Ed Sheeran has officially cemented his status as a global streaming powerhouse, becoming the first artist on Spotify to surpass 100 million followers. To mark the occasion, the platform sent the singer a commemorative gift, though Sheeran’s reaction was characteristically self-deprecating.
In a video shared across his social media channels, the musician revealed that his reward for the historic achievement was a “lousy t-shirt.” The garment, which he proudly displayed, featured the bold text: “ASK ME ABOUT MY 100 MILLION SPOTIFY FOLLOWERS.”
The 43-second clip, which Sheeran captioned “Absolutely mental,” captures the star wandering backstage at a stadium, attempting to bait his crew into asking him about the shirt. The lighthearted skit highlights Sheeran’s humorous approach to his own massive success. While most of his team seemed unfazed, he eventually found a sympathetic ear in his opening act, Maisie Peters, who offered a warm hug and a sincere “Well done, Ed Sheeran!”
The milestone is a testament to Sheeran’s enduring popularity in an increasingly crowded music industry. His lead over other major stars is significant; for context, Ariana Grande currently holds the second spot with approximately 81.7 million followers. Other industry giants follow, with Billie Eilish at 66 million, Drake at 65.5 million, and Justin Bieber at 63.6 million.
Sheeran’s ability to maintain such a dominant presence on the platform underscores his status as one of the most streamed artists of the modern era. Whether or not he actually gets anyone to ask him about his shirt, the numbers speak for themselves.
