Is Ed Sheeran going to release a country album? Here's what we know

Although we're all currently awaiting the release of Ed Sheeran's eighth studio album 'Play', the singer has recently dropped Easter eggs that we might have a surprising genre shift on our hands. That's right, it's looking like Ed might just be gearing up to release a fully-fledged country album!

We've gathered up everything that's been said so far, to help answer the burning question on everybody's lips... Is Ed Sheeran going country? Having long blended acoustic and folk elements into his sound throughout his career, it's fair to say that speculation is heating up, so take a look through our break-down of the latest updates, collaborations, and what could be next in Ed Sheeran's musical evolution.

Is Ed Sheeran going to release a country album?

By the sounds of it, yes! Although, it's not looking like we can expect it anytime soon, with Ed describing releasing a country album as the 'end goal'.

But what has Ed actually said about a country album? Well, despite speculation of a genre-jump swirling for a while, it was his April 2025 appearance on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast that really set things in motion.

Speaking to Alex, the 'Thinking Out Loud' singer admitted: "Nashville is, like, my favourite city in the States. It’s always been my end goal. I’m going to move to Nashville and transition to country, but I think you just have to do it properly."

It's no secret that proud country fans can be famously protective over their genre's boundary-lines - however, Ed assured that he would be there to stay, adding: "It’s a genre you have to really respect, and it’s not just a dip in and out."

If fans are correct about the new set of symbols Ed's next albums will follow, we've got 'Play', 'Pause', 'Rewind', 'Fast Forward' and 'Stop' to get through first - however, you’d be forgiven for thinking that 'Stop' sounds like a fitting name for a final album... And dare we say, end goal?

Has he written any country songs?

He most certainly has. Not only has Ed written country songs for other artists - including legendary names such as Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Kelsea Ballerini - but he has even written and recorded some of his own, albeit they haven't seen the public light of day.

It's clear that plenty of country heavyweights often lean heavily on the British singer/songwriter's revered pen, with Ed admitting back in 2023 that he and his wife are huge country fans and often spend their days listening to country radio (Absolute Radio Country, we can only assume).

And, of course, who can forget Ed's iconic duet 'Life Goes On' with country megastar Luke Combs? Check out the pair performing the popular collab below...

Teasing that Ed's country switch is well and truly bubbling, Ed revealed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that he has in fact made his own country bops in the past - however, admitted: "They’ve just never come out. I have to do it properly, and once you transition to country, you can’t transition back. Once you’re there, you’re there."

Has he worked on country music before?

It's no secret that Ed has been dipping his toes in the country pond for a while now - from incorporating country music styles into some of his tracks, to duetting with some of Nashville's heavyweights.

On top of that, Ed has officially made his Bluebird Cafe debut - even inviting Megan Moroney to perform alongside him - and, of course, performed on stage at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023.

What did Ed Sheeran do in Nashville?

Back in 2013, looking to sharpen his craft, Ed briefly lived in Nashville, Tennessee. With rich musical heritage, Ed also immersed himself in the tight-knit songwriting community and creative environment that the iconic city - often dubbed the songwriting capital of the world - has to offer.

On top of that, his time in the city gave him space to collaborate with country and folk artists, and deepen his appreciation for country music as a whole. The singer has previously spoken about how his time in Nashville influenced some of the acoustic-driven tracks, which went on to feature on his chart-topping albums.

Of course, his time in Nashville also saw him deepen his friendship with none other than country-rooted megastar Taylor Swift - who he continues to maintain a very close friendship with to this day.

Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Ed reminisced: "I lived in Nashville and she lived in Nashville and we used to fly to and from the gigs together and do all sorts of, I don't know." He added: "I literally spent almost every single day with her for about six months, so I think that period of time and I do, you know, I see her when I see her."

Has he collaborated with Shaboozey?

Not quite - but the pair did perform together inside The Old Phone pub at Coachella! 2025 not only marked the first year Ed performed at Coachella, with him also join Post Malone to close his set, but it also saw him bring a pub to the world-famous music festival, sneaking in a few secret gigs.

Within those secret gigs was a lively performance from Shaboozey and Ed, who performed the breakout star's hit track 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)'. It's fair to say the pair put on a great show together, so it's no surprise fans are keen Ed to collaborate with Shaboozey in the future.

Check out the biggest county tours & festivals coming to the UK in 2025:

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