Ed Sheeran Declines Solo Super Bowl Halftime Show but Teases New Album 'Play'

The artist cites a lack of 'pizzazz' for the high-profile performance while unveiling his culturally inspired single 'Azizam' and upcoming Coachella 2025 set.

Ed Sheeran reaffirmed that he would only consider performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in a collaborative setting, citing his music and performance style as unsuited for a solo act.
In a recent interview, Sheeran explained that his loop-pedal-based performances and acoustic catalog do not align with the high-energy, spectacle-driven nature of the halftime show.
The singer-songwriter released 'Azizam,' the first single from his upcoming album 'Play,' blending Persian and Irish folk influences with the help of Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh.
Sheeran described 'Azizam' as a celebration of cultural connection and announced that 'Play' will be officially released on May 7, 2025.
He also confirmed an intimate live performance at Coachella 2025, further expanding his slate of live engagements during this creative period.