Shawn Mendes Calls Taylor Swift ‘Rare’ and ‘Electrifying’ in TIME 100 Profile
Taylor Swift was revealed as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People Wednesday (April 17) in a profile written by her longtime friend and previous tour mate, Shawn Mendes.
Mendes begins his profile on Swift by saying that he's been a fan of hers for as long as he could remember. "It wasn’t until I met and got to know her that I understood how wonderful a person she truly is," he says, adding that her music is "honest and raw." He calls her the "master of putting the perfect amount of thought into not overthinking."
The singer also mentions how touring with Swift on her 1989 World Tour made him realize that her magic does not come from the production or fireworks, but rather the "electrifying connection that she has with the people who are there to see her."
"Taylor makes anyone older feel young again and anyone young feel they can do anything. It’s so rare and so special. If there is one thing I want to achieve in my career and life, it’s that," he shares.
Swift's profile is under the Icons section, and she is the only music artist to be featured on one of the six special edition covers for the print issue.
Swift took to Twitter to thank TIME and Mendes, admitting that she didn't know he was going to write the profile.
Mendes was a special guest at the California stop of the Reputation World Tour, where he performed "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" alongside Swift. The pair have been friends for years and are usually seated next to each other at award shows.
Swift, along with other honoree, Khalid, will perform at the 2019 TIME 100 Gala on April 23.
Read Mendes' full Swift profile for TIME, here.