Ed Sheeran would only headline the Super Bowl Half-Time show on one condition
He doesn't think he has the "pizazz"
Ed Sheeran is no stranger to headlining his own shows across the world, as he is currently on his 'Mathematics' tour in North America, however he said he would only headline the biggest show in the world on one condition.
The Super Bowl Half-Time show, which takes place in February, steals the headlines every year, with Rihanna's pregnancy revealing set this year's highlight. However, Ed, who has sold out stadiums around the world has admitted he doesn't think he will headline at the Half-Time gig as he doesn't have "pizazz".
Speaking on the Deep & Shallow podcast with Andy Cohen, Ed explained: "I think it’s an American thing. I don’t have pizazz."
He then listed previous performers such as Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd saying: "Like, all of these amazing performers - I’m just not that. I’m not gonna have dancers on stage. I’m not gonna have fireworks and blah blah. I just can’t, that’s not me. I don’t think that anyone wants to see me do the Super Bowl either." We'll disagree with you there Ed!
Despite not wanting to be a solo headliner at the huge show, he would consider being a guest, and revealed there had been conversations a few years ago. "There was a conversation awhile ago, I think it was when Coldplay did it – of me going on to play ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and I think that would be the only way I would do it is if I were joining someone else."
During the interview, Ed also spoke about the rumours that he was going to re-record 'End Game' which he originally released with Taylor Swift back in 2017. In response to the question he confirmed he hadn't re-recorded it yet and the next album Taylor was planning to release was '1989' (Taylor's Version).
You can hear songs by Ed Sheeran on Forth 1.
While Ed has currently discounted himself from the Super Bowl line-up, take a look at who is rumoured to be performing in 2024.
All the artists rumoured to be performing at the 2024 Super Bowl Half-Time Show:
Miley Cyrus
Topping the rumoured list is none other than 'Flowers' superstar Miley Cyrus. With odds at 8/11, that lands Miley at a 57.9% probability of performing at the honourable event. Fans have shared their desire for Miley Cyrus to perform at the Half-Time show over the years, with a petition even circulating to get the 'Flowers' singer to perform at the 2023 show. Rumours that Miley might perform in 2024 did do the rounds, with the Pop Tingz account sharing: 'Miley Cyrus is rumoured to be in talks to perform at the upcoming SuperBowl halftime show.'
In 2021, Miley was involved in the TikTok Tailgate Super Bowl event. She tweeted: 'SUPERBOWL LV!! I'll be there for TIKTOK TAILGATE!!! I can't wait to put on a show for the NFL's honored guests before the game...Health care workers from Tampa and around the country!' (sic)
Taylor Swift
Many fans hoped that Taylor Swift could perform at the Super Bowl Half-Time show. TMZ reported that the 'Anti-Hero' hitmaker was offered the chance to perform at the sports event last year, but turned it down - although fans were ecstatic to see her at the game supporting her boyfriend, Chiefs player Travis Kelce. For the 2025 show, Taylor finds herself with even odds, with 50% probability of her landing the slot.
Despite this, according to a source, Taylor has no plans to perform at the Super Bowl until she has finished re-recording her first six albums following a rights dispute. It was then reported in August 2023 that although Taylor has reportedly been reached out to "a handful of times" by the prestigious event, she is in "no rush". A source close to her said that on top of re-recording her albums: "Taylor is busy with her current tour, she has zero time to prepare a Super Bowl show, she will do it eventually, but she is in no rush at all to do it in Vegas or do it in the next couple of years."
Lil Wayne
With a reported 33.3% probability of performing the Superbowl Half-Time Show 2025 is Lil Wayne - who, as of July 2024, had odds of 2/1. With numerous X users expressing their desire to see the 'How To Love' rapper take the slot, it's fair to say he has a large catalogue of hit songs to wow the crowds at the upcoming game.
Billie Eilish
From her groundbreaking debut album, which spawned hits like 'Bad Guy' and 'Bury A Friend', to her Number 1 second AND third albums 'Happier Than Ever' and 'Hit Me Hard and Soft', it comes as no surprise that Billie Eilish also joins the running when it comes to speculation over the Superbowl Half-Time Show performer for 2025. With odds of 3/1, this reportedly gives her a 25% probability of performing the show.
