British pop superstar Ed Sheeran has emerged as an unexpected contender in Hollywood’s awards season, earning a Critics Choice Award nomination for best song with “Drive,” his high-octane collaboration with John Mayer and Blake Slatkin for the upcoming racing film “F1.” In a candid conversation on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, the Grammy-winning artist opened up about his unconventional creative process, his relationship with fellow global icon Taylor Swift, and the strategic planning behind his musical legacy.
The nomination marks another chapter in Sheeran’s evolution from busking teenager to one of the world’s most commercially successful artists, demonstrating his continued ability to transcend traditional genre boundaries and connect with audiences across multiple entertainment platforms.
Breaking Into Film Music With a Rock Edge
Sheeran describes “Drive” as a departure from his typical ballad-heavy soundtrack contributions, characterizing it as a “big rock song” that captures the adrenaline and intensity of Formula 1 racing. The collaboration with veteran guitarist John Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin brought together diverse musical perspectives to create a track that serves both the film’s narrative demands and stands alone as a commercial release.
The Critics Choice nomination places Sheeran in direct competition with some of the industry’s most accomplished composers and songwriters, validating his transition into film music as more than celebrity novelty. His approach to the “F1” project reflects a broader trend of pop artists contributing original material to major motion pictures, blurring the lines between soundtrack work and mainstream music releases.
The Taylor Swift Connection: Musical Siblings
Throughout the podcast, Sheeran reflected on his relationship with Taylor Swift, whom he describes as a “sibling” figure in his life. The two artists have collaborated multiple times over the past decade, including on Swift’s “Red” album and various tours. Their friendship represents one of pop music’s most enduring creative partnerships, built on mutual respect and shared experiences navigating unprecedented levels of fame.
Sheeran’s characterization of Swift as family rather than simply a colleague underscores the support system that exists among artists operating at the highest levels of the industry. Both have faced intense media scrutiny, experienced massive commercial success, and maintained surprisingly grounded public personas despite their astronomical fame.
Planning for Musical Immortality
In one of the interview’s most revealing segments, Sheeran discussed his plans for posthumous album releases, demonstrating the meticulous approach he takes to catalog management and legacy preservation. While specific details remain private, the singer-songwriter indicated he has been strategically recording and organizing material intended for release after his death.
This forward-thinking approach places Sheeran among a select group of artists who actively manage their posthumous legacy. The strategy ensures his creative vision extends beyond his lifetime while potentially providing financial security for future generations of his family. The practice has precedent with artists like Prince and Michael Jackson, whose estates have released carefully curated material following their deaths.
Greatest Hits and Career Retrospective
The conversation also touched on Sheeran’s extensive catalog of hits, which spans multiple albums and includes some of the most-streamed songs in digital music history. Tracks like “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Perfect” have accumulated billions of streams, making Sheeran one of the defining artists of the streaming era.
His ability to craft universally appealing melodies while maintaining artistic credibility has distinguished him in an industry often divided between commercial and critical success. Sheeran’s songwriting extends beyond his own releases, with numerous compositions recorded by other artists contributing to his reputation as one of his generation’s most versatile and prolific creators.
An Odds-Defying Journey
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Sheeran acknowledged the unlikely nature of his rise from a working-class background to international superstardom. Without formal industry connections or traditional pathways to success, he built his career through relentless gigging, social media savvy, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
His story continues to resonate with aspiring musicians precisely because it defies conventional wisdom about how pop stars are manufactured. The Critics Choice nomination for “Drive” represents yet another unexpected achievement in a career built on exceeding expectations and continuously expanding his creative boundaries.
As awards season progresses, Sheeran’s “Drive” faces stiff competition, but his nomination alone confirms his status as a multifaceted artist whose influence extends well beyond traditional pop music channels into film, collaboration, and cultural conversation.
