it, and fall for each other like nobody is watching. That is how I want to live. I never want to open the door for people to feel like they are involved. Like I said, I want it to be mine and [his]. That's why I'm so tight-lipped about it: because I want to protect it."
September 2019
March 2020
To celebrate her 23rd birthday, Mendes organized a magical Cinderella-themed party in England on March 3. The occasion was made even more special as Cabello had recently been chosen to portray the titular character in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved fairy tale, set to release in 2021.
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April 2020
While quarantined together amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple performed a cover of “What a Wonderful World” on the One World: Together at Home TV special on April 18.
May 2020
During the 2020 Kids' Choice Award ceremony on May 2, Cabello caused a stir among her fans with her comment about her and Mendes' plans to create an authentic and playful experience by making their own smile and slime.
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Mendes hinted in a comment on YouTube on October 1 that his fourth album, Wonder, will feature numerous love songs dedicated to Camila. In a later interview on SiriusXM's The Pulse, he expressed gratitude for her support and guidance during the recording process, stating that she should be credited for her valuable advice and encouragement in staying true to his musical vision. As for Camila, she took to Instagram to describe the album as a "beautiful gift to the world."
October 2020
The “My Oh My” songstress tweeted a photo of herself leaping into her beau’s arms on October 22. “Heheheheheh,” she captioned the adorable post.
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October 2020
Shawn Mendes affectionately referred to Camila Cabello as his "reina," the Spanish word for queen, in a snapshot he posted on Instagram on October 27. The photo captured an intimate moment of the couple cozily together in the kitchen.
Credit: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
He went on to say, "However, after a week passes, you find yourself cooking eggs in the morning, doing laundry, and taking dogs for a walk. You develop a routine, even using the same coffee mug every day, and it unexpectedly becomes quite enjoyable. This sense of normalcy may seem commonplace to others, but for me, it is incredibly unusual."
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November 2020
The Canadian singer delighted his fans by introducing them to Tarzan, the adorable puppy owned by the couple. Mendes captured a heartwarming video of Tarzan snuggling up to Cabello in the back seat while he drove them home. Another clip showed Tarzan playfully exploring their house.
Mendes revealed the importance of embracing vulnerability in his relationship with Cabello. In an interview with Alicia Keys on Netflix's YouTube channel, he admitted that he initially lacked vulnerability with his girlfriend. However, he soon realized that by showing his vulnerability, he could deepen their love for each other. Likewise, when Cabello reciprocated and showed her vulnerability, Mendes found himself falling even more in love with her. According to Mendes, vulnerability is the most attractive and beautiful quality in the world.
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November 2020
Cabello reflected on her relationship with Mendes after Thanksgiving, sharing her thoughts on Instagram. In an Instagram photo of the couple kissing, she expressed that she has gained a deeper understanding of love through her experiences with him. She acknowledged that love is not solely about the happy moments captured in pictures and videos. Being in a relationship means confronting one's fears, anxieties, insecurities, thought patterns, beliefs about life, and self. It is not always as effortless as it seems in photos; sometimes, it can be messy, uncomfortable, and even ugly. However, Cabello believes that love has an incredible power to shine light in the darkness and provide the strength needed to become braver, wiser, and better than before.
She emphasized that loving someone is instinctive for humans, despite the mind's attempts to protect us from it. To be in love means choosing that person repeatedly and going through the challenges together. According to Cabello, this journey is far more beautiful, authentic, and genuine than striving for perfection. She advocated for vulnerability on social media, as she believes that it often showcases only the polished and flawless aspects of life, which can leave people feeling lonely and disconnected. Instead, she encouraged embracing the messiness and oddities of being human, celebrating the miraculous, effortless, and unwavering force that is love.
December 2020
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the artist behind the hit song "Monster" revealed that the topic of engagement has been discussed between him and the talented singer of "My Oh My". He expressed his belief that if he is not open to discussing such matters, he would lose interest, emphasizing that when you truly know, you just know.
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December 2020
Following the release of his album Wonder, which drew inspiration from Cabello, Mendes disclosed their holiday plans. He shared, "Camila and I have decided to return to Canada, where we will observe a period of quarantine with my parents and sister, ensuring that we spend Christmas together." Mendes mentioned that their beloved puppy would also be accompanying them during this time.
December 2020
During an interview on the Zach Sang Show in December 2020, the famous singer of "Dream" candidly shared about his family's strong connection with the Miami native. Mendes revealed that his father took an instant liking to Cabello, showcasing his affectionate nature by playfully asking about his "daughter-in-law." Mendes further emphasized that although parents may not fully understand the depth of a relationship, he was certain about their future together and even sought his parents' guidance on the matter.
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December 2020
Mendes and Cabello decided to add a special touch to the deluxe edition of his album Wonder by including their rendition of "The Christmas Song." They even went a step further and brought the holiday classic to life in a heartwarming music video, using their personal home movies. The video captured precious moments of the couple cozying up by a crackling fire, connecting with friends through video chats, embracing the holiday spirit with festive decorations, and enjoying playful moments with their beloved dog, Tarzan.
July 2021
To celebrate their two-year milestone, the Canadian crooner took to social media to share a heartwarming kissing photo with his beloved while they were enjoying a romantic getaway in the Caribbean. Cabello also documented their special trip by posting a series of snapshots, expressing her gratitude for the love and companionship they share on this anniversary. Here's to many more moments filled with happiness, friendship, and love.
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July 2021
Cabello recently shared a lighthearted TikTok video discussing the initial stage of dating when individuals may feel hesitant to openly discuss bodily functions like passing gas or using the toilet. In response, her boyfriend playfully acknowledged the reality by commenting on Instagram, "But you do fart, though."