Ed Sheeran
With 14 Number 1 singles in the UK alone under his belt, we wouldn't blame you for thinking that the almighty Ed Sheeran would be a top contender for the famous Super Bowl Half-Time show. Although this would be epic, the 'Shape Of You' singer spoke out in August 2023, saying he 'can't' and won't be doing the show, claiming: "I think it's an American thing. I don't have pizazz."
Could he change his mind for 2025? With odds of 6/1, making his probability 14.3%, we reckon never say never! Check out what else he had to say about the idea here!
Ariana Grande
Could the incredible Ariana Grande perform next year? Many fans have already shared their hopes for the singer to perform at the iconic sporting event, with her odds landing on 7/1 - giving her 12.5% probability.
As we all know, Ari is currently busy with commitments for the Wicked movie, where she plays the role of Glinda - although 2024 did mark her epic return to music. On top of her brand new music, and a busy schedule in the lead-up to the film's release, the singer has teased a 'mini little sampling of shows' to serve as an 'Eternal Sunshine' tour - which, some could say, would warm her up nicely for the Superbowl Half-Time Show 2025!
Adele
In what would most certainly be a show to remember, 'Hello' megastar Adele has also found herself in the list of rumoured contenders. With viral clips circulating of her epic Weekends with Adele residency in Las Vegas, it comes as no surprise that fans are keen to see her perform during the Half-Time show - with odds of 8/1, as of July 2024, and a 11.1% probability.
Harry Styles
Rumours that former One Direction singer Harry Styles could be performing at the Super Bowl Half-Time show began to circulate on Twitter in June 2023, much to the delight of fans. Independent American football news account _MLFootball were the first to share the rumour. The account wrote: 'There's been a lot of chatter that multiple-time GRAMMY award winner and former One Direction star Harry Styles will be the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show Performer.'
Despite this, Harry ultimately did not perform at the show last year - so, could he be eyeing up the 2025 show?
Lil Nas X
Could Lil Nas X perform at the next Half-Time show? Talk on the matter began a while back, when the 25-year-old rapper and singer appeared in a Doritos commercial during the 2020 Super Bowl.
Sharing their thoughts on Twitter, one fan said: 'I just know that one day Lil Nas X will perform at the Superbowl Half Time show and that it will be one of the best half time show performances in history. MARK MY WORDS.' (sic)
Fuelling fans' desires, in 2019 Lil Nas X tweeted: 'OLD TOWN ROAD SUPER BOWL 2020!' - so could next year be his time to shine?
Sam Smith
Before the 2024 Super Bowl, Sam Smith fans took to Twitter to express their desire for the 'Unholy' hitmaker to perform.
One excited fan said: 'SAM SMITH for Super Bowl 2024', whilst someone else added: 'I have a feeling Sam Smith will be next years Super Bowl halftime show.' (sic)
Sam has previously taken to Twitter to share their excitement over the Half-Time show performers. In 2013, they said: 'Physically holding my eye-lids open whilst watching the Superbowl. I will NOT miss Beyoncé!!' (sic)
Doja Cat
Having previously appeared in Super Bowl commercials, Doja Cat would be the perfect Half-Time performer! Fans have been very vocal in suggesting she would be the ideal choice. One person took to Twitter and said: 'DOJA CAT FOR THE SUPER BOWL 2024.' (sic)
Although she didn't bag the spot for the 2024 show, many fans have their fingers crossed for next year.
Coldplay
Coldplay performed at the Super Bowl Half-Time show in 2016, with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joining the band as special guests. Although the NFL doesn't usually bring back past performers, artists such as Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé have performed more than once.
So could Coldplay perform at the Super Bowl again? It's fair to say the band have been wowing audiences on their 'Music of the Spheres' tour, as they deliver spectacular concerts full of special effects and incredible Xyloband displays - the perfect interlude during a football game!
Now read:
Ed Sheeran opens up on rumours he's re-recording 'End Game' with Taylor Swift
All the artists rumoured to be performing at the 2024 Super Bowl Half-Time Show
Rihanna's Super Bowl Half-Time show: Look back at her show-stopping performance