Ed Sheeran recently made an intriguing revelation that two of his biggest hits were actually inspired by none other than Rihanna. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter shared that his chart-topping hits “Shape of You” and “Love Yourself,” later recorded by Justin Bieber, were initially penned with the intention of pitching them to Rihanna. During his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 26, Ed Sheeran disclosed this fascinating insight into the creation of these popular tracks.
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According to Sheeran, Rihanna’s impeccable taste in music was a driving force behind his decision to craft these songs with her in mind. He expressed admiration for the way Rihanna consistently selects outstanding songs and revealed that as a songwriter, he often writes with the goal of pitching them to her. The process of composing these tunes began as a side venture for Sheeran, who believed Rihanna could bring a unique touch to the tracks.
Despite originally intending the songs for Rihanna, both “Shape of You” and “Love Yourself” experienced immense success in their own right. “Shape of You,” released in 2017, became one of the standout tracks of the year, accumulating over 4.2 billion streams on Spotify alone. Initially feeling that “Shape of You” didn’t quite fit his own style, Sheeran made some adjustments to the song before its release. He confessed to Fallon that it took some time for him to adjust, given that he had initially envisioned the song for someone else.
Moreover, Ed Sheeran acknowledged Rihanna’s influence on not just his work, but on numerous other songwriters as well. He described Rihanna as a muse and highlighted the widespread inspiration drawn from her artistry. Sheeran emphasised that many songwriters have crafted their best work while endeavouring to create music that aligns with Rihanna’s exceptional standards.
While artists like Ed Sheeran continue to be inspired by Rihanna’s musical legacy, fans eagerly await new music from the iconic singer. Despite not releasing an album since 2016’s “Anti,” Rihanna has assured her fans that her ninth album is currently in the works. In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she expressed her commitment to delivering a remarkable album, stating that she refuses to settle for anything less than her best. After years of studio work, Rihanna believes she has finally reached a point where her creativity and artistry align perfectly.
As the music industry eagerly anticipates Rihanna’s forthcoming album, the impact of her influence on artists like Ed Sheeran remains undeniable. The collaborative spirit and mutual admiration between these musicians showcase the power of inspiration in creating chart-topping hits. Rihanna’s ability to inspire musicians across genres serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of music.
In an industry where creativity and collaboration are key, Ed Sheeran’s revelation sheds light on the intricate process of songwriting and the significant role that artists like Rihanna play in shaping musical landscapes. As fans continue to celebrate the achievements of both Ed Sheeran and Rihanna, the influence of their collaborations is sure to resonate for years to come.