Entertainment

Canadian Shawn Mendes makes Time list of influential teens

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer and internet celebrity, has been identified as one of the world's most influenetial teens of 2014, according to Time magazine.

The Toronto-born singer recognized with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and pop star Lorde

Canadian recording artist Shawn Mendes performsin Las Vegas in July 31, 2014. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian internet celebrity and recording artist, has made Time magazine's list of most influential teens of 2014.

The 16-year-old joins a distinguished group that includes recent Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and U.S. presidential offspring, Sasha and Malia Obama.

Time bases the list on the teen's earnings, accomplishments and online presence, among other things.

Others on Time's list include:

  • Famed female pitcher, Mo'ne Davis
  • Transgender author, Jazz Jennings
  • Culinary wunderkind, Flynn McGarry
  • Afghan National Cycling Team lead rider, Salma Kakar
  • ​Fashion writer, Tavi Gevinson

Mendes, who was born in Toronto, shot to international stardom at the age of 15 by posting clips of himself singing and playing guitar on Twitter's short video sharing website Vine.

His six and a half second cover of Bieber's As Long as You Love Me helped him pick up millions of followers and established his reputation as the next Justin Bieber.

The Time magazine mention is just the latest thrill in what's been an exciting year for the young celebrity.

He released his first album with a major record label, and his single Life of the Party made him the youngest artist to debut on the top 25 of Billboard’s top 100 charts.

Mendes is currently headlining a 3-city North American tour that will wrap in Toronto on Nov. 30.