Westlife’s Heartfelt Tribute to Their “Number One Fan” Ed Sheeran: A Musical Moment to Remember
In a moving celebration of friendship, respect, and shared artistry, iconic Irish pop group Westlife paid an emotional tribute to Ed Sheeran, whom they lovingly called their “Number One Fan.” The special moment took place during Westlife’s sold-out concert at Dublin’s Croke Park on Saturday night, where the band surprised fans with a heartfelt performance dedicated to the global superstar.
The crowd erupted in applause as frontman Shane Filan took a moment mid-show to speak directly to the audience, saying, “This one’s for a man who has always supported us, who grew up listening to our songs, and who has become one of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Ed, this is for you.”
As the lights dimmed, the group launched into a stirring medley of Sheeran’s hits, including “Perfect,” “Photograph,” and “Thinking Out Loud,” blending their signature harmonies with Ed’s heartfelt lyrics. The audience swayed in unison, with phone lights illuminating the stadium in a sea of stars. It was an emotional moment not only for fans but for the band themselves, as Sheeran’s influence on modern pop — and his admiration for Westlife — came full circle.
A Friendship Built on Music
The connection between Westlife and Ed Sheeran is one rooted in mutual admiration. Sheeran has often spoken about growing up listening to Westlife’s records, crediting them as one of his early inspirations. In recent years, that admiration turned into collaboration — with Sheeran co-writing several songs for the band, including “Hello My Love,” “Better Man,” and “My Blood.”
During an interview, Mark Feehily reflected on their creative relationship: “Working with Ed was like working with family. He understood our sound, our story, and what our fans love about us. But beyond that, he’s just one of the kindest, most genuine people we’ve ever met.”
Ed’s Reaction: “Lost for Words”
Ed Sheeran, who was reportedly watching the tribute via live stream from London while preparing for his own upcoming tour, shared his reaction on social media moments later. Posting a clip of the performance on Instagram, he wrote, “Completely lost for words. Westlife were my heroes growing up — they inspired me to sing and write. To hear them perform my songs like that is honestly one of the best moments of my life.”
Fans flooded the comments with emotional messages, praising both Sheeran’s humility and Westlife’s generosity. “This is what music is all about — love, respect, and connection,” one fan wrote.
A Celebration of Generations
The tribute also served as a beautiful reminder of how music transcends generations. Westlife, who first rose to global fame in the late 1990s, continue to inspire new artists and connect with younger audiences — many of whom discovered them through Ed Sheeran’s collaborations.
Nicky Byrne summed it up perfectly during the concert: “When you’ve got someone like Ed Sheeran calling you his heroes, it makes you realize how powerful music can be. It connects people in ways that words alone can’t.”
What’s Next for Both Stars
Following the viral tribute, rumors have begun circulating about a possible Westlife–Ed Sheeran collaboration on an upcoming single or live performance. While nothing has been confirmed, both parties have hinted that they’d “love to do something special again soon.”
As Westlife continues their “The Wild Dreams Tour” and Sheeran gears up for his next major project, this touching tribute stands as a highlight in both their careers — a genuine celebration of mentorship, admiration, and the timeless magic of pop music.
In a world where musical rivalries often dominate headlines, Westlife and Ed Sheeran’s friendship reminds us that true legends lift each other up — proving that even global superstars never forget the artists who first made them dream.
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