Ed Sheeran is gearing up to captivate fans with his upcoming eighth studio album, already teasing audiences with the hit single “Azizam.” Since bursting onto the music scene in 2011 with his debut track “The A Team” from his chart-topping album “+,” Ed has become a consistent force in the industry. His early success led to winning the Brit Awards for Best Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act in 2012.
Over the years, Ed Sheeran has delivered numerous chart-topping hits including “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Photograph,” “Shivers,” and “Thinking Out Loud.” Yet, despite his global fame, not everyone pronounces his name correctly—most notably his longtime friend and musical legend, Elton John.
In a recent chat on Capital Breakfast with Chris Stark, Ed shared a humorous story involving a clip from Elton’s home where the “Rocket Man” pronounced Ed’s last name as “Sheer-anne” rather than “Sheer-un.” Ed laughed, saying, “I’ve actually had the awkward conversation with him. I’ve known him for 15 years, and I’ve told him, ‘It’s not Sheer-anne,’ but it’s just one of those things.”
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When asked if he could argue the point, Ed admitted, “Well, I can and I do, but I think it’s quite nice.” Co-host Jordan North likened the situation to a grandmother’s affectionate but incorrect pronunciation—something you just accept. Ed agreed, adding, “It’s just his way. Like my parents always call me Edward, not Ed. To Elton, I’ll always be Ed Sheer-anne.”
Their friendship spans over 15 years and includes collaborations on at least three songs, including the 2021 holiday hit “Merry Christmas.” Ed has often spoken about Elton’s unwavering support. In a 2021 interview on the Smooth’s Famous Firsts podcast, Ed said Elton has been a mentor from day one, going as far as performing private gigs to promote him and ensuring he was included in major events like the Grammys.
Ed describes Elton as his “favourite human,” praising his kindness and genuine support in an often competitive industry. Their bond is clearly rare and heartfelt, proving that even small quirks like a name mispronunciation can become a charming part of a deep friendship.