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HangupsMusic.com – The electrifying atmosphere surrounding Ed Sheeran’s monumental "Loop Tour" across Australia and New Zealand has not only captivated millions of fans but also brought a delightful, long-standing mutual admiration between Sheeran and Australian music icon Delta Goodrem back into the spotlight. While Sheeran continues to command sold-out stadiums with his unparalleled artistry, a recent interview with Goodrem has illuminated the profound respect that underpins this unique connection, reaffirming that the adoration is very much a two-way street.
The rekindling of this particular narrative occurred during Goodrem’s appearance on Nova’s The Maddy Rowe Show this past week. Host Maddy Rowe, known for her astute insights and deep dives into pop culture, artfully unearthed a piece of celebrity lore that, while dating back several years, felt particularly resonant given Sheeran’s current presence Down Under. The anecdote in question originates from Sheeran’s 2015 Australian tour, a period when the burgeoning global superstar openly confessed to harboring a significant teenage crush on Goodrem. Reports from that time famously quoted Sheeran describing the Australian singer-songwriter as a "dream woman" and expressing a keen interest in the possibility of meeting her someday. This revelation, made by an artist of Sheeran’s stature, quickly became a cherished piece of trivia for Australian music fans and a source of quiet pride for Goodrem herself.
With Sheeran’s "Loop Tour" dominating headlines and concert venues across the continent, Rowe’s timing was impeccable, prompting Goodrem to revisit the cherished memory of being the object of such high-profile admiration. Goodrem, ever gracious and articulate, responded to Rowe’s diligent research with a warm acknowledgement. "I appreciate your research," she quipped, before elaborating on the depth of her feelings regarding Sheeran’s past comments. "It’s really an honor of mine that I carry around with me," she stated, conveying a genuine sense of humility and appreciation that transcended mere celebrity pleasantries.
Her sentiments quickly pivoted from the personal to the profound, reflecting her identity as a seasoned artist and songwriter. "I just love Ed Sheeran, and I think that it takes me to a place of just, you know, I’m totally just honored, humbled," Goodrem continued. "He’s one of the best songwriters in the entire world. So I think as a fellow songwriter, it makes me feel just really happy, and that’s such an honor. He’s the best." This statement underscores the professional respect that forms the bedrock of her admiration. For an artist of Goodrem’s caliber, with her own extensive songwriting credits and accolades, to heap such praise on a contemporary speaks volumes about Sheeran’s impact and talent. It’s a recognition of craft, artistry, and the universal language of music that transcends fleeting crushes.
Goodrem further revealed that she had recently attended one of Sheeran’s concerts, confirming their interaction backstage. "We got to go to his concert on Friday and go and say hi," she shared, adding a personal touch to the public narrative. Her closing remarks perfectly encapsulated the sentiment shared by many: "I just think that Australia loves him. The world loves him. But I also have an extra love here for Ed Sheeran." This "extra love" is not romantic, but rather a blend of professional reverence, personal fondness, and perhaps a touch of national pride for an artist who genuinely cherishes his Australian fanbase.
The public exchange between these two musical heavyweights serves as a refreshing reminder that genuine admiration can thrive in the often-competitive music industry. While the initial spark may have been a teenage crush, it has evolved into a mutual professional respect that resonates deeply. It’s a testament to the fact that artistry can be appreciated and celebrated across continents and generations, fostering a positive environment for creators.
To clarify any lingering speculation, both artists are happily settled in their personal lives. Goodrem celebrated her marriage to long-time partner, musician Matthew Copley, in a private ceremony in Malta last June, marking a significant personal milestone. Similarly, Sheeran tied the knot with his childhood friend and former schoolmate, Cherry Seaborn, in 2019, and the couple are proud parents to two children. This context firmly establishes that the "extra love" Goodrem speaks of is rooted purely in artistic appreciation and camaraderie, devoid of any romantic undertones.
Goodrem’s journey in music is nothing short of legendary in her home country. She is a bonafide superstar in Australia, boasting an impressive collection of 12 ARIA Awards and five No. 1 albums. Her debut album, 2003’s Innocent Eyes, remains a landmark achievement in Australian music history. It logged an astonishing 29 weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, cementing its status as the highest-selling debut album in Australian recorded music history. The album’s monumental success was further amplified by seven ARIA Awards and the remarkable feat of being the highest-selling album in Australia for two successive years, yielding five No. 1 singles. Beyond the numbers, Innocent Eyes became a cultural phenomenon, its heartfelt ballads and pop anthems defining a generation and showcasing Goodrem’s prowess as both a vocalist and a songwriter.
Her career has continued to evolve and flourish. In 2021, during the challenging times of the pandemic, Goodrem released a captivating cover of Sheeran’s hit "Bad Habits," a testament to her ongoing appreciation for his work and her ability to reimagine contemporary tracks. More recently, in 2023, Goodrem embarked on a significant new chapter in her career, transitioning from a decades-long association with Sony Music to become an independent artist and label boss, overseeing her own imprint, ATLED Records. This move signifies a powerful assertion of creative and business control, placing her among a growing number of established artists who are choosing to navigate the industry on their own terms, further solidifying her legacy as a formidable force in music.
During her extensive chat on the commercial Nova network, Goodrem also took time to reflect on other pivotal moments in her career, including the incredible fortune of writing a song for global icon Celine Dion’s Taking Chances album. "I remember getting a call and they said ‘Oh, Celine wants to sing, you know, the song you’ve written’ and I remember physically jumping in the middle of the street by myself on the phone, just jumping up and down and then getting to sort of zoom in while she was recording it and that was pretty cool," she recounted, visibly relishing the memory. That memorable song, which brought a moment of pure joy and validation to Goodrem, was "Eyes on Me." Such international recognition, from an artist of Dion’s stature, further illustrates Goodrem’s songwriting capabilities and enduring impact beyond Australian shores.
Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran’s 17-date "Loop Tour" of Australia and New Zealand continues to set new benchmarks for live performance. The tour, meticulously produced by Frontier Touring, commenced its journey on Friday, January 16, at Auckland’s GO Media Stadium, immediately drawing rave reviews for its innovative staging and Sheeran’s captivating solo performance, driven by his iconic loop pedal. The trek has since moved to Australia, with the first show in a highly anticipated three-night stand at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium taking place on Friday, February 20. Following Brisbane, the tour will electrify fans across multiple dates at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium and Adelaide Oval, promising an unforgettable experience for thousands. To further immerse fans in the "Loop Tour" experience, special pop-up stores have been established in key locations such as Brisbane (Westfield Chermside) and Melbourne (369-371 Lonsdale Street). These exclusive retail spaces offer not only official tour merchandise but also unique, one-off designs, vinyl releases, and other collectibles, providing an additional layer of engagement for dedicated fans looking to take a piece of the experience home.
The narrative of Ed Sheeran and Delta Goodrem is more than just a passing celebrity interaction; it’s a story of enduring professional admiration, mutual respect between two prolific artists, and a testament to the power of music to connect people across various levels. As Sheeran’s tour continues to draw massive crowds and Goodrem thrives in her independent journey, their shared appreciation serves as a delightful subplot, reminding us that even global superstars can be each other’s biggest fans.