For almost a decade, Shawn Mendes has been capturing the hearts of fans across Canada and around the world. Born and raised in Pickering, Ontario, Mendes showed an early aptitude for music, teaching himself how to play guitar by watching videos online. He began posting covers of well-known pop songs on YouTube and Vine and writing his own music. At the age of 14, Mendes had already gained an impressive following of three million viewers.
Mendes’s popularity online as the third most followed musician on Vine caught the attention of American talent manager Andrew Gertler in late 2013. By 2014, Mendes had signed with Island Records and released his first major-label EP which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
Mendes released his full-length album Handwritten in 2015 featuring the seven-time platinum single “Stitches.” The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, making him one of five artists ever to debut at No. 1 before the age of 18.
About the International Achievement Award
The JUNO International Achievement Award recognizes Canadian artists who have attained exemplary success on the world stage. The award looks to honour Canadian talent who have not only topped charts, but who have raised the profile of Canadian music around the world. With 26 total JUNO Award nominations, including four in 2022 (TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada, Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada and Pop Album of the Year), multiple GRAMMY® nominations and countless accolades across the industry, Mendes is receiving one of the highest distinctions presented by CARAS. As one of its youngest recipients, Mendes joins an incredible list of honourees including Arcade Fire, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Drake, Sarah McLachlan and Shania Twain. Throughout the 51-year history of The JUNO Awards, the International Achievement Award has only been given out eight times.