Shawn Mendes surprises fans at Ed Sheeran concert in Toronto

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran delivered a homegrown surprise to his Canadian fans on Saturday when Shawn Mendes joined him on stage in Toronto.

Almost a year after Mendes canceled a world tour for the over-70s to care for his mental health, the Pickering, Ont. Growing artist took the stage at the Rogers Center to accompany Sheeran on two songs.

The pair performed Sheeran’s 2011 single “Lego House” before Mendes performed an acoustic rendition of his own 2017 hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.”

It was Mendes’ first live public performance since July 2022, when he canceled his major tour.

It had dates set to run in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe in the middle of this year, including two shows in Toronto.

At the time, Mendes said he felt like he “needed to take the time I’ve never personally taken to grow myself and come back stronger.”

Mendes has been dropping hints about his planned return in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he released the breakup song “What the Hell Are We Dying For?” on streaming services.

Sheeran returns to play a second show at the Rogers Center on Sunday night.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 18, 2023.