In the feature, Ed gave some insight into his initial interest in performance after a wedding gig, his creative spirit and his future plans for music: “I think now I’ve explored everything…So it is kind of stripping it back a little bit and finding the joy in creating s***,” the singer said.

Ed Sheeran named as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential https://t.co/GljBOVM73m

— The Independent (@Independent) April 16, 2025

“I’ve kind of got to a point of my career where I’m just sort of like, ‘Am I enjoying it?’” rather than, ‘Is it commercially doing well?’”

He also shared his feelings on his court battle with the Marvin Gaye estate over plagiarism claims, when the classic soul singers team accused Sheeran of copying ‘Let’s Get It On’ for his 2014 hit, ‘Thinking Out Loud’.

“I don’t see why I would write songs ever again if someone owns the colour blue,” comparing the owning of a chord sequence as ridiculous as owning a colour: He added that since his victory in the case, that “everyone’s left me the f*** alone – and the freedom really just lifted a weight.”

In a new video from Time’s YouTube, he humbly starts by saying he “never thought he’d be on a front cover… so thanks!”. Throughout the video, we’re given some stats that contextualize his influence – he’s the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify, and has “shattered” streaming and concert records around the world.

Within the new magazine issue, two friends of Ed offered some kind words about the ‘Shape Of You’ hitmaker. Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth praised his emotive songwriting that resonates with fans, saying that “His songs, his voice, his words – they belong to all of us. Whether you’re at home with your headphones on, driving through the countryside, or in a stadium packed with 70,000 people singing at the top of their lungs, his music feels personal.

Music producer and collaborator Benny Blanco also spoke highly of Sheeran’s work ethic – “Normally, it takes me like a week to write a good song,” Blanco said. “He does not leave the studio until he writes three songs in a day. It’s insane.”

The TIME100 is an annual list that highlights the 100 most influential people in the world. This issue has five worldwide covers, with one including Ed Sheeran. The other four to appear include actress Demi Moore, hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, tennis player Serena Williams and CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis.

TIME Chief Executive Officer Jessica Sibley said of the yearly issue: “The 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognizes the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future. We look forward to bringing together the newest members of this extraordinary community at the annual TIME100 Summit and TIME100 Gala with our incredible partners.”

As well as rolling out his upcoming album, titled ‘Play’, Ed has recently returned to his busking roots by staging spontaneous performances in places like the NYC subway, as well as in other cities. You can read our coverage on that here.

“I can’t even comprehend this. I am on the cover of TIME.” the Glastonbury headliner said. “I’ve stared at this cover for a few minutes and it feels like one of those “how the f***kkkk did man get here?!” moments. God’s favour and the ever lasting love and support you guys show me has elevated me to a place in life where this South London kid is worthy enough to grace the cover of the most prestigious publication in the World.”

He added. “I am deeply flawed and still learning how to be a man and still figuring out how to grow into the person I need to be but within all of that confusion and all the juggling of being a human and trying to be a superhuman – I have purpose. And my purpose has lead me here. Big Mike for TIME ya na.”

Reni Eddo-Lodge praised the London rapper through a post of Twitter after their interview for the publication.

It was an honour to profile @stormzy for the cover of @TIME. We had such an interesting chat about his music, advocacy, and his deliberate intentions to share the limelight with Black British talent. An iconic cover image, too! https://t.co/3xcNmMgVj7 pic.twitter.com/EJfpNYlm1l

— Reni Eddo-Lodge (@renireni) October 10, 2019

Stormzy’s headlining slot at Glastonbury 2019 was hailed with a five star review by NME and described as “a reflection of the time we live in now.”

The review added, “With anticipation before the night apprehensive, Stormzy does not put a foot wrong throughout. He shows exactly why he deserves to be here. Not too big for his boots, after all.”

Meanwhile Stormzy and Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha were crowned winners at The Best of Africa Awards on October 6. Stormzy claimed the award for his philanthropic work to education , whereas Zaha took home his award for charity work in the Cote d’Ivoire. Footballers Rio Ferdinand, N’Golo Kante and former Lioness Eniola Aluko, (who won her award for Philanthropic Endeavour), also attended the ceremony.