Ed Sheeran Celebrates ‘Divide’ Album Anniversary, Credits Rihanna’s Influence on ‘Shape of You’

Ed Sheeran celebrated a significant milestone as his third studio album, ÷ (‘Divide’), marked its seventh anniversary. In a heartfelt tribute to the album’s enduring legacy, Sheeran took to Instagram to share a series of nostalgic photos capturing moments from the record’s creation and its release period. Among the cherished throwbacks, Sheeran acknowledged Rihanna’s influence on the chart-topping single ‘Shape of You’.

The carousel of images commenced with a delightful snapshot of Sheeran alongside the global superstar Rihanna at the Grammys, radiating joy and camaraderie. In the accompanying caption, Sheeran revealed a fascinating tidbit, sharing how he had originally envisioned ‘Shape of You’ as a song tailored for Rihanna.

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Reflecting on the genesis of ‘Shape of You’, Sheeran delved into the creative process during a  Breakfast Show interview, shedding light on the serendipitous evolution of the song. He recounted how the track initially resonated as a potential fit for Rihanna, only to gradually evolve into a deeply personal composition reflecting his own experiences and emotions.

In addition to commemorating the success of ‘Shape of You’, Sheeran’s anniversary tribute encompassed a diverse array of cherished memories from his Divide tour. From reminiscing about his birthday celebrations in Brazil to candid moments captured during the tour’s final leg in Ipswich, Sheeran’s reflections offered a poignant glimpse into the multifaceted journey of his career’s most successful era.

Amidst the anniversary festivities, Sheeran embarked on a heartwarming gesture, surprising fans in Jakarta, Indonesia, with signed ‘Divide’ vinyl at independent record stores. Documenting his impromptu visits with a lively video, Sheeran’s gesture underscored his deep appreciation for his global fanbase and their unwavering support throughout his musical odyssey.

As Sheeran’s magnum opus, Divide soared to unprecedented heights, topping the Billboard 200 and spawning chart-topping hits like ‘Perfect’ and ‘Shape of You’. The album’s accolades include a Grammy win for ‘Best Pop Vocal Album.’

-Sushmita Sarkar