Entertainment
Ed Sheeran Drops New Single “Sapphire” Featuring Arijit Singh
Ed Sheeran will release his new single, Sapphire, on June 5, 2025. [Listen here] The track follows the upbeat pop of Azizam and the reflective tone of Old Phone, and offers a new direction that blends connection and joy with global sounds.
Sapphire is built on bright pop energy and features a blend of sounds from different cultures. The track includes South Asian percussion, sitar, and backing vocals by Indian artist Arijit Singh. Produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Johnny McDaid, and Savan Kotecha, the song explores the idea of love as a shared human experience.
In a statement, Ed said:
“Sapphire was the first song I finished for Play that made me know where the album was heading. It’s why I wrapped up recording in Goa, surrounded by some of the best musicians in India. It was an amazing process. I shot the video with Liam and Nic during the India tour—we wanted to show the country’s beauty and culture. The final piece was getting Arijit on the record. That day in the studio was special. We also did a full Punjabi version that’s coming soon. This is the album version, and it’s my favourite.”
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, features Arijit Singh and includes a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan. It opens with Ed performing at sunrise on a rooftop and follows him through beaches, markets, local kitchens and film sets. The video also shows a studio session and motorcycle ride with Arijit and a visit to the A.R. Rahman music school.
New Album ‘Play’ Coming September 12

Ed’s new album, Play, will be released on September 12, 2025. [Pre-order here] It marks his first major project since closing the Mathematics series. The album was shaped by collaborations with artists and producers around the world and reflects his interest in different musical traditions—including Indian, Persian and Irish folk influences.
The record also brings Sheeran back to more familiar territory, with acoustic songs and ballads that focus on storytelling and melody. Play mixes the new and the known, offering something fresh without losing the core of what fans connect with in his work.
Three Sold-Out Ipswich Shows
Ed has also announced three headline shows at Portman Road in Ipswich, all of which sold out quickly. These will be his first UK headline shows since 2023 and take place at the home ground of Ipswich Town FC, where he’s been a longtime supporter and shirt sponsor.
- July 11: with Myles Smith and Tori Kelly
- July 12: with Busted and Dylan
- July 13: with James Blunt and Maisie Peters
Each ticket includes a £1 donation to the new Live Trust, a fund supporting grassroots music venues, artists and promoters.
