Adam Lambert’s Secret Lesson: How a Two-Hour Session Rebuilt Shawn Mendes’s Voice and Career

When Shawn Mendes says, “I could not hit that note—it was impossible,” it’s more than a confession; it’s the start of a story about artistic perseverance, mentorship, and transformation. Behind that turning point stands Adam Lambert, the powerhouse vocalist best known for fronting Queen and dazzling Broadway audiences. In an unplanned two-hour session, Lambert shared a three-step vocal technique that Mendes now credits with completely reshaping his career.

A Moment of Frustration Turned Opportunity

At the time, Mendes was already one of pop’s most recognizable voices, celebrated for hits like “Stitches” and “Treat You Better.” Yet behind the scenes, he struggled with a recurring obstacle—a high note that consistently pushed his range to its limit. That challenge became a personal fixation until a chance meeting with Lambert offered an unexpected solution.

Over the course of two hours, Lambert dissected the problem and guided Mendes through a closely guarded “three-step” vocal method. While neither artist has revealed the exact details, the technique reportedly focused on mastering the balance between power and control—especially in accessing higher registers that blend the chest and head voice seamlessly.

The Power of Technical Mastery

The transformation was almost immediate. Mendes’s subsequent performances displayed a newfound command of his upper range, adding both emotional depth and technical precision to his sound. Songs like “In My Blood” and “If I Can’t Have You” became showcases of this evolution—each featuring soaring notes that had once felt out of reach.

For Mendes, the breakthrough was not just about hitting high notes but about maintaining vocal health and consistency across demanding tours and recording sessions. Lambert’s mentorship emphasized discipline and technique, reinforcing that longevity in pop music often depends as much on skill as on talent.

A Master Passes the Torch

Lambert’s willingness to coach Mendes speaks volumes. Known for performing Freddie Mercury’s famously intricate catalog with Queen, Lambert has long been regarded as one of modern music’s most technically accomplished singers. His teaching moment with Mendes underscores the collaborative spirit that often exists behind the spotlight—one artist recognizing potential in another and offering the tools to unlock it.

Lambert’s own mastery of “vocal mix”—the delicate blend that allows singers to navigate effortlessly between registers—appears to be at the heart of the method. For Mendes, learning this skill marked a transition from pop performer to vocal craftsman.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The years following that session confirmed the impact. Mendes’s self-titled 2018 album and 2020’s Wonder both debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, earning Platinum and Gold certifications respectively. Fans and critics alike noted his expanded vocal strength and confidence—a shift that coincided perfectly with Lambert’s guidance.

More Than a Lesson

What began as a moment of frustration became a masterclass in resilience and mentorship. In just two hours, Adam Lambert gave Shawn Mendes more than a technique—he offered a roadmap to longevity and authenticity in a career often defined by fleeting trends.

And while the exact “three steps” remain a secret, their legacy is audible every time Mendes steps to the microphone and hits the once “impossible” note with effortless precision.