Ed Sheeran has never been one to hold back when it comes to appreciating the brilliance of his peers, but in a recent interview, he gave one of his highest compliments yet—and it was directed at none other than Beyoncé. Speaking in a wide-ranging conversation with actor Barry Keoghan for Complex, the British singer-songwriter opened up about his career collaborations, reflecting on the many artists he has had the privilege to work with. Among all those experiences, Sheeran singled out his work with Beyoncé as the most impactful.
“Out of all the people I’ve worked with, I think Beyoncé was the most impressive,” Sheeran said. “Seeing her up close dancing and singing, she is definitely an otherworldly talent.”
That single statement sums up what many fans and fellow musicians have long felt about Beyoncé. Widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of her generation, she has continually set a high bar for live performance, artistry, and vocal excellence. For Sheeran, who has collaborated with numerous global superstars throughout his career, the fact that Beyoncé stood out the most speaks volumes.
The admiration is not entirely new. In 2017, Sheeran and Beyoncé collaborated on the remix of his romantic ballad “Perfect.” The original song was already a global sensation, but the addition of Beyoncé transformed it into one of the most memorable duets of the decade. The “Perfect Duet,” as it came to be known, shot straight to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place in pop music history. The collaboration blended Sheeran’s heartfelt songwriting and acoustic-driven style with Beyoncé’s soaring, powerhouse vocals. The result was a performance that felt both intimate and grand, a rare combination that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Looking back, Sheeran’s words highlight just how transformative that collaboration was for him personally. While many artists dream of sharing the stage or the recording booth with Beyoncé, Sheeran had the chance to not only work with her but also witness her creative process up close. For someone who has performed in stadiums around the world and collaborated with the likes of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Eminem, and Andrea Bocelli, his praise underscores Beyoncé’s unique ability to leave an indelible impression.
This moment of reflection also reminds fans of the unique power of artistic collaboration. When two talents from different musical worlds come together, they often create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Sheeran’s understated, acoustic-driven style met Beyoncé’s commanding stage presence and vocal depth, resulting in a song that felt timeless. It is no wonder Sheeran still speaks of it with such reverence years later.
Beyoncé’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable, spanning multiple decades and genres, from R&B and pop to hip-hop and even country-inspired performances. Sheeran’s comments reaffirm what countless fans and critics already know: she is not simply a talented singer and performer—she is a cultural icon whose artistry feels, as he put it, “otherworldly.”
For Sheeran, the collaboration was not just another highlight on his résumé; it was a career-defining experience. And for fans, his praise offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it’s like to stand in awe of Beyoncé’s unmatched presence. Whether on stage or in the studio, her ability