Shawn Mendes to be presented with this honour at Canada’s Walk of Fame Broadcast Show on Saturday, November 7 at Toronto’s Sony Centre.
(Toronto, Ontario) Monday, September 28, 2015 – Canada’s Walk of Fame announced today that singer-songwriter and multi-platinum recording artist Shawn Mendes is the recipient of the 2015 Allan Slaight Honour. Recognizing young, inspirational Canadian music artists who have achieved international success, Mendes will be presented with this honour during the Canada’s Walk of Fame Broadcast Show on Saturday, November 7 from Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets to the star-studded celebration are available through the Sony Centre beginning Tuesday, September 29 at 1 PM at ET.
“At only 17, Shawn has established himself as a talented artist in the international music scene,” said Melanie Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “He is a hard working gifted young musician and an inspirational Canadian. We are proud to recognize him this year with this honour.”
“In a short time, Shawn captured the hearts of millions of fans with his musical talents and youthful message,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of Slaight Communications. “My father, Allan, always championed Canadian artists and believed they deserved to be on the world stage. Shawn is continuing the tradition set by many great Canadian artists before him and we are thrilled to acknowledge his accomplishments as he is a true inspiration for future stars to come.”
Hailed as “Music’s First Vine Star” by Billboard, and one of Time Magazine’s most influential teens of 2014, Shawn Mendes is a force to be reckoned with. Crowned “The real deal” by Teen Vogue, he was first discovered by manager Andrew Gertier through a series of performance videos that he posted online. Since then, Mendes has transitioned from viral online sensation to full-fledged industry best-seller, securing sought after performance opportunities on the The Late Show With David Letterman, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Michael, Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Ellen.
Mendes’ debut album Handwritten launched at #1 on both the Canadian and U.S. Soundscan charts. This impressive debut makes Mendes the youngest artist in nearly five years to have a No.1 album on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. The album includes his 2X Canadian platinum hit “Life Of The Party,” his platinum-selling second single “Something Big” and his current single “Stitches” that is also 2X platinum.
Earlier this year, Mendes wrapped a sold-out headlining tour in Europe and the U.S. He is currently touring with Taylor Swift on her sold-out 1989 Tour through to October of 2015. Between dates on Taylor’s tour, Mendes continues to headline his own shows, three of which were in Canada earlier this year.
Now in its sixth year, the Allan Slaight Honour is presented to a young Canadian making a positive impact in the music industry. The honour is accompanied by a $10,000 honorarium and will be presented during the Canada’s Walk of Fame Broadcast Show.
The Allan Slaight Honour is part of a series of national programs and signature events that include the Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program supported by RBC, the Peter Soumalias Unsung Hero Honour, the Canada’s Walk of Fame Red Carpet, Inductee Charity Ball presented by Scotia Wealth Management and the Canada’s Walk of Fame televised show, which will be broadcast nationally on Global later this year.
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2015 National Sponsors: Cineplex Entertainment, NBCUniversal, Slaight Communications and Air Canada.