Ed Sheeran is one of the most successful musicians of the 21st century. With record-breaking albums, sold-out world tours, and numerous awards, he has solidified his place in pop music history. However, despite his immense success, a vocal segment of the internet often expresses disdain for him. The question arises: Why does everyone hate Ed Sheeran so much? Is this perception accurate, or is it just a case of internet hyperbole? In this article, we will explore the common criticisms against Ed Sheeran and separate fact from fiction.
Before diving into the reasons why some people claim to dislike Ed Sheeran, it’s important to address the exaggeration in the question itself. The idea that “everyone” hates Ed Sheeran is far from the truth. He has millions of loyal fans worldwide who adore his music and support his career. His streaming numbers, album sales, and concert attendance suggest that his popularity remains strong despite occasional backlash.
However, like any major celebrity, he has his critics. These criticisms often stem from a few recurring themes, which we will explore below.
One common complaint about Ed Sheeran is that he is "everywhere." Since breaking onto the mainstream scene in the early 2010s, Sheeran’s music has dominated radio stations, playlists, and award shows. His ability to produce multiple hit songs that get heavy airplay can lead to fatigue among listeners who feel overwhelmed by his presence in the industry.
When a song becomes too popular, people may grow tired of it.
Some listeners feel his music lacks diversity because of its mainstream appeal.
Artists who dominate the charts can sometimes face backlash simply for being too successful.
Another reason some people dislike Ed Sheeran is his musical style. While his signature acoustic, folk-pop sound has won him a massive fanbase, critics argue that:
His lyrics can sometimes feel clichéd or overly sentimental.
His songwriting follows predictable pop formulas.
His music lacks the "edge" or innovation that some alternative and rock fans seek.
However, Sheeran’s ability to craft relatable and heartfelt songs is exactly why millions of people connect with his music. What some call "generic," others see as universally appealing.
Despite Sheeran’s humble beginnings as an independent artist busking on the streets of London, some critics argue that he has been heavily backed by the music industry machine. This perception is fueled by:
His collaborations with pop icons like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and BTS.
His strategic songwriting contributions for mainstream artists.
The heavy promotional push behind each of his album releases.
While it’s true that Sheeran has received significant industry support, his rise to fame was largely self-driven. He spent years building his audience before breaking into the mainstream.
Unlike some pop stars who fit the conventional mold of "cool," Ed Sheeran has often been criticized for his casual appearance and "everyman" persona. Some detractors mock his:
Red hair and glasses.
Simple, unassuming fashion choices.
Lack of a "rockstar" image.
However, Sheeran’s down-to-earth personality is also one of his biggest strengths. His relatability is part of what has made him so beloved by fans.
Another factor contributing to the backlash against Ed Sheeran is the inevitable comparison to other musicians. Some fans of alternative music criticize him for being too safe or commercial, especially when compared to artists like:
Radiohead (more experimental)
The 1975 (more alternative)
Hozier (more poetic and deep lyrics)
However, these comparisons often ignore the fact that Sheeran operates within a different genre. Not every artist needs to be groundbreaking to be successful.
Sheeran has faced several high-profile lawsuits accusing him of plagiarism. Some people believe that he borrows too heavily from other songs. For example:
"Thinking Out Loud" was compared to Marvin Gaye’s "Let’s Get It On."
"Shape of You" led to legal disputes over its similarity to other tracks.
While these accusations have caused some reputational damage, Sheeran has also won lawsuits proving that his songwriting is original.
In the age of social media, negativity often spreads faster than positivity. Some of the hate directed toward Ed Sheeran seems to be part of an internet trend rather than genuine criticism. Factors like:
Meme culture mocking his music.
Twitter threads exaggerating dislike for comedic effect.
Bandwagon hate from people who don’t actually dislike his music but want to join the trend.
Despite all the criticism, Ed Sheeran continues to thrive in the music industry. His fans remain devoted, his music continues to chart, and his concerts sell out worldwide. While it’s impossible to please everyone, the idea that "everyone hates Ed Sheeran" is simply not true.
