Shawn Mendes, the Canadian pop sensation who captured hearts worldwide with hits like “Stitches” and “Treat You Better,” continues to make headlines not just for his music but for his intriguing love life. At 26, the singer-songwriter has navigated high-profile relationships, dramatic love triangles, and ongoing speculation about his romantic status that keeps fans and media outlets buzzing with curiosity.
Following his tumultuous on-and-off relationship with fellow pop star Camila Cabello, which dominated entertainment headlines for years, Mendes has been linked to several notable figures, from fellow musicians to activists and even his chiropractor. The complexity of his dating history reads like a modern pop culture soap opera, complete with rekindled romances, alleged love triangles involving Sabrina Carpenter, and mysterious new connections that have fans constantly guessing.
As of 2025, Mendes remains officially single, though recent sightings with Portuguese singer MARO have sparked fresh romance rumors. His dating journey reflects the challenges of maintaining privacy while living in the public eye, something he’s openly discussed in recent interviews about the “brutal” nature of celebrity relationships. With new music on the horizon and continued speculation about his personal life, understanding Mendes’ current romantic status requires examining his recent connections, past relationships, and his own reflections on love in the spotlight.
Current Dating Status: The MARO Connection
Shawn Mendes (Image via Getty)
Recent Sightings Spark New Romance Rumors
Shawn Mendes is currently not publicly dating anyone, but recent developments have fans speculating about a potential new romance. In April 2025, the pop star was spotted on multiple coffee dates with Portuguese singer and YouTube sensation MARO (real name Mariana Brito da Cruz Forjaz Secca) in Los Angeles. The pair was photographed at Café Muro in Los Feliz, appearing comfortable and engaged in deep conversation during their outings.
Who Is MARO?
MARO, 30, is far from just another rumored girlfriend in Mendes’s dating history. The Portuguese artist is a Berklee College of Music graduate who initially planned to become a veterinarian before pursuing music at age 19. She gained international recognition representing Portugal in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, where she secured both jury and public votes in the national finals. MARO has also collaborated with major artists like Jessie J and has released multiple albums since moving to Los Angeles.
Romance or Collaboration?
While neither artist has confirmed any romantic relationship, their repeated coffee meetings have left fans divided between two theories: a budding romance or a potential musical collaboration. Social media users have expressed excitement about both possibilities, with one fan posting, “Shawn had been spotted with Portuguese singer MARO again. Shawn feat. MARO??” The speculation intensifies given Mendes’ history of dating fellow musicians and his hints about new music projects.
The Helena Gualinga Rumors
Environmental Activist Connection
Before the MARO sightings, Mendes was linked to Helena Gualinga, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian environmental activist. The rumors began gaining traction after the pair was spotted together at Machu Picchu in Peru, with Mendes posting Instagram photos captioned “feeling like a lucky boy these days.” The post, which Gualinga liked, fueled speculation about their relationship status.
Gualinga’s Background
Past Relationships and Love Triangles
Shawn Mendes (Image via Getty)
The Camila Cabello Saga
Mendes’ most publicized relationship remains his on-and-off romance with Camila Cabello, which began in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Their relationship was marked by public displays of affection, cohabitation, and eventual breakup in 2021. However, their story didn’t end there – they briefly rekindled their romance in April 2023 after being spotted kissing at Coachella.
The Sabrina Carpenter Triangle
The complexity of Mendes’ love life reached new heights in 2023 with rumors of a love triangle involving Sabrina Carpenter. Mendes was reportedly dating Carpenter when he decided to meet with his ex-girlfriend Cabello, leading to the Coachella reunion. In a December 2024 interview with John Mayer, Mendes seemed to address this situation, admitting to being “impulsive” and acknowledging his poor timing.
Carpenter’s Musical Response
The alleged love triangle inspired several songs on Carpenter’s 2024 album “Short n’ Sweet,” including “Taste,” “Coincidence,” and “Sharpest Tool.” In “Coincidence,” Carpenter specifically references someone ditching her for another woman in Palm Springs, near Coachella Valley. This musical documentation of their rumored relationship adds another layer to the ongoing speculation.
