Since they started working together and becoming friends in 2012, two of the most popular musicians in the world, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, have each won eight Grammys. That is a strong friendship. They have appeared to be great friends for about ten years, and they are open about their respect for one another. They are so close that Sheeran even credits Swift with helping him find love after meeting his future wife at one of Swift’s Fourth of July parties.
Swift and Sheeran have collaborated on three songs over the years: “Everything Has Changed,” “End Game,” and “Run,” which is included on Swift’s most recent album Red (Taylor’s Version). Take a look back at how the musicians met and what they’re up to today as fans rush to hear their newest collaboration.
2012: Taylor & Ed’s First Collaboration
After learning that Swift had the words to his song “Lego House” tattooed on her arm while she was performing in Australia, Sheeran contacted Swift’s team in 2012. Swift and Sheeran quickly met up in person and immediately set to work on music, as songwriters won’t do. “Everything Has Changed” was created during that session and was included on Swift’s Red that year.
2013: Taylor & Ed Toured Together
Swift and Sheeran became friends in 2012, and they traveled extensively together in 2013 on Swift’s Red Tour. The string of concerts provided them the chance to get closer, and on their days off, they would ride roller coasters and buy unique mugs. Their duet was a Top 40 smash in numerous nations in 2013, and it peaked at number ten in the UK.
Swift and Sheeran attended the MTV Video Music Awards in the midst of the Red Tour. They celebrated together when she won Best Female Video for “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Sheeran continued to provide performances for American audiences when his stint on the Red Tour came to an end. Swift attended his brief headline performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City to support her former opener. Even though the pop superstar was wearing an “I Heart Ed” shirt, they dueled for the audience on “Everything Has Changed.”
2014: Swift Praises Ed In London
Sheeran’s reputation began to climb in 2014, and he gained international fame. During this time, Swift successfully made the shift from country music to pure pop music with her Grammy-winning album 1989, which won Album of the Year. Despite their hectic schedules, the two still made time to hang out, though only (as far as we know) in official roles, at events like the Grammys, VMAs, and the home of a U.S. ambassador.
Sheeran dropped into Swift’s London gig to play “Lego House,” even though he was no longer on the bill, as she continued her protracted Red Tour. Swift remarked during the “Lego House” performance that she first heard Ed Sheeran’s music in London while listening to this song on the radio. “My God, he has the voice of an angel,” I thought. I must collaborate with him.”
They both appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show during its primetime production, though they each sang their own songs and did not work together onstage for that show.
2015: Taylor Mentions Ed At The BRITs
Swift and Sheeran maintained their connection throughout 2015, primarily in private, with a few publicized moments: a text exchange between the two, amusing Snapchat photographs, and dress-up photos at Swift’s Fourth of July party.
That same year, Swift also received her first BRIT Award. During her acceptance speech, she singled out Sheeran, telling him how much she loved him and how their time together had given her a better understanding of the British people and culture.
2016: Taylor Cheers For Ed’s Grammy Win
Swift and Sheeran both took home multiple Grammys in 2016, and they even went head-to-head for multiple trophies. Sheeran won practically all of the categories they were competing in, taking home the awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Thinking Out Loud.” Swift was ecstatic with Sheeran’s victories.