English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has recently confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19, sending his promotion schedules for his upcoming album release, including his highly-anticipated "SNL" guesting, in disarray.
On Sunday, the "Bad Habits" vocalist, 30, took to Instagram to inform fans about his recent COVID-19 battle.
"Hey guys," Ed wrote on Insta as per E! Online. "Quick note to tell you that I've sadly tested positive for Covid, so I'm now self-isolating and following government guidelines. It means that I'm now unable to plough ahead with any in-person commitments for now, so I'll be doing as many of my planned interviews/performances as I can from my house."
"Apologies to anyone I've let down. Be safe everyone," the award-winning musician, who has so far amassed 117 wins and 329 nominations, continued.
His diagnosis will force him to refrain from heading out for any in-person press opportunities and performances before the Friday, Oct. 29, release of his fourth studio album "=," read as "Equals."
Sheeran debuts in previously recorded footage as "The Voice's Season 21" Mega Mentor on Monday, Oct. 25, and is scheduled to be the musical guest for "Saturday Night Live" on Nov. 6.
While his recent health status would not affect his commitments with the singing competition, "SNL" is reportedly scrambling to find a replacement for the "Beautiful People" singer as he would not be allowed to fly to the U.S. with a positive COVID-19 test.
According to Page Six, the show is working to replace him with “another singer who appeals to the same demo," meaning someone like Shawn Mendes or Justin Bieber.
Ed has since offered the show to perform live via video link to avoid any inconvenience for its producers but insiders said the show has always pushed to “have the performer in the studio.”
Over the summer, Sheeran joined James Corden for a sketch promoting the COVID-19 vaccinations through his modified hit "Shape of You."
Their updated lyrics went, "Moderna or Pfizer will do/You'll be good after jab number two/But wait two weeks for it to take effect/It doesn't fit the song but it's important."
Meanwhile, singing legend Sir Elton John, 74, did not mince some words about Ed in a recent interview with NME after the "Tides" singer leaked information about their supposedly "surprise" Christmas duet earlier this month, Insider noted.
"Yeah, he let the cat out of the bag didn't he?" the "Rocket Man" hitmaker told NME. "I was sworn to secrecy and then big mouth fucking Sheeran goes to the Netherlands! We haven't finished it yet, so there's still work to be done," John continued.
During his NPO Radio 2 appearance earlier this month, Ed shared that Elton phoned him last Christmas, inviting him for a collaboration after "'Step Into Christmas" placed sixth in the charts last year.
"'I want to do another Christmas song, will you do it with me?'" Ed quoted Elton saying over the phone.
Sheeran then confessed he doubted it would work because he believed the song does not "suit" him but said the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with his mentor made him reconsider.
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