Cliff Notes – Ed Sheeran made many people do a double take
- Ed Sheeran has unveiled a striking new look featuring a black wig, lip ring, and all-black attire, prompting reactions from fans who were surprised by his transformation.
- The new appearance is part of a promotional strategy for his latest single “Azizam” and was used during a performance disguised as a subway busker in New York City.
- Sheeran’s recent music, including “Azizam,” has been in the works for two years, as he aimed to ensure the quality of his upcoming album before its release.
The British popstar completely unrecognisable with emo makeover
A massive British musician has shocked fans with his ’emo’ transformation. Ed Sheeran has left fans floored after revealing a new look a far cry from his signature ginger locks.
Two years after his last album, Autumn Variations, was released, last week Ed dropped his latest single Azizam.
A few days on the 34-year-old singer songwriter has shocked many after sharing a photo of himself to promote the song.
Posting a series of photos to Instagram, Ed led the album with a photo looking completely unrecognisable.
In the selfie he was wearing a black wig with a side swept fringe, which was partially covered with a black beanie.
The singer was also sporting a lip ring and wearing a black top, hoodie and sunglasses.

Ed Sheeran made many people do a double take
‘1. Genuinely had a MySpace photo like this when I was 14,’ he revealed.
The transformation sparked many strong responses, with many sharing their thoughts.
‘Emo Sheeran wasn’t on my bingo card today but slay,’ Julia declared.
‘Emo Ed is literally my favourite Ed, pls make this become a real thing for at least one music video,’ GiGi shared.
‘Not gonna lie…kinda loving that lip ring,’ Jules admitted.
The look was a throwback to his teenage years
‘Ok now you need to share the actual MySpace photo!’ Sarah added.
Others joked the photo sparked a ‘genuine jump scare for them’.
Another photo showed Ed taking a full body shot in the mirror while dressed in the all-black get-up.
The new look was actually part of a ploy for Ed to disguise himself and perform to commuters on the New York subway without them knowing who it was.
Late last month he was spotted singing a cover of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club on the platform and was accompanied by talk show host Jimmy Fallon, with the stunt part of a segment for The Tonight Show.
Ed recently released new music
He again donned the disguise in London last week, making an impromptu performance outside Kings Cross station.
Ed recently explained he wrote Azizam – and much of his upcoming album Play – a couple of years ago but had been waiting to make sure he was happy with everything before releasing it.
‘I wrote it in 2023 on the USA tour. And to be honest I’ve sat on most of this record for about two years to really, really get this all right,’ he told Heart’s Mark Wright and Olly Murs.
‘It’s been a long time since I’ve done pop properly, and I just wanted to do it properly and get it planned.’