Students Perform Shawn Mendes's 'There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back' for 'Dear Class of 2020'

There’s nothing holding the graduates of 2020 back! During the ‘Dear Class of 2020′ YouTube special on Sunday (June 7), Shawn Mendes’ hit song “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” was performed by the AMDA College of Performing Arts Choir and the Diamond Bar High School marching band.

During the pretaped performance, the musicians wore blue caps and gowns with yellow tassels while marching out onto a football field to perform the song. The video then cut to the hallways of a high school, where students — socially distanced, of course — danced while wearing face masks, a nod to the coronavirus pandemic that has led to the shutdown of schools.

After the uplifting song, Mendes himself appeared in a video to thank the two groups of performers, and also to share a message with the class of 2020.

“I hope that wherever your post-graduation life takes you, you continue to stay inspired,” said the Toronto native. “To the entire class of 2020 graduating, congratulations to you … Do what you love to do in life!”

Watch the performance and Mendes’ message below.