Ed Sheeran's current concert cycle brings massive stadium energy to cities around the world, and fans often ask who is going on tour with ed sheeran as his support act. Securing the right opening act is a key part of the tour experience, shaping crowd energy and musical variety across the night.
Below is a structured overview of the main touring partners for this run, detailing role, genre alignment, and standout moments to set expectations for attendees.
| Supporting Artist | Primary Role | Musical Style | Notable Tour Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne-Marie | Main UK Opener | Pop / Dance | High-spirit singalong choruses at major arenas |
| Maisie Peters | Secondary Opener | Indie Pop / Storytelling | Intimate guitar moments transitioning to big hooks |
| Khalid | North American Opener | R&B / Pop | Late-night vibe sets stage for Ed's headline set |
| Laufey | Select Stadium Dates | Jazz Pop / Acoustic | Jazz-inflected arrangements creating elegant pre-show mood |
Anne-Marie Brings Pop Energy as Lead UK Opener
Anne-Marie has become one of the most consistent supporting voices on this campaign, pairing vocal power with crowd-reading instincts. Her pacing and call-and-response segments are tailored to warm up massive halls without overshadowing the headliner.
Setlist Highlights
She typically mixes signature hits with fan-favorite deep cuts, ensuring recognizability while leaving room for spontaneous Ed Sheeran tributes that sync with the main show transitions.
Maisie Peters Delivers Indie Storytelling Appeal
Maisie Peters offers a softer, narrative-driven approach that appeals to listeners who appreciate lyrical detail. Her segments often highlight acoustic guitar work before she steps into more anthemic choruses that slot neatly into the broader set.
Stage Presence
Her relaxed banter and direct audience engagement create a intimate layer between high-energy acts, smoothing the shift into Ed's more polished production moments.
Khalid Defines Modern R&B Atmosphere in North America
Khalid brings a contemporary R&B edge to North American stadiums, using smooth vocal textures and subdued synth beds that align with current radio trends. His measured tempo allows the venue to settle before the volume and tempo ramp up for the headliner.
Visual Cohesion
Minimalist staging and moody lighting underpin his sets, giving the arena a sleek transition into the main event while preserving a distinctly modern urban feel.
Laufey Introduces Jazz Pop Elegance on Select Dates
On selected nights, Laufey injects a jazz-pop sensibility that contrasts with the predominant pop-rock tone. Her understated presence reshapes expectations and demonstrates the tour's willingness to experiment with genre boundaries.
Acoustic Moments
Small ensembles and stripped arrangements highlight her vocal clarity, producing a sophisticated preamble that makes the larger band entrance feel even more impactful.
Planning Your Concert Experience Around Supporting Acts
- Check local setlist announcements to confirm which opener will perform on your specific date.
- Arrive early if you prefer a full showcase, as some openers begin well before the advertised doors time.
- Note genre shifts between legs, especially when Khalid or Laufey replace Anne-Marie on certain regions.
- Use supporting sets to gauge crowd vibe, which can enhance your overall enjoyment of Ed Sheeran's headline performance.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which artist opens most nights in the United Kingdom?
Anne-Marie serves as the primary UK opener, delivering high-energy pop sets designed to galvanize the crowd before Ed Sheeran takes the stage.
Who provides a more acoustic style on the tour, Maisie Peters or Khalid?
Maisie Peters leans toward acoustic-driven indie pop with storytelling nuances, whereas Khalid focuses on polished R&B production with smoother textures.
Are there special guests on the opening sets?
Occasionally, co-headliners or surprise guests appear on select dates, but the core structure features Anne-Marie, Maisie Peters, Khalid, or Laufey as the main supporting artists.
Does Laufey appear at every stadium stop?
Laufey appears only on select stadium dates where the production schedule and audience profile align with a more jazz-inflected pre-show experience.