Shawn Mendes Skips VMAs 2025 — Avoiding Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter?

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) promised a night of star-studded performances, glamorous fashion, and unforgettable moments. Yet one glaring absence became the topic of the night: Shawn Mendes. The Canadian pop superstar, who has been a regular presence at award shows in past years, did not attend this year’s VMAs.

His decision immediately fueled speculation. Was it a simple scheduling conflict, or was Shawn Mendes skipping the VMAs to avoid awkward encounters with ex-girlfriend Camila Cabello and rumored former flame Sabrina Carpenter? Fans and industry insiders alike have been buzzing with theories.

Shawn Mendes and His VMAs History

Over the years, Shawn Mendes has had a strong presence at the MTV VMAs. From his electrifying performance of In My Blood in 2018 to his steamy duet of Señorita with Camila Cabello in 2019, Mendes has provided some of the show’s most memorable moments.

His consistent appearances at the VMAs helped establish him as one of pop music’s leading figures. That’s why his absence in 2025 felt particularly unusual and noteworthy.

The Camila Cabello Factor

One of the biggest reasons fans speculated about Shawn’s absence is his well-documented history with Camila Cabello. Their relationship, which began as a friendship during their early careers, blossomed into romance in 2019. Their duet Señorita not only topped charts but also became an iconic moment in pop culture.

However, the couple officially split in late 2021. While both parties have spoken kindly about each other in interviews, it’s no secret that being in the same high-profile setting could invite uncomfortable attention.

This year’s VMAs saw Camila Cabello front and center, performing new tracks from her tour and dazzling the audience with a bold red-carpet appearance. Had Shawn attended, all eyes would inevitably have been on their interactions, overshadowing their individual careers.

Enter Sabrina Carpenter

Adding to the speculation is Mendes’ rumored connection with Sabrina Carpenter. Though never officially confirmed, rumors swirled in 2023 and 2024 that Shawn and Sabrina were briefly involved. The whispers were enough to get fans invested, and since then, tabloids have repeatedly tried to connect the two.

With Sabrina Carpenter also attending the 2025 VMAs, performing her smash hit Man’s Best Friend and arriving in a head-turning bedazzled outfit, fans speculated that Mendes chose to avoid potential drama by skipping the event altogether.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

Fans wasted no time in expressing their theories online. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #WhereIsShawn and #ShawnMendesVMAs began trending. Many users suggested that Mendes stayed away to avoid being the center of a love-triangle narrative.

Comments ranged from playful to analytical:

• “Shawn Mendes skipping the VMAs? He didn’t want to get caught between Camila and Sabrina, I just know it.”

• “He probably just wanted peace, but the drama writes itself.”

• “Imagine all the cutaways to his face if he was there—awkward.”

Others defended the singer, insisting he likely had personal or professional reasons unrelated to either woman.

A Busy Year for Shawn Mendes

It’s worth noting that Shawn Mendes has been busy with his own career revival. After taking a step back in 2022 and 2023 to focus on his mental health, Mendes has been gradually reentering the spotlight. He has teased new music, embarked on small acoustic shows, and hinted at a major album release slated for late 2025.

Sources close to the singer suggest that Mendes has been laser-focused on completing his new project, spending most of his time in recording studios between Los Angeles and London. Skipping the VMAs may have simply been a matter of priorities.

Media Speculation: Avoidance or Strategy?

The entertainment media thrives on narratives of conflict and romance, and Shawn’s absence at the VMAs made for irresistible headlines. Outlets questioned whether this was a strategic avoidance or a savvy way to keep the focus on his music rather than his personal life.

Industry experts point out that Mendes has always been conscious of his public image. By staying away from an event where two of his high-profile connections were present, he may have avoided becoming the story of the night. Instead, the spotlight remained on his peers.

Camila and Sabrina Shine at the VMAs

Meanwhile, Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter had standout nights of their own.

Camila wowed audiences with a sultry performance, blending Latin-inspired rhythms with her powerhouse vocals. She also turned heads on the red carpet in a daring designer gown, solidifying her reputation as a style icon.

Sabrina, on the other hand, delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the night. Her stage set, costumes, and commanding presence showcased just how far she has come as a performer. For Sabrina, the VMAs were a triumph that reinforced her status as one of pop’s leading voices.

Had Shawn attended, media coverage might have shifted to awkward cutaway shots or speculative stories about body language and reactions. In that sense, his absence allowed both women to own their moments without distraction.

What Fans Really Want

Despite the drama, what fans ultimately crave is new music from Shawn Mendes. Many expressed that while the VMAs are exciting, what matters most is hearing what Shawn has been working on.

Clips of Mendes in recording studios have fueled speculation that his upcoming album will be his most personal yet, blending introspective lyrics with the soulful pop sound that made him famous. His decision to avoid the VMAs may have been disappointing in the short term, but fans are hopeful it means big things are on the horizon musically.

A Look Back at Shawn and Camila’s VMAs Moment

It’s impossible to discuss Mendes’ VMAs absence without recalling his unforgettable 2019 duet with Camila Cabello. Their performance of Señorita remains one of the most replayed VMA clips of the decade.

The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and it sparked a frenzy of fan speculation that turned out to be true—they were indeed a couple at the time. That performance cemented their place as one of pop’s favorite pairings.

With that history, fans expected fireworks if the two shared the same stage again. Mendes’ absence avoided comparisons but also left fans nostalgic for those iconic moments.

Shawn Mendes’ Philosophy on Privacy

Shawn Mendes has been candid about his complicated relationship with fame. While grateful for his career, he has spoken openly about the pressures of constant scrutiny and speculation.

By skipping high-profile events, Mendes may be asserting control over his narrative. Instead of allowing tabloids to dictate the story, he is choosing when and how he appears in the spotlight. For a star who values authenticity, that choice may be his way of protecting his peace.

Looking Ahead: The Comeback Album

The biggest question now is when Mendes will finally release his comeback album. Industry insiders predict an announcement before the end of the year, with a potential lead single dropping in early 2026.

If the teasers are any indication, this project will reflect Mendes’ growth during his time away. Fans can expect a deeper, more mature sound, infused with the raw honesty that has always defined his songwriting.

When that happens, his absence from the VMAs will likely be remembered as a small footnote in a much bigger story: the evolution of Shawn Mendes as an artist.

Conclusion: Skipping the Spotlight, Owning His Story

The question of why Shawn Mendes skipped the 2025 VMAs may never have a clear answer. Was he avoiding Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter, or was he simply focusing on his own priorities? Whatever the reason, his absence became one of the most talked-about aspects of the night.

Yet for Mendes, this may have been the smartest move. By staying out of the drama, he kept the focus on his music, his personal growth, and his highly anticipated comeback. For fans, the real story isn’t who Shawn avoided—it’s what he has in store next.