August 2021
The singer of the hit song "Summer of Love" offered a glimpse into his enduring partnership with the actress from Cinderella during an interview on SiriusXM's The Morning Mash Up. Although he acknowledged that they do have disagreements at times, their solid foundation consistently aids in their reconciliation.
“We have our fair share of disagreements, but what sets us apart is our ability to recognize when our egos are getting in the way,” Mendes shared. “We don't hesitate to call each other out and maintain a relationship built on honesty and openness. As time goes on, it becomes easier to navigate through arguments. So, while we may not always be holding hands, we have a strong connection and things never escalate to a bad place.”
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August 2021
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August 2021
Cabello admitted to James Corden that it was during a November 2015 appearance on his show that she came to terms with her feelings for Mendes.
"He expressed, 'She's the one who doesn't reciprocate my feelings' or something along those lines," reminisced the Cinderella star during an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden in August 2021. "I was deeply infatuated with him, believing that he didn't feel the same way about me."
The ex-Fifth Harmony singer further speculated that their age might have contributed to the misunderstanding, stating, "But look at us now... we have a COVID puppy and I'm pregnant with our COVID puppy."
September 2021
"Congratulations, my love. I am incredibly proud of you," Mendes expressed via Instagram in September after accompanying Cabello to the premiere of Cinderella. "I have never witnessed anyone exert as much effort as you did to show up every day and embody professionalism, kindness, and authenticity. I deeply admire you. This movie is truly remarkable, carrying a beautiful message."
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September 2021
During an appearance on The Late Late Show, the actress revealed that she was “so nervous” before her first date with Mendes that she “took two tequila shots.”
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September 2021
The singers performed their popular duet "Señorita" at the Global Citizen Live festival held in New York City on September 25. In a captivating display, they delighted the audience with their dynamic performance and even shared a momentary kiss, which was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
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“When there is negative content circulating, it inevitably affects one's state of mind," she expressed to the magazine. "Hence, it poses a significant challenge. Personally, I find solace in therapy as it has proven to be exceptionally beneficial.”
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November 2021
After being in a relationship for over two years, the couple revealed on Instagram that they have decided to break up. Mendes and Cabello expressed that although their romantic relationship has ended, their love for each other as individuals remains strong. They emphasized that they initially began their relationship as best friends and will continue to maintain that friendship. The couple expressed their gratitude for the support they have received and assured their fans that they will remain on good terms.
November 2021
In his latest song titled "It'll Be Okay," Mendes seems to acknowledge the end of their relationship as he croons, "If you decide to leave me, I won't make it difficult for you. We can still find solace and acceptance in knowing that everything will be fine. Even if we can't mend our wounds, we don't have to force ourselves to stay. No matter what happens, my love for you will remain unwavering."
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January 2022
Mendes and Cabello were spotted together in Miami after their breakup, taking a leisurely walk in the park with their beloved dog, Tarzan. In a recent Instagram video, Mendes gave fans a sneak peek into his time in the recording studio, prompting Cabello to leave a playful comment expressing her support and admiration for his new music.
March 2022
Speculation arose among fans that Cabello's hit single "Bam Bam" drew inspiration from their separation. In the song, she croons, "I once promised eternal love, but now I've sold our shared home / We were once youthful souls, but now we've matured," indicating a shift in their relationship. "I never thought there would be any uncertainty, but sometimes things don't work out as planned / Now I find solace in dancing with unfamiliar faces / Perhaps you too are casually exploring new connections."
During her interview with Zane Lowe, Cabello expressed the meaning behind the song, emphasizing the unexpected twists and turns that life brings. She conveyed her deep affection for Shawn and emphasized that their love remains unwavering. However, as they both grew and evolved, their priorities naturally shifted, leading them down different paths. Cabello elaborated on the challenges of navigating adulthood, particularly when starting their careers at a young age. As they continue to mature, they are both actively striving to cultivate a healthy and balanced approach to life.
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March 2022
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March 2022
Mendes appeared to address the end of his relationship in his song "When You're Gone." The lyrics of the single portrayed the sentiment of not fully appreciating someone until they are no longer present, with lines such as "You never know how good you have it / Until you’re starin’ at a picture of the only girl that matters." Additionally, the song expressed the struggle of letting go and the desire to hold on, as evident in the lyrics "I know what we’re supposed to do / It’s hard for me to let go of you / So I’m just trying to hold on." Prior to its official release, Mendes performed this unreleased track for his fans during the Samsung + Billboard Concert Series at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
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April 2022
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September 2022
September 2022 marked a memorable moment for Cabello during her tenure as a coach on The Voice season 22. She found herself in an awkward situation when a contestant chose to audition with Mendes' popular track, "Mercy." As the familiar melody filled the room, Cabello couldn't help but wonder if it was her former beau, Shawn, taking the stage. Expressing her surprise to her fellow coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Blake Shelton, she exclaimed, "Is that my… Is that Shawn up there? I was like, is Shawn onstage?” Despite the initial excitement, Cabello made the decision not to turn her chair around for the contestant. She explained, "I know [Shawn] better than everyone in this room. The reason I didn't turn around is that maybe you sounded a little too much like him?"
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April 2023
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June 2023
After a brief period of reconciliation, Cabello and Mendes ultimately decided to end their romance once again, with Camila taking the final call, according to an exclusive source from Us.
The musicians "realized they're better friends than romantic partners," a second insider revealed. "There's no bad blood between them, but their relationship has just run its course."
