Raising Star Eddie Benjamin Delivers an Electrifying Performance as the Opening Act for Shawn Mendes

Singer-songwriter Eddie Benjamin is on the rise and thriving. The highly talented and multi-instrument playing artist has worked with the likes of Sia, Meghan Trainor, Shawn Mendes and even co-wrote and co-produced songs for Justin Bieber. The 23-year-old Australian is currently in the midst of significant milestones in his full-throttle career. Ahead of releasing his own as-of-yet untitled debut album this Fall, Benjamin has joined Mendes on his tour across the U.S. and Canada that kicked off September 25 in Boston.

Benjamin is the opening act on Mendes’ On The Road Again tour that stopped at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium on Friday night and will visit cities including Chicago, Vancouver, San Francisco and conclude at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 17. The tour reunites Benjamin with Mendes after the two collaborated on the entirety of Mendes’ most recent self-titled album.

In front of upwards of 12,000 people at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Friday evening, Benjamin opened the concert by showing off his impressive electric guitar skills and performing a crowd-pleasing eight song set list that included his hit “Weatherman” and his newly released single “Driving.” The soulful song features self-reflective lyrics and an upbeat, breezy rhythm that illustrates Benjamin’s zestful and powerful musical abilities. The song is sublime.

“Thank you for having me. My name is Eddie,” he told the crowd as kicked off the show. “This is such a beautiful venue. You guys look beautiful.”

Benjamin performs at Forest Hills Stadium on October 3, 2025.

The song “Driving” is taken from Benjamin’s upcoming full-length album, a coming-of-age play list of tunes exploring relationships, loss, grief, and the need for human connection. It marks his third solo single of 2025, following “Run!”—a R&B cut that captures the sudden unraveling of an intense bond between two lovers.

“I just broke up with my girlfriend today,” Benjamin announced on stage moments before singing “Run!” to the crowd. “It happens to the best of us.” The charming Benjamin, who scored a record deal with Epic at just 17 years old, captured the audience’s interest even more with endearing revelation. He then sang “Maniac,” a piano-pounding rock/soul/jazz/pop that grooves on the edge of emotional chaos. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the performance and enthusiastically cheered him on.

Benjamin touring with Mendes is on the heels of his extensive work on Bieber’s latest album Swag, which he co-wrote and co-produced 13 tracks, including the chart topping hit “Daisies.” Benjamin’s skyrocketing career officially began when released his debut EP in 2021 (featuring Sia on “Diamond Eyes”) and a second in 2023. Last year, he co-wrote and co-produced on Willow’s Empathogen and Shawn Mendes’ Shawn. With these impressive accomplishments achieved, what can top those experiences? It’s performing live in a sold out stadium.

“This meant the world,” he said as he waved goodbye to the crowd on stage. “Love you guys!”