Ed Sheeran joined Olivia Rodrigo for a surprise duet during her headline performance at London’s Hyde Park, an event that further cemented Rodrigo’s swift rise in the music industry. The American singer, widely regarded as one of the brightest stars of her generation by Sheeran, delivered an energetic and emotive set that captivated a diverse audience, many of whom were experiencing their first live concert. Rodrigo’s setlist included fan favourites like “bad idea right?”, “ballad of a homeschooled girl,” and “vampire,” showcasing her range and depth as a performer.

The highlight of the evening came when Sheeran took to the stage for an acoustic rendition of his 2011 hit “The A Team.” Rodrigo introduced him as “one of the best songwriters of all time,” underscoring the mutual respect between the two artists. This collaboration offered a beautifully harmonised moment that resonated with the crowd, bridging generational sounds and styles. Attendees included notable figures such as Rodrigo’s boyfriend Louis Partridge, television presenter James Corden, and fellow musician Sabrina Carpenter, reflecting the event’s high-profile appeal.

Rodrigo’s performance at BST Hyde Park was not just a showcase of her star power but also of universal themes like jealousy, frustration, and insecurity that define much of her music, particularly relating to girlhood and growing up. The concert closed on a high-energy note with encore songs like “good for u” and “get him back!,” leaving fans with lasting memories of an electrifying night.

The BST Hyde Park festival itself has a reputation for highlighting emerging talent, previously catapulting acts like Sam Fender and The Last Dinner Party to wider recognition. For 2025, the festival’s lineup alongside Rodrigo includes a mix of rising stars and established names, such as Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter, Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts, Stevie Wonder, and Jeff Lynne’s ELO, offering a broad spectrum of musical genres and generations.

This surprise collaboration between Rodrigo and Sheeran follows a recent trend of Sheeran joining other major artists on stage, notably Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium during her ‘Eras Tour’. There, Sheeran performed a mash-up of Swift’s hits “End Game” and “Everything Has Changed” alongside his own “Thinking Out Loud,” a Grammy-winning song praised by Swift herself. These collaborations demonstrate Sheeran’s ongoing influence and willingness to connect with both established and emerging artists, reinforcing his role as a key figure in contemporary music.

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Source: Noah Wire Services