Shawn Mendes, aka everyone’s favorite soft-spoken heartthrob, has tackled those rumors head-on in his latest song “The Mountain” — and yes, it’s giving “I don’t care, y’all, leave me alone” energy.
Now, if you’ve somehow missed it, Shawn, the 26-year-old crooner behind hits like “Isn’t That Enough” (and let’s be honest, it really should be enough), has spent a good chunk of his career dodging unsolicited opinions about his sexuality. People have been side-eyeing his every move since he was practically old enough to pronounce the word “falsetto.” Despite all the chatter, Shawn has consistently maintained, “Hey, world! I’m straight!”
But clearly, the rumors were still out there, swirling like aggressive pigeons in a park. So what’s a pop star to do? Well, he picked up his guitar, got poetic, and decided to respond in style.
During a recent performance, he debuted his new track “The Mountain,” and let’s just say one line made the crowd clutch their metaphorical pearls. Ready for this lyrical mic drop?
“Some days I have a change of heart / You can say what you need to say,” he belts out. “You can say I’m too young / You can say I’m too old / You can say I like girls or boys / Whatever fits your mold.”
BOOM. Shawn essentially said, “You want labels? Print your own because I’m fresh out of stock.” And if that wasn’t clear enough, he doubles down, singing that people can “call it what you want.” Translation: Gossipers, you’re free to speculate until the cows come home, but he’s unbothered and moisturized.
Naturally, a clip of the performance exploded on TikTok faster than a cat video during lunch break. Fans are loving the “I’m just gonna live my life” vibe, while others are probably still trying to decode it like it’s the Da Vinci Code.
For those keeping track of Shawn’s history with these rumors, the man has been real about how it’s affected him over the years. In 2018, he admitted to feeling pressured to hang out with girls in public, just to put the speculation to rest. Imagine trying to enjoy a latte while everyone’s treating your love life like it’s the season finale of The Bachelor.
And in 2019, he got candid again, admitting that the rumors really stung. “Hurtful” is the word he used, and honestly, who can blame him? It’s 2024, and people still act like someone’s Spotify playlist is enough to determine their entire romantic history.
Oh, and speaking of history, let’s talk about that new album! His self-titled project was supposed to drop on October 18, but in classic pop-star fashion, it got delayed. Guess we’ll have to wait until November 15 to hear the full tea. Or, as Shawn would say, “Call it what you want” — fashionably late.
Shawn Mendes is here, he’s thriving, and if you’ve got opinions about him, well… you do you. Just know Shawn’s out here serenading mountains and living rent-free in your head.
@theliyahrich THE YOU CAN SAY I LIKE GIRLS OR BOYS?? had me gagged. #shawnmendes #shawnmendesvideos #shawnmendesfan #nyc ♬ original sound – LIYAH.
