Blake Shelton is coming to Ed Sheeran’s defense in a big way, announcing plans to join the singer for eight concerts across the country and donate most of the money raised from the shows to organizations helping homeless veterans.
Shelton said he was watching the controversy surrounding Sheeran’s tour and felt he couldn’t simply sit back while another musician faced growing criticism for keeping politics out of his performances.
“What they did to Ed is horrible,” Blake said. “As a singer, I totally understand what Ed is going through, and I’ve got his back. He’s got nothing to worry about.”
The announcement gives Sheeran another major country music supporter as he deals with the fallout surrounding his U.S. tour. Several performers have stepped away from upcoming shows, creating uncertainty about the lineup and forcing Sheeran to make changes.
Shelton said he understands why Sheeran wants his concerts to remain focused on music.
“The woke mind virus of the left tried to cancel him, but they don’t know that fellow artists like me have Ed’s back,” Shelton said. “We’re not going to let somebody get pushed around just because they don’t want to turn their concerts into political events.”
The two musicians are now preparing for eight concerts across the country. Shelton said the shows will give fans an opportunity to see two very different artists share the same stage while also raising money for an important cause.
“We will donate most of the money earned from these tours to organizations helping homeless veterans,” Shelton said.
According to Shelton, the charitable effort was something he wanted to make part of the tour from the beginning.
“There are veterans out there who served this country and are struggling just to get through the day,” he said. “If Blake Shelton and Ed Sheeran can put on some concerts and help them at the same time, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
Sheeran expressed his appreciation for Shelton’s support and said the offer meant more than simply having another musician join his tour.
“I’ve been incredibly grateful for everyone who has reached out,” Sheeran said. “Blake didn’t just offer to perform. He wanted to turn these concerts into something that could actually help people.”
Shelton said he wasn’t interested in letting the controversy surrounding Sheeran overshadow the purpose of the shows.
“At the end of the day, we’re entertainers,” he said. “We’re supposed to get on stage, sing our songs and give people something to enjoy. If we can help veterans while we’re doing it, even better.”
The concerts are expected to feature performances from both artists, with Shelton bringing his country sound and Sheeran performing some of his biggest hits.
Shelton also said he hopes the charitable aspect of the shows will encourage fans to look beyond the controversy and focus on the people who could benefit from the money raised.
“This isn’t about proving a point,” he said. “It’s about helping people. We’ve got eight shows, we’ve got a lot of fans and we’ve got an opportunity to do something good.”
For Sheeran, the unexpected partnership provides another reminder that he has support from fellow musicians as he moves forward.
And for Shelton, the message is simple.
“Ed’s got my back, I’ve got his back,” he said. “Now let’s get on stage and help some veterans.”