Other Notable Connections
Dr. Jocelyne Miranda
In 2023, Mendes was also linked to his 51-year-old chiropractor, Dr. Jocelyne Miranda. The pair were frequently photographed together around Los Angeles, shopping, grabbing lunch, and hiking. However, sources suggested this was likely a friendship or brief, unserious fling rather than a committed relationship.
Charlie Travers
Mendes was also spotted with Charlie Travers, a former “Big Brother” contestant, in November 2023. The pair, aged 26 and 38 respectively, were seen at the beach and grabbing smoothies in Los Angeles, though they never confirmed their relationship status.
Mendes on Love and Privacy
Shawn Mendes (Image via Getty)
Protecting Relationships from Public Scrutiny
In recent interviews, Mendes has been candid about the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye. Speaking on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, he described the experience as “brutal” and emphasized how he and Cabello worked to “preserve their private little fire of love.” He explained that millions of people commenting on relationships makes it difficult not to be affected by public opinion.
Communication and Boundaries
Mendes revealed that “immense honesty” and “over-communication” were key to protecting his relationships from external noise. He and his partners make it a priority to immediately address any misunderstandings that might arise from public statements or media coverage. “I’ll be the first to text her. She’ll be the first to text me. And we just, as long as we’re good, we’re good. All the noise is just noise,” he explained.
Social Media Detox
The singer has also become “pretty strict” about his social media usage, stating that he doesn’t “really see or care what people say about my love life” because it’s “too detrimental to the actual relationship itself.” This approach reflects his commitment to prioritizing genuine connection over public perception.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Mendes?
Current Relationship Philosophy
Future Possibilities
Whether his connection with MARO develops into romance or collaboration remains to be seen. Similarly, the nature of his relationship with Helena Gualinga continues to be speculative. What’s clear is that Mendes values authenticity and privacy in his personal relationships, having learned from the intense scrutiny of his past romances.
Musical Inspiration
Regardless of his current relationship status, Mendes’s romantic experiences continue to influence his artistry. His willingness to draw from personal experiences while maintaining respect for his partners’ privacy demonstrates his evolution as both an artist and an individual. As he hints at new music projects, fans can expect his romantic journey to continue inspiring his creative output.
Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson has audiences worldwide with her chart-topping hits like “Lush Life” and “Symphony,” but fans are equally fascinated by her personal life and romantic relationships. The 27-year-old singer has been refreshingly open about her dating experiences, from her early days of casually seeing multiple people to finding lasting love with her current partner. As one of Sweden’s most successful international artists, Larsson’s relationship journey has evolved alongside her musical career, offering insights into how she balances fame with authentic connections.
Born on December 16, 1997, Larsson first gained attention at age 10 when she won Sweden’s Got Talent, but it’s her adult relationships that have garnered significant media attention. Her dating history includes a highly publicized romance with British model Brian H. Whittaker, which began in a uniquely modern way through social media. However, it’s her current relationship with Swedish-American dancer Lamin Holmén that has truly captured her heart and influenced her music.
Current Relationship Status: Dating Lamin Holmén
Zara Larsson and Lamin Holmén (Image via Getty)
Zara Larsson is currently in a committed relationship with Swedish-American dancer Lamin Holmén, a romance that has flourished for over six years. The couple began dating in 2020, and their relationship has become increasingly serious, with Larsson openly discussing marriage and family plans in recent interviews. At 31 years old, Holmén is four years older than Larsson and has been a stabilizing presence in her life as she navigates the demands of international stardom.
The couple’s relationship has been well-documented through social media appearances and public outings, including romantic beach vacations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their connection appears to transcend the typical celebrity relationship, with Larsson crediting Holmén for making her “more expressive and confident” in both her personal life and artistic endeavors. The dancer has served as inspiration for several love songs on Larsson’s album “Venus,” demonstrating the profound impact their relationship has had on her creative output.
Despite maintaining a long-distance dynamic due to Larsson’s extensive touring schedule, the couple has successfully navigated the challenges of their respective careers. Holmén’s background in dance complements Larsson’s artistic vision, and she has expressed admiration for performers who incorporate dance into their shows, suggesting their shared passion for performance arts strengthens their bond.
