Shawn Mendes was spotted getting some cardio in—and probably trying to run away from the endless headlines—during a solo hike in Santa Monica, California on Tuesday afternoon (November 5). At 26, the “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” singer is apparently embracing nature, presumably because it’s the only thing that doesn’t tweet back at him.
Dressed to impress absolutely no one except maybe a passing coyote, Shawn showcased his tattooed arms in a gray tank top that said, “I lift, bro” (not literally, but it’s the vibe). He paired that with tan pants and sneakers that probably cost more than our rent. He also sported a headband that valiantly attempted to keep his tousled hair in check, because nothing says “serious hiker” like hair accessories straight out of a 1980s aerobics video.
But wait—this isn’t just a nature stroll. Shawn’s working up a sweat as he preps for the grand release of his fifth studio album, aptly titled Shawn (he kept it simple, guys). The new record is dropping on November 15, and fans are already lining up to find out how many times he says the word “love” in falsetto. In September, he blessed us with the music video for “Nobody Knows,” the first single from the album. And true to the title, nobody really knows why that song didn’t already go viral on TikTok.
In a plot twist worthy of a rom-com, during a recent performance, Shawn got real about his journey of self-discovery and admitted he’s still figuring out his sexuality. He shared with the crowd that while he’s on a path to self-understanding, he might also be asking himself, “Am I more of a mountain or a beach guy?” One hike at a time, Shawn. One hike at a time.
