Published By: Devyani

Music Meets Heartbreak at the 2024 VMAs: Inside the Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, & Camila Cabello Love Triangle Drama

Oh yes, Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes, and Sabrina Carpenter are indeed gearing up for their performances at the upcoming 2024 VMAs. The news would have been just an ordinary “cool” one had it not been for the rumors surrounding the trio’s music-filled, topsy-turvy love triangle. For those unversed in the background story, Shawn Mendes used to date Camila Cabello for several years before parting ways with her and kindling a new relationship with Sabrina Carpenter. The newly formed pair, however, has ended their relationship now. In light of this background, Sabrina released a new album which goes by the title ‘Short n’ Sweet’. Fans suspect the album features two songs that hint at Carpernter’s past relationship with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello.

It would be fascinating to take a deep look into the relationship of the three pop artists and how the trio are connected!

July 2019-November 2021: Cabello and Mendes Date 

Shortly after Camila Cabello’s split from author and media figure Matthew Hussey, and following the release of Shawn Mendes and her song “Senorita”, the couple began dating in July 2019. As per E! News, the couple celebrated the Fourth of July together, and “were openly telling people that they were a couple.” Around the same time, US Weekly noted, “They looked very much like a couple. You [could] see them making out at the table. They looked very into each other.” After spending two years in the relationship, the couple parted ways, posting a joint statement on Instagram which read, “Hey guys, we’ve decided to end our romantic relationship, but our love for one another as humans is stronger than ever. We started our relationship as best friends and will continue to be best friends. We so appreciate your support from the beginning and moving forward.”

Feb 19, 2023: Rumors circulate about Mendes and Carpenter dating

Following Carpenter’s album ‘Emails I Can’t Send’ release and around a year and a half after Shawn broke up with Camila, rumors about the “Stitches” singer and Sabrina Carpenter began to surface on social media. The speculation started when the celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi posted an anonymous tip stating, "Saw Shawn Mendes and Sabrina Carpenter clearly on a date."

March 10, 2023: Mendes and Carpenter leave Miley Cyrus’s album release party together

The album ‘Endless Summer Vacation’ release party hosted by Miley Cyrus saw the attendance of Carpenter and Mendes, and according to reports, they were seen exiting the party together.

March 12, 2023: Mendes and Carpenter attend Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party

Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes were spotted exchanging conversation at the Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party. Carpenter was even seen casting several glances in Mendes’s direction. The pair, however, were not photographed together.

March 13, 2023: Carpenter and Mendes are reported to be “seeing each other”

According to a news report by Entertainment Tonight, Shawn and Sabrina were confirmed to be dating around mid-March, bringing an end to the rumors. They have been spending a lot of time together while keeping their relationship private. Recently, they attended a birthday party together and appeared affectionate. According to the source, "Shawn is happy."

March 17, 2023: Mendes denies dating Carpenter

In contrast to ET’s report, Mendes denied any romantic relationship with Carpenter during an interview with RTL Boulevard. He stated, “We are not dating”, adding, “But I think we should focus more on talking about Tommy Hilfiger rather than Sabrina,”, before quickly moving aside from the topic.

April 14, 2023: Cabello and Mendes kiss at Coachella

Mendes and Cabello were spotted together during the first weekend of Coachella 2023 in Indio, California.

During the first weekend of Coachella 2023 in Indio, California, Cabello and Mendes were spotted at the festival together. Videos of them chatting and sharing kisses began circulating on X.

April 25, 2023: A source tells Entertainment Tonight Mendes and Cabello aren’t dating

After the Coachella festival, the pair Mendes and Cabello did not rekindle their relationship. According to Entertainment Tonight, “Shawn and Camila aren’t back together in an official capacity, but they are enjoying each other’s company and exploring where things might lead. Their meeting and kissing at Coachella was about having fun and being present in the moment. They are both drawn to each other and have strong feelings. They are just having a good time.”

May 2023: Mendes and Cabello are seen in public

Following Coachella, Mendes, and Cabello were spotted taking a stroll through New York City and were seen holding hands on May 23. The following day, May 24, they enjoyed dinner together. Later that evening, they were seen bidding each other farewell outside Mendes’s apartment.

June 18, 2023: Mendes and Cabello call it off

After a brief period of getting back together, a source told Entertainment Tonight, “Shawn and Camila broke up and are no longer seeing each other. They gave things a try, but ultimately the timing wasn’t right for either of them. They’re both staying busy and doing their things.”

Nov 17, 2023: Fans speculate Carpenter’s song “Cindy Lou Who” is about Mendes and Cabello


Carpenter released her Christmas EP ‘Fruitcake’ on November 17, 2023. Against the backdrop of recent events involving Carpenter, Mendes, and Cabello, some fans surmised that the song “Cindy Lou Who” might be about Cabello. The lyrics speak, “Maybe he met you somewhere in the desert / While he was soul-searchin’, he found someone better / Guess he makes you happy like I couldn’t do / Cindy Lou Who.” These lyrics hint at a possible reunion between Mendes and Cabello at Coachella 2023.

June 28, 2024: Fans speculate Cabello’s song “June Gloom” is about her, Carpenter and Mendes


On June 28, Cabello released her album ‘C, XOXO’. The album featured the song “June Gloom”. The lyrics say, “She’s cool, I heard / Won’t act surprised, I saw the pictures, we’re a / House fire, for sure / Hope it’ll burn out, but it just gets bigger,” and “If she’s so amazing, why are you on this side of town? / If you like her so much, what are you here trying to find out?” Fans think that the lyrics could hint at Carpenter, although only cabello known the real inspiration behind her wordings.

Aug. 23, 2024: Carpenter releases Short ‘n Sweet


Fans were earnestly awaiting the release of Caroenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ album. However, many fans were taken aback by the obvious references to Cabello and Mendes that could be found throughout the track. Songs that have been speculated to address Cabello, Mendes, or both include “Taste,” “Sharpest Tool,” “Coincidence,” and “Dumb & Poetic.”

Sept 11, 2024: Carpenter, Cabello, and Mendes are all performing at MTV’s VMAs 

The MTV Video Music Awards are slated for September 11. This time, the famed music event will grab even more eyeballs due to the participation of Carpenter, Cabello, and Mendes. Carpenter has been nominated in six VMS award categories- Artist, pop Video, art Direction, Direction, Song and Editing. Fans are eagerly anticipating to experience interactions between the trio at the event.