Shawn Mendes Faces Off in Hilarious “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” Game on The Tonight Show

Shawn Mendes is no stranger to taking the stage, whether for his hit songs or in front of his fans. However, on a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the pop superstar found himself stepping out of his comfort zone to play an unpredictable and utterly hilarious game: “Slay It, Don’t Spray It.”

This game, which involves performing well-known songs under pressure, became a source of uncontrollable laughter for both Mendes and the audience. Here’s a breakdown of the hilarious moments that ensued, why the game has become so popular, and how the singer’s usual smooth persona was hilariously disrupted.

The Rules: Simple but Savage

The premise of the game is deceptively simple: The contestants—Mendes and host Jimmy Fallon—take turns singing popular songs. The catch? They are given most of the lyrics, but when the music abruptly stops, they are left staring at a blank cue card. They must then attempt to finish the lyrics correctly. If they miss a word or get it wrong, a microphone in front of them sprays water right in their face.

The game is a no-holds-barred competition: no second chances, no room for mistakes. And to make things even more dramatic, the judge (presumably a crew member off-screen) is described as being in a particularly bad mood on that day. The game is unforgiving, and the water spray only intensifies the pressure. However, if the contestant does manage to “slay” the song and get the lyrics perfectly right, the opponent gets sprayed instead. It’s high-stakes, high-energy fun.

Mendes and Fallon’s Hilarious Struggles

From the very beginning, the game had the potential for complete disaster, and neither Mendes nor Fallon disappointed in delivering the chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments that made the game so memorable.

The first song was “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J. Balvin. Mendes confidently rapped the opening lyrics, but the moment the music stopped, disaster struck. He stumbled into a hilarious mix-up, singing, “I like socks and rocks” instead of the actual lyrics “I like those Balenciagas, the ones that look like socks.”

The audience burst into laughter at Mendes’ misstep, but the game wasn’t over yet. The singer got sprayed in the face, and Fallon was quick to poke fun at the mistake. “Socks and rocks?” Fallon exclaimed, clearly enjoying the moment.

Mendes seemed a little embarrassed but good-naturedly accepted the mishap. It’s hard not to feel bad for anyone getting drenched on stage, but the game was all about having fun. This set the tone for the rest of the game as the two contestants continuously cracked up at their failed attempts.

Cardi B’s Influence: “Champagne on Rice?”

The next song was “Finesse” by Bruno Mars. Mendes clearly struggled to remember the lyrics, mixing them up and ultimately singing “champagne on rice” instead of the actual lyrics, “champagne on ice.” Fallon couldn’t contain his laughter, and both the audience and the contestants knew this was an epic fail. Mendes admitted he didn’t even remember singing “champagne on rice,” further adding to the amusement.

This was a classic example of how the game was designed to throw off even the most seasoned performers. Being under pressure, especially with a water spray on the line, made the contestants lose their rhythm, even though they’re used to performing live in front of crowds. It became evident that the spontaneity of the game was what made it so entertaining—when celebrities like Mendes and Fallon falter, it humanizes them and shows the fun side of their personalities.

A Duet to Remember: The Final Round

The final round of the game was a duet, adding even more pressure to the situation. Mendes and Fallon had to team up for a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. With all the lyrics in front of them, they confidently started the song, only to find themselves struggling to keep up. Despite their enthusiasm, they missed a few lines, and this led to both of them getting drenched in a full-on spray session from the microphones. The audience loved every moment of it, and so did Mendes and Fallon, even though they were both soaked by the end.

Mendes and Fallon’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a hilarious but impressive attempt to sing a song as iconic as it is challenging. From the famous operatic section to the headbanging rock portion, they tried to deliver it all. However, like the rest of the game, it was filled with small missteps, causing the duo to laugh at each other’s mistakes.

Why “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” is So Popular

While games like Wheel of Musical Impressions and Lip Sync Battle are already popular among late-night talk show segments, “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” adds a unique twist to these formats by combining the challenge of singing with the unpredictability of the water spray. It’s a simple concept that taps into universal humor: watching celebrities struggle in amusing and relatable ways. For audiences, it’s entertaining to see the vulnerability of an artist like Shawn Mendes, who is known for his polished performances, as he stumbles and laughs his way through the game.

Additionally, the water spray itself has become a signature part of the game. The spray adds an element of surprise and excitement, as viewers never know who will get drenched next. Whether it’s Mendes, Fallon, or the occasional guest who makes a mistake, the spray brings chaos and laughter into the mix.

The chemistry between Mendes and Fallon also helped elevate the segment. Their playful interactions, constant ribbing, and spontaneous bursts of laughter made for a lighthearted and fun segment. Even with the mistakes, both of them remained good sports, which is part of what makes “Slay It, Don’t Spray It” such a hit. It’s not just about getting the lyrics right; it’s about having fun in front of the camera and creating moments of authentic humor.

Mendes’ Performance Under Pressure

Although Mendes isn’t exactly known for his comedic chops, his appearance on The Tonight Show revealed a side of him that was both charming and hilarious. Fans who are used to seeing the pop star in serious or emotional performances got a glimpse of his fun-loving personality as he stumbled his way through the game. He wasn’t afraid to laugh at his own mistakes and was a good sport throughout the game, which made him even more relatable to his fans.

What this game truly showcased is that no matter how talented or successful an artist is, they’re not immune to making mistakes under pressure, especially when there’s water involved. Mendes’ willingness to embrace the silliness of the game only further endeared him to the audience. His ability to stay cool and laugh off his mishaps while still giving his best performance made him a standout participant in the segment.

Conclusion: Laughter is the Best Way to Connect with Fans

“Slay It, Don’t Spray It” is proof that laughter and spontaneity are powerful tools for connecting with an audience. By playing this hilarious game, Shawn Mendes and Jimmy Fallon provided a moment of pure entertainment for fans, reminding everyone that no matter how serious the music world may seem, it’s important to laugh at yourself once in a while. Whether you’re a pop superstar or just a regular person, mistakes happen, and it’s how you deal with them that counts.

So, the next time you’re listening to your favorite Shawn Mendes song, remember that even he isn’t immune to a good old-fashioned spray to the face!