Shawn Mendes illuminates the world

As 18,500 fans shouted out the lyrics to the songs from his new album, Shawn Mendes took complete control of the Allstate Arena. Opening his set with “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back,” he commanded the stage in the August heat with his alluring voice, compelling guitar and rhythms.

Shawn Mendes’ popularity exploded in 2013, when he started posting short videos of covers on Vine. Since then, Mendes has been writing his own songs, opening for headlining acts, and eventually headlining his own world tours. His current tour, Illuminate, is traveling the country and brought him to Chicago on August 3 at the Allstate Arena.

Mendes captivated the audience by singing as well as playing electric guitar, acoustic guitar and piano. The hour and a half show was nonstop energy, even during the transitions between songs.

Those in the back of the arena received an up-close experience, similar to that of those in the front rows, when Mendes performed almost half of his set on an intimate stage in the middle of the arena floor. He performed many personal songs, including “Roses” and “A Little Too Much.” He also briefly covered Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” in which he then transitioned into “Life of the Party.”

Shawn Mendes also played songs off of his previous album, “Handwritten,” throughout the show. Each song had its own unique lighting and screen design. One of the most talked about designs was during the song, “Ruin.” The screens displayed beautiful images of doves flying across the stage.

Mendes completed his performance with “Treat You Better,” and the lighting, band, and audience went insane, in response to the exceptional concert end. The concert was very well organized and left the crowd screaming, crying, and wanting more.