On a recent episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, global superstar Ed Sheeran proved once again why he’s one of the most humble artists in the industry—by publicly playing an old recording of himself singing badly.
During a lighthearted conversation about his musical journey, Jonathan Ross asked Ed if he’d always been a naturally gifted vocalist. Ed laughed and quickly dismissed the idea, reaching for his phone to prove a point.
“I sounded horrible when I started,” Sheeran admitted. “Like… really bad. Wanna hear?”
The audience leaned in, curious. And then it happened. Ed hit play—and out came the cringeworthy, off-key warble of a much younger Sheeran struggling through a pop melody. The studio erupted into laughter as Jonathan Ross stared in mock horror.
“That’s you?” he gasped.
“Unfortunately, yeah,” Ed replied, grinning. “That was me at around 13 or 14. I had no tone, no control… but I just loved it.”
It was a moment both hilarious and deeply humanizing. For an artist who’s now sold out stadiums, won Grammys, and dominated charts with emotional ballads and arena anthems, this glimpse into his beginnings was a powerful reminder: even the biggest stars start somewhere—and often, it’s rough.
Ed went on to explain how he practiced relentlessly, recording himself, studying music, and performing at every open mic he could find.
“Talent is a myth,” he said. “It’s all about passion and putting in the hours. If I hadn’t kept going, I’d just be the guy with the terrible demo on his phone.”
Fans online praised the clip for its authenticity and humor. One tweet read: “Ed Sheeran just played a recording of himself singing BADLY on national TV. Legend. More proof that perseverance beats perfection.”
In an industry where polished personas and overnight success stories dominate headlines, Ed Sheeran’s willingness to laugh at his awkward beginnings—and share them with the world—is a rare and refreshing reminder: greatness isn’t born. It’s built.