Marriage Plans and Future Together
In a candid 2025 interview with PEOPLE magazine, Larsson revealed her thoughts on marriage and future family plans with Holmén. The singer expressed certainty about wanting to spend her life with her partner, stating, “I know I want to marry him. I know I want to be with him for the rest of my life, and I want babies.” However, her approach to wedding planning reflects her practical and unconventional personality.
Rather than planning an elaborate ceremony, Larsson has indicated she would prefer a simple courthouse wedding, joking about wearing “matching white Jordans” or opting for a minimalist celebration. Her aversion to traditional wedding fanfare stems from her discomfort with certain aspects of wedding culture, despite her love for being the center of attention in other contexts. This pragmatic approach to marriage aligns with her philosophy of authenticity over convention.
The couple’s six-year relationship has provided Larsson with the emotional security to explore new creative territories. She credits their partnership with allowing her to feel “secure in a way I’ve never felt before,” which has influenced her songwriting and artistic expression. Their relationship has inspired specific tracks, including “Blue Moon” from her upcoming album, demonstrating how their personal connection continues to fuel her musical creativity.
Past Relationships and Dating History
Zara Larsson and Lamin Holmén (Image via Getty)
Before finding lasting love with Holmén, Larsson’s dating life included several notable relationships that shaped her perspective on love and commitment. In her late teens, the singer was notably open about dating multiple people simultaneously, explaining in interviews that she wasn’t “exclusively anyone’s” and was “dating a couple of people.” This approach reflected her young age and desire to explore relationships without the pressure of commitment.
Her most publicized previous relationship was with British model Brian H. Whittaker, which lasted from 2017 to 2019. The romance began in a distinctly modern way when Larsson spotted Whittaker’s photo online and tweeted about finding him attractive, famously asking, “Who are you, where do you live, how old are you, why are you so fine, and how do you like your eggs cooked in the morning?” The couple eventually connected through social media, and their relationship became Instagram-official with numerous public displays of affection.
The Whittaker relationship demonstrated Larsson’s willingness to pursue what she wanted, regardless of conventional dating norms. Their romance was characterized by playful social media interactions and public appearances, though it ultimately ended as both pursued their respective careers. This experience likely contributed to Larsson’s appreciation for the stability and maturity she found with Holmén.
Impact of Relationships on Music Career
Larsson’s romantic relationships have significantly influenced her musical output, with love songs becoming increasingly prominent in her discography. Her relationship with Holmén has been particularly inspiring, contributing to multiple tracks on her “Venus” album and continuing to influence her upcoming “Midnight Sun” project. The singer has been transparent about how personal experiences shape her songwriting, creating authentic connections with listeners who relate to her emotional journey.
The evolution from casual dating to committed partnership has paralleled Larsson’s artistic maturity. Her early songs reflected the uncertainty and exploration of young adulthood, while her recent work demonstrates the confidence and security that comes with finding lasting love. This progression has allowed her to explore different emotional territories in her music, from vulnerable ballads to confident anthems.
Larsson’s openness about her relationships has also enhanced her connection with fans, who appreciate her authenticity in an industry often characterized by manufactured personas. Her willingness to discuss both the challenges and joys of maintaining relationships while pursuing a demanding career resonates with audiences facing similar balancing acts. This transparency has become a defining characteristic of her public persona and artistic brand.
Personal Growth and Relationship Philosophy
Zara Larsson (Image via Getty)
At 27, Larsson has developed a mature perspective on relationships that reflects her personal growth and life experiences. She credits her current relationship with providing the emotional foundation necessary for both personal happiness and professional success. Her approach to love emphasizes authenticity, communication, and mutual support rather than conforming to societal expectations.
The singer’s relationship philosophy extends beyond romantic partnerships to encompass her broader views on self-acceptance and personal authenticity. Her recent single “Pretty Ugly” explores themes of self-image and confidence, reflecting the security she has found in her personal life. This integration of personal growth with artistic expression demonstrates how her relationship experiences continue to inform her creative output.
Larsson’s journey from casual dating to committed partnership illustrates the natural progression of young adulthood, resonating with fans who have followed her career from its early stages. Her willingness to share both struggles and triumphs in love has created a genuine connection with audiences who appreciate her honesty about the complexities of modern relationships.
